Institution · Episodes 2–3–4–5–6 · published

Continental Army

A negotiated military institution joining continental command to state recruiting, local supply, limited enlistments, military law, and politically charged ideas of service.

The army was neither a spontaneous people in arms nor a modern national bureaucracy. Congress, states, officers, soldiers, households, suppliers, and communities continually renegotiated its existence. Its survival created governmental power while exposing republican fears about discipline, hierarchy, coercion, and standing forces.

Connected chronology

• continental army created
• washington commander in chief
• retreat across new jersey
• enlistments extended trenton

Sources

jcc-v2-1775jcc-v6-1776royster-revolutionary-people-at-warfischer-washingtons-crossinglengel-general-george-washington