Did Soldiers in the American Revolution Use Cadences?

During the American Revolution, military cadences played a significant role in the lives of soldiers. Cadences, often in the form of marching songs or calls, served various purposes, from maintaining rhythm during marches to boosting morale and fostering camaraderie among troops.

The Role of Cadences in the American Revolution

Military cadence was an essential aspect of military life during the Revolutionary War. These cadences often included simple lyrics that were easy to remember and could be sung or shouted in unison. Popular songs such as “Yankee Doodle” became widely beloved among American soldiers, while British troops had their own marching songs. The use of cadence was an effective method to keep soldiers in step and motivated during long marches and battles.

The Importance of the Beat in Military Formations

The most efficient method of getting a large group of soldiers, typically 30 to 40 or more, to the same place at the same time, whether on a road or an open field, was to form them into some sort of box or column formation, nearly shoulder to shoulder, and have them walk to the same beat. This beat was provided by drummers, who have been used by military bands since the 17th century. Drummers were crucial because it was essential to get somewhere “firstest with the mostest,” specifically the high ground, and to prepare for a fight.

Using the beat helped to prevent the “accordion effect,” which created stretching in the front of the formation and straggling behind in the rear. Soldiers in the rear of a column could suffer from exhausting exercise, either practically running or standing nearly still. If the commander of a marching column needed to increase the pace to be on time, they could simply tell the drummers to “pick up the beat.” Yelling at individual soldiers didn’t work in this context.

Close Order Drill and the Development of Cadences

Soldiers practicing marching to a cadence is known as “close order drill.” Turning or wheeling the formation became easier when soldiers’ feet left and right hit the ground at the same time, accomplished by having all soldiers step off on the same foot. It took a century or two for all armies to start calling a marching beat a cadence.

The process began with a single sergeant keeping everyone “in tune” by chanting, “y’or left y’o left y’or left right left.” Over time, these chants developed into ditties and sometimes into songs. Sergeants were known to stomp on a soldier’s left foot to help them easily distinguish between their left and right feet, as the left foot would hurt: “y’or left y’o left y’or left foot hurts.” This method allowed armies to gradually get rid of punk, smart-mouthed teenage drummer boys and eliminated the need to detail some soldiers in garrison to wipe their little butts or ensure they burped and got to bed on time.

The Practice in the War of American Independence

During the War of American Independence, trained soldiers on both sides marched to a beat, not necessarily to a coordinated cadence. However, the use of cadences was still prevalent and crucial in maintaining discipline and efficiency during marches and battles.