The American militia, a ragtag army of citizen-soldiers, played a pivotal, if often unpredictable, role in the Revolutionary War. Far from the disciplined regulars of the British army, these farmers, blacksmiths, shopkeepers, and tradesmen brought a crucial element of local knowledge and fervent patriotism to the fight. While sometimes poorly trained and inconsistently equipped, their deep familiarity with the terrain and their unwavering commitment to liberty proved invaluable in harassing the British, disrupting supply lines, and winning key battles like Bunker Hill. Their commitment, even amidst periods of wavering morale and desertion, ultimately helped to sustain the rebellion through long years of struggle, ultimately contributing to the hard-won American victory.