Britain angered America after Parliament imposed corrupt taxes on American goods, leading to citizen resistance . The American people were filled with enthusiasm and rage against Great Britain; his intense spirit aided him in his war for freedom. In 1776, many men willingly joined their local militias and, conversely, very few joined General George Washington's Continental Army. The Continental Army required longer terms of office and stricter discipline, which led to the militia's overwhelming popularity. Because of these difficulties, Congress took action and required each state to provide a larger quota of men for longer terms. To make enlistment more attractive, they also added a signing bonus and a promise of free land after the war. These military policies were invoked to supplement the Continental Army, but the attempt was never completely successful. Congress authorized an army of 75,000 men, and Washington's forces never had more than about 18,000 men, even at their peak. Unfortunately, only men with few other options in life chose to join the military due to the terms of their contract.