A weak, small, military force typically made up of militias (militias are a small group of troops used to defend cities and towns) and minutemen. The american army is incredibly strong today because of new technologies and weapons. Back then, you had an old musket, a powder horn, some led balls, a ramrod, some food and water, and some cartridges. Now add the 3 to 6 minutes it took to reload a gun back then to the 30 seconds it takes now AND it can shoot faster than one shot per 3 to 6 minutes.