The Patriots were in a weak position when the American
Revolution [the struggle of the colonies in North America to gain
their independence from Great Britain.] began. They had a hastily
organized, untrained army and a small navy. Their weaknesses
were far more obvious than their strengths.
American Weaknesses The Continental army [the American
army during the American Revolution.] was always short of men.
General George Washington never had more than 20,000 troops at
one time and place. Many soldiers enlisted for six months or a year.
Just when they were learning how to fight, they would pick up their
muskets and go home to take care of their farms and families.
Few Americans were trained for battle. Some were hunters and
could shoot well enough from behind a tree. But when facing a
mass of well-disciplined redcoats, they were likely to turn and run.
