Who were the Loyalists in Canadian history?

The Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. This loyalty set them apart from those who sought independence from British rule. After the war, many Loyalists faced persecution and hostility in the newly formed United States due to their allegiance to Britain. As a result, a significant number chose to migrate to Canada, seeking refuge and the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a British colony. Their arrival had a profound impact on Canadian society, contributing to its development, particularly in areas like Ontario and the Maritime provinces.

This context underscores why the choice identifying Loyalists as American colonists loyal to the British Crown is correct. The other options refer to entities that do not align with the historical context of the Loyalists, such as French explorers and indigenous peoples, who had different roles in Canadian history, and settlers from the British Isles, who came for various reasons and often at different times.