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# The Real People Who Fought the American Revolution
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/the-american-revolution/extras/the-real-people-who-fought-the-american-revolution-optvxo/
- Published: 2025-11-07T15:01:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-12T20:13:41.000Z
- Description: Washington uses bonuses and drafts to encourage Americans to join the Continental Army.
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: The American Revolution, #ZZZ_Show_f16516f8-e9bd-49d8-b49b-96781c68070a, #v1.7, #ZZZ_Extra_1f8fcdfc-327f-49ce-89cf-a21d48a0c441, #extra

By early 1777, many soldiers were returning home, and Washington needed to enlist new men. The Continental Army offered cash bonuses and the promise of free Native American land to anyone who joined. The war would no longer be fought by men of property or ideals, but it would be fought by common men, immigrants, draftees and thousands of African-Americans, both enslaved and free.