Final answer:
Privateers benefited the colonial war effort by not diverting manpower, harassing British merchant shipping, and providing naval support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Privateers benefited the colonial war effort in several ways. Firstly, they did not divert manpower from the war effort as they were privately funded and operated ships. Secondly, they provided constant harassment of British merchant shipping at sea, disrupting the British supply chain and weakening their economy. Lastly, while they were not the primary American naval force, privateers played a significant role in naval engagements against the British, providing valuable support to the American cause.
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