Discussion Questions What do you think were some of the advantages that the colonists had in the American Revolution? What were some of the disadvantages?

The American Revolution

Review The Battles of Lexington and Concord took place in April of 1775. Olive Branch Petition: one last ditch effort for peace, failed (June 1775) January 1776 Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, a pamphlet designed to reach the common man and encouraged independence.

Review Declaration of Independence as adopted on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Army. George Washington was appointed as the Commander of the Continental Army. The war for Independence had begun.

American Advantages They were fighting for a cause. Fighting to defend their home, state and their family Had a militia with fighting styles of hiding behind rocks and trees Knew the land, shortcuts, problem areas, where to hide Outstanding leadership of George Washington

British Advantages Experienced soldiers and military leaders Had a lot of wealth so they could buy supplies and hire soldiers Many colonists were still loyal to Britain. Outnumbered American soldiers.’ Strongest Army and Navy in the World.

American Disadvantages Constant shortage of money, weapons, food, clothing, and medicine Had very few ships Inexperienced soldiers, many were farmers Neighbors fighting against neighbors (Patriots v. Loyalists)

British Disadvantages 3,000 miles from home, poor communication with leaders and supply lines. Unfamiliar territory and it was a large land area, difficult to conquer. Country had been at war for many years, citizens were tired of war and taxes to pay for it Red uniforms and style of fighting made them easy targets Soldiers fighting for King not a cause

Washington’s Headaches Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the other third were Loyalists, and the final third were neutral]. State/colony loyalties. Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben.

Military Strategies British: Break the colonies in half by getting between the No. & the So. Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. “Divide and Conquer”  use the Loyalists. Britain’s Southern Strategy Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South. Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving. The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside [similar to U. S. failures in Vietnam!] Good US General: Nathanial Greene (reason for failure)

Military Strategies Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line]. Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent war  you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down] Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. (France)

Valley Forge A period of encampment that lasted from December 1777 to June 1778. There was suffering and hardship endured by the Continental Army. Soldiers were half naked, had no shoes, and huddled in thin blankets. This period of low morale was overcome as Baron von Steuben began training soldiers and by the end the Continental army was confident, well-trained soldiers who were ready to fight the Red Coats.