Final answer:
The Continental Army struggled with manpower shortages and diversity in military approaches. It was comprised of both native-born and foreign soldiers, poor youths, and yeomen, and included over 5,000 African American soldiers. Despite its challenges, it evolved into a professional force under George Washington's leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Continental Army during the Revolutionary War faced various challenges. Notably, it struggled with manpower shortages and organizational difficulties, consisting of units from all colonies, each with different ideas on military structure. Discipline was a problem among these unprofessional soldiers, many of whom lacked proper equipment and uniforms. These soldiers were often poor, native-born youth, and older, foreign-born men. Moreover, despite their enthusiasm and commitment to the patriotic cause, the Continental Army did not uniformly exceed British morale and discipline.
Although the Army did grow over time, it included a mix of people from different backgrounds, such as yeomen farmers, well-to-do Patriots, and free and enslaved African Americans. The latter, numbering over 5,000, were often motivated by the hope that the patriotic cause would lead to their personal freedom, contributing significantly to the manpower of the army. States like Rhode Island even formed all-black regiments.
Overall, George Washington, as the commander in chief, worked to turn the Continental Army into a more professional force, which took several years beyond the establishment of militias. The contributions and diversity of the army's soldiers were instrumental in the eventual American victory.