What was the racial makeup of the Continental Army?
An estimated 4% of the Continental Army was black (see African Americans in the Revolutionary War).
How big was the colonial army?
Over the course of the war, about 231,000 men served in the Continental Army, though never more than 48,000 at any one time, and never more than 13,000 at any one place. The sum of the Colonial militias numbered upwards of 145,000 men.
Why was the Continental Army organized?
The original military forces assembled in 1775 were intended to maintain the siege of Boston to neutralize occupying British troops, to protect New York City from possible naval attack, and to occupy the traditional Lake Champlain route to prevent an invasion by the British garrison in Canada.
Why did the Continental Army wear blue?
Light Dragoons wore blue coats with white facings. According to an article titled “Guide to Military Uniforms” on military.com, the reason blue was chosen for the Continental Army uniforms was because it was in direct contrast to the British Army’s red uniforms.
How many Continental soldiers died in the Revolutionary War?
8,000 Continental soldiers
How many Continental Soldiers Died in the Revolutionary War? Around 8,000 Continental soldiers were killed in battle and 25,000 were wounded. Around 16,000 soldiers died from starvation or illness.
How old was the average soldier in the Revolutionary War?
Most men who served in the Continental Army were between the ages of 15 and 30. Those who served in the Army were merchants, mechanics, and farmers.
Did slaves fight in the Revolutionary War?
Widespread talk of liberty gave thousands of slaves high expectations, and many were ready to fight for a democratic revolution that might offer them freedom. In 1775 at least 10 to 15 black soldiers, including some slaves, fought against the British at the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill.
Did the revolutionary war soldiers get paid?
Were the soldiers paid? When soldiers signed up for an enlistment period they were promised to receive a bounty at the end of the time. The bounty was either money or land. They also received a monthly salary: privates earned $6, sergeants $8, and captains $20.
Did any Revolutionary War uniforms survive?
None of his uniforms from the Revolutionary War period are known to have survived. When George Washington was an aide to General Edward Braddock he paid special attention to the way the British general maintained his rank and deportment.
