But the question made no sense to the bulk of the troops, who regarded instinctive obedience to orders and ready acceptance of subordination within a military hierarchy as infringements on the very liberty they were fighting for. They saw themselves as invincible, not because they were disciplined soldiers like the redcoats but because they were patriotic, liberty-loving men willing to risk their lives for their convictions.
The troops felt a disconnect between their sense of liberty and the military structure they were part of. To them, following orders and adhering to a hierarchy seemed to contradict the freedoms they were fighting for. Instead of viewing discipline as strength, they considered it an infringement upon their liberty.
This sense of invincibility stemmed not from military training, but from their deep patriotism and commitment to their beliefs. They were willing to sacrifice their lives for the principles of freedom and independence, seeing themselves as courageous individuals rather than mere soldiers following orders.
