Continental Army
Quick Summary
The Continental Army was the land force that fought for the American colonies during the American Revolution. It was one of two main types of military organizations used by the colonies, alongside state militias.1
The Continental Army faced challenges in maintaining its strength due to a traditional distrust of regular armies, farmers' reluctance to leave their fields, competition from state militias, and the issue of low and uncertain pay during a period of inflation. Service terms were gradually increased from one to three years, but even bounties and land offers did not consistently keep the army at full strength.1
George Washington was chosen as the commander in chief of the Continental Army. His leadership was crucial in imparting discipline, organizing raw volunteers, and maintaining the morale of both the army and the populace throughout the war. Despite facing numerous setbacks and strategic blunders, Washington's strength of character and ability to inspire his troops were key factors in achieving American victory.2
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Battle of Long Islandā¦27ā29, 1776, against the American Continental Army. It was the first major battle of the American Revolution after the Declaration of Independence announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain on July 4.
Read Moreā¦27ā29, 1776, against the American Continental Army. It was the first major battle of the American Revolution after the Declaration of Independence announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain on July 4.
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American RevolutionSetting the stage: The two armiesā¦two types of organization: the Continental (national) Army and the state militias. The total number of the former provided by quotas from the states throughout the conflict was 231,771 soldiers, and the militias totaled 164,087. At any given time, however, the American forces seldom numbered over 20,000; in 1781 thereā¦
Read Moreā¦two types of organization: the Continental (national) Army and the state militias. The total number of the former provided by quotas from the states throughout the conflict was 231,771 soldiers, and the militias totaled 164,087. At any given time, however, the American forces seldom numbered over 20,000; in 1781 thereā¦
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United StatesThe American Revolutionary Warā¦both state militias and the Continental (national) Army, with approximately 20,000 men, mostly farmers, fighting at any given time. By contrast, the British army was composed of reliable and well-trained professionals, numbering about 42,000 regulars, supplemented by about 30,000 German (Hessian) mercenaries.
Read Moreā¦both state militias and the Continental (national) Army, with approximately 20,000 men, mostly farmers, fighting at any given time. By contrast, the British army was composed of reliable and well-trained professionals, numbering about 42,000 regulars, supplemented by about 30,000 German (Hessian) mercenaries.
Read More- Siege of Boston
ā¦ill-equipped colonialsāby then called the Continental Armyāsurrounded a force of 6,500 British regulars commanded by General Thomas Gage.
Read Moreā¦ill-equipped colonialsāby then called the Continental Armyāsurrounded a force of 6,500 British regulars commanded by General Thomas Gage.
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