Final answer:
The recruitment of patriot forces during the revolutionary war was initially high but faced several challenges by late 1776, including economic pressure, supply shortages, organizational issues, and a ban on slave enlistment due to southern pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the revolutionary war, recruitment for the patriot forces faced several challenges. Initially, there was a rush to join state militias and the Continental Army, motivated by the promise of American freedom and the Declaration of Independence. However, by late 1776, recruitment slowed due to various factors such as pressure from southern representatives leading to a bar on slave enlistment, supply shortages, a lack of uniformity and professionalism within the military, and economic strain from the cost of supporting the war effort.
Despite these difficulties, over 5,000 northern slaves and free blacks served the patriot cause, some under integrated units, contributing significantly to the manpower. Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut even formed their own all-black regiments. Soldiers like Peter Salem, Salem Poor, and Prince Whipple gained praise for their roles in significant battles.
On the other hand, problems such as equipment shortages, varied uniforms, and organizational weaknesses, along with the economic pressures of a depreciating currency and the resistance to taxation, complicated recruitment efforts. The challenge was to unify the disparate colonial units and maintain a steady supply of willing and able recruits in the face of such adversity.