During the American Revolutionary War, the groups that tended to support the Loyalists (those who remained loyal to the British Crown) primarily included:
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Large Landowners: Many wealthy landowners were Loyalists because they had economic ties to Britain and feared losing their property and status in an independent America.
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Leading Merchants: Some merchants also supported the Loyalist cause due to their established trade connections with Britain and concerns over economic stability.
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Native Americans: Many Native American tribes sided with the Loyalists, hoping to protect their lands from American expansion.
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Enslaved African Americans: Some enslaved people supported the Loyalist cause, as the British offered promises of freedom in exchange for military service.
The correct grouping of those who tended to support the Loyalists would thus be: large landowners, leading merchants, Native Americans, and enslaved African Americans. Small farmers were generally more inclined to support the Patriot cause, seeking independence from British rule.