What makes a Loyalist?

The Loyalist Flag
See here and here for more information.

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"Encampment of the Loyalists at Johnston, a New
Settlement, on the Banks of the River St. Laurence in
Canada" - taken June 6th 1784 by James Peachey
Courtesy of Library & Archives Canada, acc.1989-218-1
(Click here for high resolution)

A "Loyalist," or "United Empire Loyalist" (UEL), is defined by specific criteria which can be found on the UELAC website: Who Qualifies as a Loyalist?.

A UEL descendant is most commonly referred to as a "UE." Descendants often use the post-nominal initials "U.E.", which is considered a mark of honour.

Ann Mackenzie's A Short History of the United Empire Loyalists is available from the Dominion site.

Peter Moogk has also a piece on the American Loyalists (PDF).