Patriots who wanted to fight could enlist in Washington’s Continental Army. Or they could join their state militia.
The militias weren’t as organized or disciplined. But they supported the army in many battles. Minutemen were special groups of militia that formed just before the Revolution. They were ready to answer a British attack “in a minute.” Boys as young as 14 could join the army. But they had to have their parents’ permission. There was no upper age limit. Colonists who stayed loyal to Great Britain either joined the British army or formed their own militias.
