The patriots had disadvantages when they entered the war. They were untrained and disorganized. They also had very few weapons such as cannons and gunpowder. Few colonists were willing to enter the Continental Army for long terms of service. The leader of the patriots was George Washington who then became a commander. The patriots were very determined to fight to defend themselves and their homes and property. The British were very powerful; they were highly trained and experienced troops. The British who are also know as loyalists remained loyal to Britain. Loyalists also faced hard times during the war. The battle of Bunker Hill was the first major battle of the Revolution between the patriots and loyalists. Thomas Paine, who is a colonist, wrote the common sense which stated the 13 colonies to declare independence. Thomas Paine stated that colonists did not owe loyalty to King George III or any other monarchy; he said having kings and queens was wrong. Members of the Continental Congress were impressed by the idea of independence. The delegates had made a difficult decision that there is no turning back once they had declared independence. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence for the 13 colonies. In the Declaration of Independence the