In 1776, the colonies were at war against Britain. About
half the colonists were Patriots. A smaller group of colonists
were Loyalists. Many colonists were neutral. Many enslaved
African Americans were Loyalists because Britain promised
them freedom. However, about 5,000 African Americans
fought for independence from Britain. Most American
Indians were neutral or Loyalists because they believed that
the British would stop settlers from moving onto Indian
lands. Many women were Patriots.
The British army had good training and weapons. Soldiers
in the Continental Army had few supplies and little money.
The Continental Army had some strengths. General George
Washington led the Continental Army. He was a strong
leader. American soldiers knew the land better than the
British soldiers did. American soldiers believed strongly in
their cause. For most British soldiers, fighting was just a job
