Colonists Form an Army to Fight Great Britain
Colonists Form an Army to Fight Great Britain examines the enormous challenge of creating a professional fighting force from scratch in 1775—a key topic in 8th grade U.S. history. The Second Continental Congress authorized the Continental Army in June 1775 and appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief. Washington faced nearly impossible conditions: soldiers lacked training, uniforms, weapons, food, and pay; enlistments expired after short terms; state militias were unreliable; and the British Army was the world's most professional military force. The brutal winter at Valley Forge (1777-1778) tested the army to its breaking point, but Washington's leadership and Prussian drillmaster Baron von Steuben's training ultimately forged a capable fighting force.
Key Concepts
When the American Revolution began, the colonists faced the powerful British military. Great Britain had one of the world's strongest armies. Their soldiers were well trained professionals with plenty of supplies and experience in battle.
To fight back, the colonists formed the Continental Army in 1775. This new army was mostly made of volunteers , like farmers and workers, not professional soldiers. They often lacked basic supplies like uniforms, shoes, and weapons. On paper, it looked like an impossible fight for the colonists.
Common Questions
How did the Continental Army form?
The Second Continental Congress authorized the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief the next day. Washington took command of the forces besieging Boston in July 1775. The army grew from New England militias into a continental force, though creating a disciplined professional army from volunteer farmers proved enormously difficult.
What challenges did Washington face as commander?
Washington faced nearly impossible challenges: short enlistment terms (many soldiers signed up for only 3 months), lack of pay (Congress had no money), shortage of weapons, ammunition, and uniforms, unreliable state militias, disease, and the difficulty of coordinating troops from 13 different colonies with different traditions and loyalties.
What happened at Valley Forge?
Valley Forge (winter 1777-1778) was the Continental Army's winter encampment in Pennsylvania after the British occupied Philadelphia. About 12,000 soldiers endured brutal cold, disease, and starvation—approximately 2,500 died. Washington managed to hold the army together through this ordeal. Baron von Steuben used the winter to drill the troops into a more professional fighting force.
Who was Baron von Steuben and what did he contribute?
Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was a Prussian military officer who volunteered to train the Continental Army at Valley Forge in 1778. He imposed standardized drill procedures, improved discipline and organization, and trained officers to train their own men. His drill manual became the standard for American soldiers. Von Steuben transformed the Continental Army from a brave but disorganized militia into a professional army.
Why was George Washington such an important leader?
Washington's greatest achievement was keeping the Continental Army together through years of defeat, deprivation, and desertion. He understood that the British could not win if he preserved his army—he only needed to avoid decisive defeat until British political will failed or French aid arrived. His combination of personal integrity, strategic patience, and ability to inspire loyalty proved indispensable.
When do 8th graders study the formation of the Continental Army?
The Continental Army's creation and challenges are covered in 8th grade history in the Colonial Era and Road to Revolution unit, as part of examining how Americans transformed from colonial subjects to revolutionary soldiers and ultimately built the institutions of a new nation.