Final answer:
A "turncoat" is referred to as a traitor, and during the American Revolution, loyalists were seen as such by the Patriots. Loyalists faced severe punishment, including property confiscation and potential imprisonment. After the war, many loyalists evacuated with the British, emphasizing the complexities of loyalty during the revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
A "turncoat" is commonly referred to as a traitor rather than a loyalist. Loyalists, during the time of the American Revolution, were those who remained loyal to the British crown and were often considered traitors by the Patriots, who were fighting for independence. The patriots, in their quest for independence, deemed the Tories (another name for loyalists) enemies of the cause, resulting in severe consequences for those who supported the British. The Continental Congress allowed states to address loyalist activity, often viewed as treasonous. Measures against loyalists included requiring an oath of loyalty, confiscation of property, and sometimes even harsher penalties like imprisonment.
Many loyalists feared the uncertainty and potential chaos of independence, preferring the existing ties to the British Empire. Loyalists came from a variety of backgrounds and had various reasons to maintain allegiance to Britain, including economic interests and protection against external threats. When the war ended, approximately 80,000 loyalists chose to evacuate with the British, highlighting the complexities of allegiance and identity during this tumultuous period.