Final answer:
The number of white colonists in New England varied, with a total population of 2.5 million in British America around 1770, and white colonists likely composed a significant portion of this number, further increased by the Great Migration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approximately how many white colonists lived in New England? To answer this, we need to look at historical population data from the colonial period. By 1770, British America's population was about 2.5 million, of which roughly one-third remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution. Considering historical estimates, the number of white colonists in New England and their loyalty during the revolution provides insight into population figures. Moreover, the population was boosted by a Great Migration of some 80,000 English heading for Massachusetts Bay, and natural increase and immigration. When reviewing the number of white colonists, it's also important to consider the diversity and demographics of the population during that time, which included not only white colonists but also a significant number of slaves and free Black people as part of the community. Loyalist migration post-revolution also impacted the demographic landscape, with many relocating to Canada, Britain, or other British territories.