If a rebellion occurs, it will be the rebels inside that nigh impregnable city.

So before I react strategically, I want to check with those who have more experience with the game. Am I basically correct that rebels get the defensive structures, in fully working condition? Am I correct that these rebellions are initially un-resistable, that a garrison might discourage rebellion, but if a rebellion occurs it automatically holds that city? Am I correct that the only real defense against this occurring is loyalty, that high loyalty cities will not rebel? So that it is extremely important for high defense cities to also be maintained at high loyalty?