Final answer:
Young men were motivated to join the Revolutionary Army both by the promise of land and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Enslaved and free Black people also served for the prospect of freedom and to align with revolutionary values.
These motivations suggest that the soldiers were a diverse group with varying personal and ideological reasons for their enlistment.
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand the motivation of young men signing up for the Revolutionary Army, it's important to recognize the wider context of the Revolutionary War. The promise of land was indeed a significant motivating factor for many. Some signed up for idealistic reasons, inspired by the Declaration of Independence and its guarantee of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'. However, the practical consideration of being granted land, which was a valuable resource for independence and wealth, cannot be underestimated.
For enslaved and free Black people, the war presented complex decisions. Some joined the British side, enticed by the promise of freedom, while others served in the Continental Army with the hope that their service would lead to personal freedom and reflect the values of the Declaration. States like Rhode Island and Massachusetts even formed regiments that included black soldiers, while others integrated them into regular units. Notably, soldiers like Peter Salem and Salem Poor gained recognition for their roles in Massachusetts in 1775.
This combination of ideological and material incentives indicates that the men who joined the Revolutionary Army came from a range of backgrounds and had a variety of motivations. Some were ideologically driven, believing in the American revolutionary cause, while others saw the military as a means to obtain social mobility or tangible rewards like land.