Final answer:
During the Revolutionary War, the ranks of SGT (Sergeant) and CPL (Corporal) were non-commissioned officer positions in the Continental Army, responsible for leadership tasks and maintaining discipline within the ranks. Insignia on their uniforms signified their rank and authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ranks of SGT (Sergeant) and CPL (Corporal) during the Revolutionary War were positions of non-commissioned officers within the Continental Army. These ranks were significant as they represented the backbone of regimental discipline and effectiveness. Sergeants often served as squad leaders, responsible for maintaining order and overseeing the welfare and training of their soldiers; they were the link between the enlisted men and the officers. Corporals held similar responsibilities at a smaller scale, typically leading smaller units within a squad. Both ranks were identified by specific insignia on their uniforms, which signified their authority and role among the troops.
The Revolutionary War changed the historical path of the United States and the rank insignia, held by heroes such as General Horatio Gates, reflected the military hierarchy that contributed to the success of the war for independence. Meanwhile, the uniforms that Stuart painted, including the symbols of rank, showcased not just military accomplishments but also the evolving sense of independence and national pride during and after the war.