Final answer:
Both Loyalists and Patriots initially expected the Revolutionary War to end quickly, but the conflict lasted eight years. Some Americans wanted the war to continue until independence was secured, whereas others preferred to stay out of it for various personal and economic reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Loyalists and Patriots had differing expectations regarding the duration of the Revolutionary War. Initially, many on both sides hoped for a quick resolution to the conflict. British leaders expected their military might to suppress the colonies swiftly, and some American revolutionaries anticipated that their spirited push for independence would lead to a similarly swift victory.
Nonetheless, contrary to hopes for a quick end, the war ended up lasting eight years from 1775 to 1783, dragging on much longer than many had anticipated due to various factors such as evolving military strategies, international alliances, and the tenacity of American forces.
The war's persistence was not universally desired; while some Americans wanted the war to last as long as necessary to achieve independence, others wished to stay out of the conflict due to economic reasons, loyalty to Britain, or fears about the disruptions and consequences of the war.
The decision to join either the Loyalists or Patriots often depended on personal, political, and economic considerations.