What two sides did the colonists have to choose from?

During the American Revolutionary War, the colonists had to choose between two main sides: the Patriots, who sought independence from British rule, and the Loyalists, who remained loyal to the British crown. Patriots advocated for self-governance and freedom from British taxation and control, while Loyalists feared the chaos of revolution and preferred to maintain their connection to Britain. This division created significant social and political tensions within the colonies and influenced the course of the war.