Amazing but true about the role of sugars and sweets in the Revolutionary War. 

• Sugars and Sweets played a critical role in the Revolution. In 1764, the Colonists’ refusal to pay the British taxes for sugar and molasses helped spark the Revolution. 
• As the Revolutionary War loomed, Colonists boycotted British tea, using chocolate instead. When the British cut off chocolate supplies during the war, the Colonists smuggled it with help from Royal Navy sailors.
• In 1775, the Continental Army began paying pirates known as “privateers” to raid British ships. By 1781, they employed hundreds of privateer vessels. Among the “rewards” were meats, liquors, and foods such as sugar beets, nuts, ginger, cinnamon, and other spices. The Continental Army sold the goods, gave the pirates a share, and used the rest to fund their efforts.
• On land, many soldiers relied on “camp followers,” such as sutlers, licensed vendors who sold an array of goods including stain glass, burnt almonds and other candy. Women and children also followed the troops, helping to cook the paltry meals.
• The Revolutionary army raided homes and villages, and foraged, on their own and as directed by Washington in 1778. Among their findings were strawberries, blueberries, and nuts. 

Ultimately, the Continental troops had more food than their British counterparts. That, and the possibility of a new nation, were at the core of why the war was won in 1783 and the seeds of a new nation firmly planted.