Chapter 14.1

Continental Army: From Colonial Militia to Revolutionary Force

Discover how ordinary colonial citizens transformed into the disciplined Continental Army that won American independence through determination and strategic leadership.


What You'll Learn

Continental Army formed June 1775 under George Washington's leadership
Valley Forge winter transformed militia into disciplined fighting force
Diverse composition included farmers, merchants, and various backgrounds
Guerrilla tactics exploited mobility and local geography against British

What You'll Practice

1

Analyze Continental Army formation, leadership, and early military challenges

2

Evaluate Valley Forge impact on army discipline and training

3

Examine supply shortages, recruitment diversity, and strategic adaptations

Why This Matters

Understanding the Continental Army helps students appreciate how ordinary citizens can unite to overcome seemingly impossible challenges and create lasting change.

This Unit Includes

Practice exercises
Learning resources

Skills

Continental Army
Revolutionary War
Military Strategy
Valley Forge
Leadership
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NC Curriculum Aligned

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