Final answer:
About one-third of the American population during the Revolution were Tories (Loyalists), though estimates range from 20% to over 30%. Many remained in the U.S. after the war, while others left for British territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
About what percentage of American colonies were Tories? Historians have different estimates about the percentage of Loyalists, also known as Tories, during the American Revolution. Generally, it is said that roughly one-third of the American population at the time remained loyal to the British Crown. However, some historians estimate that it could have been about 20 percent to over 30 percent. Major cities occupied by British forces, such as New York City, were especially known to have a high number of Loyalists. After the war, some Loyalists chose to stay and become U.S. citizens, while others left for other parts of the British Empire, including Canada and the British West Indies.