Why was it difficult to recruit for the Continental Army?

Why was it difficult to recruit for the Continental Army?

The common men and women of the colonies were largely indifferent, rendering the task of recruitment considerably difficult: It having been a place of some trade, it was supposed there might be seamen or long shore men there, out of employ.

What were some of the problems with the early Continental Army?

There were poor roads, the people in charge of delivering the supplies were not always honest, and ships had difficulties getting around British blockades. Army supplies, such as clothing and blankets, arrived late or not at all and food was often spoiled or damaged.

Who was the youngest person to fight in the Revolutionary War?

Joseph Plumb Martin
In the summer of 1776, Joseph Plumb Martin enlisted in the Connecticut state militia at the tender age of 15; he later joined the Continental Army of General George Washington and served nearly seven years on behalf of the Revolutionary cause.

What were some of the struggles disadvantages that the Continental Army faced?

The Continental Army also faced many disadvantages, such as a constant shortage of money, weapons, gun powder, food, clothing and medicine.

Why was it so difficult for Washington to maintain a colonial army?

Explanation: In the first year of fighting, each colony was supposed to send, equip and pay enough soldiers to man Washington’s army. The colonies squabbled among themselves over how many to send and how to pay them.

Why did African Americans join the Continental Army?

Many African Americans, both enslaved and free, wanted to join with the Patriots. They believed that they would achieve freedom or expand their civil rights. In addition to the role of soldier, Black men also served as guides, messengers, and spies.

What side was Joseph Plumb Martin on?

Joseph Plumb Martin (also spelled as Joseph Plum Martin; November 21, 1760 – May 2, 1850) was a soldier in the Connecticut Militia and Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and was mustered out as a 23-year-old Sergeant in a Sapper company.

Why did Joseph Plumb Martin enlist?

As his grandfather had wealth and education, young Martin received schooling and learned to read and write. He joined the army to keep up with his contemporaries. He would share in the glory they would gain, and would earn as much as he could.

What disadvantages did the Americans face in the American Revolution?

CLASS. Though American colonists were ultimately victorious in the Revolutionary War, they faced numerous disadvantages throughout the conflict. The Continental Army, for example, was inadequately supplied, poorly organized and understaffed.

What are 3 American weaknesses when war breaks out?

List three weaknesses of the Americans at the start of the war. The Continental Army was very small and always short of soldiers. * Few Americans were trained for battle. The army was plagued by shortages of gums, gunpowder, food, and uniforms.

Why was it hard to keep a soldier during the Revolutionary War?

The colonies squabbled among themselves over how many to send and how to pay them. Starting on July 4, 1776, as a new nation the troops were promised by the Continental Congress that they would be paid. But the Continental Congress did not have the power to tax and therefore had no income from which to pay the troops.

What mistakes did Washington make?

Washington’s largest blunder was surely his signing a surrender document with the French at Ft. Necessity that acknowledged the assassination of French officers by Washington and his Indian Allies. That was the justification for the French to start a world-wide war.

Did the Continental Congress ban black soldiers from joining the Army?

Although the Continental Congress voted to ban African-Americans from joining the army on November 24, 1775 and informed existing black soldiers that they would not be allowed to re-enlist, they soon reversed this decision and allowed the existing black soldiers to re-enlist but refused to allow new black soldiers to join.

What was the age of enlistment for the Continental Army?

The official enlistment age for the Continental Army was 16, (15 with parental consent) but soldiers could sign on up to the age of 55.

What happened to the Continental Army after the war?

Most of the Continental Army was disbanded after the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War in 1783. The 1st and 2nd Regiments went on to form the Legion of the United States in 1792 which later became the foundation of the United States Army in 1796.

Why did older soldiers join militias instead of the military?

Older soldiers had more responsibilities at home, such as families to raise and farms to tend to, so they usually joined the local militias instead because the militia was a part-time commitment that worked locally and didn’t have to march off to war like the Continental Army did. What Did Soldiers in the Continental Army Eat?