Continental Army

Definition

The Continental Army was the army of the American colonies during the American Revolutionary War. It was established by the Continental Congress in 1775 to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies against Great Britain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Continental Army was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies against the British, who had a larger, more experienced, and better-equipped professional army.
2. The Continental Army faced numerous challenges, including a lack of resources, training, and equipment, as well as high desertion rates and difficulty in maintaining a cohesive force.
3. George Washington's leadership as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army was crucial to the colonies' eventual victory, as he was able to keep the army together and adapt his strategies to the changing circumstances of the war.
4. The winter encampment at Valley Forge was a pivotal moment for the Continental Army, as they endured harsh conditions but emerged as a more disciplined and professional fighting force.
5. The Continental Army's victory against the British, despite the odds, was a significant factor in the colonies' successful bid for independence and the establishment of the United States.

Review Questions

• Explain how the creation of the Continental Army was a response to Britain's law-and-order strategy during the American Revolution.
  • The Continental Army was established by the Continental Congress in 1775 as a way to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies against the British, who had a larger, more experienced, and better-equipped professional army. This was a direct response to Britain's law-and-order strategy, which aimed to maintain control over the colonies through the use of military force. The creation of the Continental Army allowed the colonies to organize their own military resources and challenge the British on the battlefield, ultimately leading to their victory and the establishment of the United States.
• Describe the role of the Continental Army in the early years of the American Revolution, particularly in the context of the war in the South.
  • In the early years of the American Revolution, the Continental Army faced numerous challenges, including a lack of resources, training, and equipment, as well as high desertion rates and difficulty in maintaining a cohesive force. However, the leadership of George Washington as the commander-in-chief was crucial in keeping the army together and adapting their strategies to the changing circumstances of the war. This was particularly evident in the war in the South, where the Continental Army had to contend with the British's focus on controlling the region and the presence of Loyalist forces. The Continental Army's ability to maintain a presence and engage the British in the South was a significant factor in the eventual victory of the colonies.
• Analyze the impact of the Continental Army's experience at Valley Forge on the identity and cohesion of the American forces during the Revolutionary War.
  • The winter encampment at Valley Forge was a pivotal moment for the Continental Army, as they endured harsh conditions but emerged as a more disciplined and professional fighting force. This experience had a profound impact on the identity and cohesion of the American forces during the Revolutionary War. The hardships faced at Valley Forge, including lack of food, clothing, and shelter, forged a sense of shared struggle and camaraderie among the soldiers. This, combined with the intensive training and discipline imposed by Washington and his officers, transformed the Continental Army into a more effective and reliable fighting force. The experience at Valley Forge also helped to solidify the American identity and sense of purpose, as the soldiers became more committed to the cause of independence and the establishment of a new nation. This strengthened identity and cohesion within the Continental Army was a critical factor in the eventual victory over the British.

Related terms

Militia:

Civilian volunteers who were called upon to serve in times of emergency or war, often with limited training and equipment.

Valley Forge:

The site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army, where they endured harsh conditions but emerged as a more disciplined and professional fighting force.

George Washington:

The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, who led the colonies to victory against the British through his strategic leadership and ability to keep the army together despite numerous challenges.