After the American Revolution began, the loyalties of the colonists remained split. Even families were divided on their beliefs about American independence. These differences tore the colonies apart. Those who wanted independence from Great Britain, and those who wanted to remain loyal, formed rival military companies and were involved in numerous conflicts and battles during the war.
Many people who had been born in England and supported by Great Britain during the colonies early years remain loyal to the mother country. They were known as "Loyalists" or "Tories." Often, these people still felt like British subjects of the King and wanted to preserve that relationship. Many people were against independence because of economic concerns. For example, plantation owners in the south, who were dependent on shipping their crops to Great Britain wanted to protect their livelihoods. Breaking away from Great Britain seemed like a bad business move to many in the south!
The "Patriots" supported independence from Great Britain. The Sons of Liberty, the first group that supported independence was based in Boston. Soon the independence movement spread from New England to the rest of the colonies. The Patriots wanted to be free from what they believed was the British King's tyranny and Parliament's unfair taxes. They wanted to make their own rules and laws! Patriots viewed the American Revolution as necessary fight for independence!
Typical battles had one side of troops lined up facing another line of troops on the other side. Both sides charged at the other and shots were fired. These were the rules of combat at the time of the American Revolution. While the Continental Army did fight battles using this formation, they also used other tactics such as guerilla warfare.
Sometimes Patriots would hide behind trees and walls, firing while they were hidden, killing or wounding British soldiers. Other times they would sneak behind enemy lines to launch surprise attacks on soldiers in camps or to destroy weapons and steal supplies. These type of fighting tactics are known as guerilla warfare. Throughout the war these types of sneak attacks were used by the American Patriots.
Many of the troops in the Continental Army did not want to fight outside of their home colonies. Others would come and go as they pleased, depending on the needs at home. Many soldiers only knew how to use guns for hunting. They had no military training. Others had some military experience from their service in local militias or other wars.
It took a long time to get food and supplies to the troops. Another problem for Washington was that the Continental Congress did not want anything done without its approval. From the battlefield, it took a long time to get communications to Congress and even longer to get an answer back!
The continental congress relied on the colonies to give money in order to pay and supply the troops but it could not force the colonies to give money. Frequently there was not enough money to buy food or even gun powder! This created poor conditions for the soldiers, and many deserted or left the army. Things got so bad toward the end of the war that Congress was completely bankrupt before the last battle! To be bankrupt means you have no money.