During the American Revolution, which of the following best describes the political attitude of Loyalists living in the thirteen colonies?

Introduction / Context:
In the period of the American Revolution, colonists in North America did not all share the same political views. Some supported independence and were called Patriots, while others remained loyal to the British Crown and were called Loyalists or Tories. Understanding the Loyalist position helps explain internal divisions within the colonies and the complex nature of revolutionary movements. This question asks you to identify which description most accurately captures the Loyalist attitude.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The setting is the American Revolution in the late eighteenth century.
• The group under discussion is the Loyalists in the colonies.
• The options present different possible attitudes toward Britain and the Patriot movement.

Concept / Approach:
Loyalists were colonists who opposed breaking away from Britain. Many believed that the Patriot leaders were too radical, that rebellion would bring chaos, and that grievances could be addressed within the existing imperial system. They did not typically advocate immediate return to Britain, nor did they join the Patriot forces. The correct option must therefore highlight loyalty to the Crown and a sense that revolutionary leaders were going too far.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Patriots wanted independence, while Loyalists wanted to preserve ties with Britain. Step 2: Recognise that Loyalists often included royal officials, merchants and others who benefited from imperial connections. Step 3: Note that Loyalists tended to see radical calls for independence as dangerous or unnecessary. Step 4: Compare the options and identify which one clearly states that they remained loyal to the Crown and thought Patriots were too radical. Step 5: Select option A as it best summarises the Loyalist viewpoint.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by consulting standard summaries of the American Revolution which define Loyalists as colonists who retained loyalty to King George and opposed independence. These sources frequently mention that Loyalists feared social disorder and believed in legal methods of protest. This matches option A and shows that other options misrepresent Loyalist choices and beliefs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because joining the Patriot army is the exact opposite of being a Loyalist. Option C exaggerates the situation, since most Loyalists continued to live in the colonies rather than immediately returning to Britain. Option D is inconsistent, as Loyalists did not generally reject all British taxation while also refusing Patriot support; many accepted Britain right to tax. Option E is incorrect because complete support for independence describes committed Patriots, not Loyalists.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse Loyalists with moderate Patriots who criticised certain British policies but still wanted reform. Others misread the term Loyalist and assume that it simply means loyal to local colonial assemblies. To avoid confusion, remember that Loyalists are defined by their loyalty to the British monarch and their suspicion of radical revolutionary action.

Final Answer:
Loyalists in the American colonies were those who believed that the Patriot leaders were too radical and chose to remain loyal to the British Crown.