The Citizen Soldier

In 1775, during the Battles of Lexington and Concord, ordinary colonists took up arms against the British Army, driven by a sense of duty. George Washington faced the challenge of transforming these citizen soldiers into a competent force, despite concerns about a professional army's potential threat to government. Issues like short enlistment periods and lack of pay further complicated his efforts. Despite these hurdles, Washington's army played a crucial role in winning the Revolutionary War and securing US independence. The legacy of these citizen soldiers continues in the tradition of American volunteerism.

What motivated the colonists to fight at the Battles of Lexington and Concord?

What challenges did George Washington face in forming the Continental Army?

How did the issue of pay affect the enlistment of citizen soldiers?

What was the significance of the citizen soldiers in the Revolutionary War?

In what ways does the legacy of the American citizen soldiers continue today?