Like all conflicts, the Revolutionary War was especially difficult for civilians. Fighting destroyed towns, farms, and mills. Battles often forced civilians to flee their homes and disrupted work and farming. Many colonists faced shortages of everyday goods ranging from clothing and blankets to food and medicines. The lack of goods was made worse by a British naval blockade, which prevented the colonists from shipping or receiving products from overseas. In addition, some colonists had jobs that depended on trade with Great Britain, but the war dramatically reduced or eliminated such commerce. One result was that the price of goods and supplies rose significantly as the result of the shortages.