The Road to Revolution, 1763–1775 Chapter 7 The Road to Revolution, 1763–1775

A View of the Town of Concord, ca A View of the Town of Concord, ca. 1775 Redcoats here drill on the Concord Green, near where colonial militiamen would soon repel their advance on stores of rebel gunpowder. p124

Imperial Strengths and Weaknesses Britain boasted a professional army of 50,000 men. They had overwhelming wealth and naval power. George III had an abundant treasury to hire an additional 30,000 German mercenaries – “Hessians”. Britain provoked the Indians to rampage on the frontier, killing hundreds of frontier families. Almost 50,000 American Loyalists (the Tories) assisted the crown as soldiers, scouts and guides.

Imperial Strengths and Weaknesses Many earnest and God-fearing British had no desire to kill their American cousins. British political (and military leadership) was subpar and inept much of the time. The British had a supply line that stretched 3000 miles across the Atlantic. Ireland was restive, and France openly plotted to help America in revenge for losing the French and Indian War. Whig members of Parliament cheered on the Americans and maintained the war was illegitimate against the colonies.

American Pluses and Minuses Advantages – America was an immense area, roughly 600,000 square miles. Almost impossible to hold any one location. There was no nerve center, no big cities. America’s rural nature made it hard to knock it out of a war. America had outstanding political leadership (Franklin, Jefferson, Adams) as well as George Washington! France would help a little at first, and a lot later on. America was self-sufficient for food and most supplies. America only had to play defense, which is easier to do. America had moral righteousness and was motivated to fight for a just cause.

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834), by Joseph Boze, 1790 This youthful French officer gave to America not only military service but some $200,000 of his private funds. He returned to France after the American Revolution to play a conspicuous role in the French Revolution. p128

American Pluses and Minuses Weaknesses - America was badly organized and lacked unity. Continental Congress had no real powers, Articles Govt. isn’t formed until the war is almost over (1781). Sectional jealousy prevented some military campaigns, hurt the success of others as men were ordered back by colonies. America was desperately poor, and printed worthless paper money to pay their bills, which depreciated immediately. America could not produce the heavy weaponry (cannons, powder, caps) to keep fighting the war indefinitely. American troops, especially militiamen, were poorly trained and deserted frequently.

A Thin Line of Heroes At Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, shivering American soldiers were without food for 3 days in the winter of 1777-1778. Smallpox outbreaks further weakened Washington’s army. Women maintained farms and businesses while men fought. Large numbers of “camp followers” accompanied the American army, cooking and sewing for troops in return for money or rations. Virginia and Maryland heightened slave patrols but within one month, 300 slaves had joined "Lord Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment“. African-Americans also fought for the Colonial side, many in hopes of getting their freedom.

Seldom have so few done so much for so many. The fact is that only a select minority of the American colonists attached themselves to the cause of independence with a spirit of selfless devotion. These were the dedicated souls who bore the burden of battle and the risks of defeat. Seldom have so few done so much for so many.