Table of Contents
What was the main difference between the militia and the Continental Army?
Essentially, they were a reorganized militia, rid of any vestiges of loyalty to the crown, and trained, far more extensively than they had been previously, so that they could “turn out” at a minute’s notice. The Continental Army was an invention of Congress and the command of George Washington.
Why did they call the militia minutemen?
Minutemen were civilian colonists who independently formed militia companies self-trained in weaponry, tactics, and military strategies, comprising the American colonial partisan militia during the American Revolutionary War. They were known for being ready at a minute’s notice, hence the name.
What did the militia do in the Revolutionary war?
During the American Revolution, the militia provided the bulk of the American forces as well as a pool for recruiting or drafting of regulars. The militia played a similar role in the War of 1812 and the American Civil War.
Who did the minutemen fight against?
Two lanterns were hung, and the armed Patriots set out for Lexington and Concord accordingly. Along the way, Revere and Dawes roused hundreds of Minutemen, who armed themselves and set out to oppose the British.
What did they call a citizen soldier during the American Revolution?
Whereas European warfare depending increasingly on professional armies, the Colonial American military relied heavily on “citizen-soldiers”, or militia.
What was the purpose of the Minutemen militia?
Militia were men in arms formed to protect their towns from foreign invasion and ravages of war. Minutemen were a small hand-picked elite force which were required to be highly mobile and able to assemble quickly. Minutemen were selected from militia muster rolls by their commanding officers.
How old did you have to be to be a Minuteman?
Typically 25 years of age or younger, they were chosen for their enthusiasm, reliability, and physical strength. Usually about one quarter of the militia served as Minutemen, performing additional duties as such. The Minutemen were the first armed militia to arrive or await a battle.
What was the last action of the Massachusetts Minutemen?
In the running battle that ensued fifteen miles back to Boston the Massachusetts militia would see their last action as Minutemen in history. The militia would go on to form an army, surrounding Boston and inflicting heavy casualties on the British army at Bunker and Breed’s Hill.
How many Minutemen were in the Concord militia?
Of approximately 400 militia from Concord’s muster rolls, one hundred would also serve as Minutemen. When a battle took place Minutemen companies from several towns combined their units.