Although a number of American colonists chose to rebel against the British government in the 1760s and 1770s, most colonists actually chose not to rebel at the start of the Revolution.
About 1/3 of colonists were "Patriots" - colonists who supported the rebellion against the British because they believed that their rights were being violated.
About 1/3 of colonists were "Moderates" - colonists who were in the middle or did not want to choose a side.
About 1/3 of colonists were "Loyalists" - colonists who remained loyal to the British king and did not want to separate from Great Britain.
So not only did the patriots need to win the military conflict against the British, but they also needed to win over the hearts of minds of the moderates and the loyalists.