“An Exceedingly Dirty and Nasty People”: Exploring the Patriot Forces of 1775

In popular revolutionary iconography, New England colonists are praised for their dramatic rush to arms during the first few months of the American Revolution. While this enthusiasm led thousands of colonists to take up arms, it faded by 1776 resulting in a dramatically diminished force. What happened? Why did the forces of 1776 differ so much from those of 1775? My research focuses on how the changing military organization of New England forces in 1775, from a collection of local militias to an army, impacted colonists’ enlistment and enthusiasm. To understand the development of New England forces, this thesis explores the connections between the local militia system, the creation of the Continental Army, the appointment of George Washington, and the changes in revolutionary rhetoric during 1775