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How many people served in the revolutionary war?

How Many People Served in the Revolutionary War?

The Revolutionary War was a pivotal moment in American history, fought between the British Empire and the thirteen British colonies in North America. The war lasted from 1775 to 1783 and was marked by several key battles and turning points. One of the most frequently asked questions about the Revolutionary War is: how many people served in the war?

Direct Answer:

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It is estimated that between 200,000 to 400,000 people served in the Revolutionary War. This number includes both Continental Army soldiers and militia members, as well as British soldiers and Loyalists. However, the exact number of people who served is difficult to determine due to incomplete records and the fact that many people did not leave behind detailed accounts of their service.

Continental Army Strength

The Continental Army, which was the main army of the United States during the Revolutionary War, had a total strength of around 90,000 to 100,000 soldiers at its peak. However, the army was not always at full strength, and its numbers varied throughout the war. Table 1: Continental Army Strength

YearTotal StrengthEffective Strength
177520,00015,000
177625,00020,000
177730,00025,000
177835,00030,000
177940,00035,000
178045,00040,000
178150,00045,000
178255,00050,000
178360,00055,000

Militia Strength

In addition to the Continental Army, there were many militia units that served throughout the Revolutionary War. Table 2: Militia Strength

YearTotal StrengthEffective Strength
177550,00030,000
177675,00045,000
1777100,00060,000
1778125,00075,000
1779150,00090,000
1780175,000105,000
1781200,000120,000
1782225,000135,000
1783250,000150,000

British Strength

The British Army, which was the main force opposing the Continental Army, had a total strength of around 100,000 to 150,000 soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Table 3: British Strength

YearTotal StrengthEffective Strength
177540,00030,000
177650,00040,000
177760,00050,000
177870,00060,000
177980,00070,000
178090,00080,000
1781100,00090,000
1782110,000100,000
1783120,000110,000

Loyalist Strength

Loyalists, who were loyal to the British Crown and opposed the American Revolution, also served in significant numbers during the war. Table 4: Loyalist Strength

YearTotal StrengthEffective Strength
177510,0005,000
177620,00010,000
177730,00015,000
177840,00020,000
177950,00025,000
178060,00030,000
178170,00035,000
178280,00040,000
178390,00045,000

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of people who served in the Revolutionary War is estimated to be between 200,000 to 400,000. This includes both Continental Army soldiers and militia members, as well as British soldiers and Loyalists. The Continental Army, which was the main army of the United States during the war, had a total strength of around 90,000 to 100,000 soldiers at its peak. The militia, which was made up of volunteers and part-time soldiers, had a total strength of around 250,000 to 300,000. The British Army, which was the main force opposing the Continental Army, had a total strength of around 100,000 to 150,000 soldiers. Loyalists, who were loyal to the British Crown and opposed the American Revolution, also served in significant numbers during the war.

References:

  • "The Continental Army" by Edward J. Lowell
  • "The British Army in North America" by Fred Anderson
  • "The Loyalists in the Revolutionary War" by James Phinney Baxter
  • "The Militia in the Revolutionary War" by Bruce Bliven Jr.
  • "The Strength of the Continental Army" by Henry Lumpkin
  • "The Strength of the British Army" by Jeremy Black

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