The Continental Army And The Continental Army

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The continental army was one of two groups fighting for America in the Revolutionary War, the other group being the militia. The Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was America’s battle against Great Britain to become an independent nation. The Continental Army was the first real army of the United States and had George Washington as its commander. Washington being the commander was one of the few benefits involved in being part of the Continental Army; Soldiers had poor pay, rationed food provisions, worn out clothes, damp shelters, and lived in unsanitary conditions. Based off these conditions, it is not surprising the continental army had trouble keeping its enlistment numbers up. The lives of soldiers were filled with such strife, that it is …show more content…

Great Britain angered America after Parliament placed corrupt taxes on American goods, which led to citizen’s resistance. The people of America were filled with enthusiasm and rage against Britain, their intense spirits aided them in their war for freedom. In 1776, many men readily joined their local militias and contrarily, very few joined General George Washington’s Continental Army. The Continental Army demanded longer terms and harsher discipline, which led to the militia’s overpowering popularity. Due to these difficulties, Congress took action and required each state to provide a larger quota of men for longer terms. To make enlisting more enticing, they also added a signing bonus and a promise of free land after the war1. These military policies were invoked to fill out the Continental Army, but was never completely successful in its attempt. Congress authorized for an army of 75,000 and Washington’s force never had more than around 18,000 men even at its peak period. Unfortunately, only men with few other options in life chose to join the Army due to the terms of

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