Objective: To examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Continental and British armies.

TEAM W L HOME ROAD L.A. 16 3 13-2 3-1 Phoenix 15 7 7-0 8-7 Sacramento The Continental Army had many problems and few advantages. However, the Continentals did have at least one important advantage. Making an Analogy: Use the current (2009) standings from the Pacific division of the NBA to figure out what major advantage the Continental Army enjoyed during the Revolutionary War. Make a comparison! TEAM W L HOME ROAD L.A. 16 3 13-2 3-1 Phoenix 15 7 7-0 8-7 Sacramento 9 11 8-3 1-8 Memphis 12 6-7 3-5 Milwaukee 6 14 4-5 2-9 Helpful Hint - Possible Responses Home field advantage is important in both sports and war. In sports, the home team has better knowledge of the field and/or stadium. In war, the side fighting on home turf has a greater knowledge of the land. In sports, the home team has the support of their fans. In war, the side fighting at home has the support of their citizens. In both sports and war, the team or army on the road may have had to travel a long distance and would rather be home. The side playing or fighting in their own territory is comfortable with their surroundings and has more to fight for.

- few cannons and little gunpowder “Nothing can be more hurtful to the service, than the neglect of discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army the superiority over another.” GEORGE WASHINGTON July 6, 1777 Continental Army Disadvantages - no navy - untrained soldiers - few cannons and little gunpowder

The rifle took a long time to load, compared to the musket The rifle took a long time to load, compared to the musket. By the time a soldier forced his rifle ball down the barrel, the enemy could get him with a bayonet. Their rifles had no bayonet, a necessity for fighting at close range, or in damp weather when wet flints and gunpowder made firearms useless. Because of these disadvantages, the musket remained the primary weapon used during the Revolutionary War.

- fighting for their homes and freedom Continental Army Advantages - fighting for their homes and freedom - leadership of George Washington

Naval Strength: Allies vs. Britain British Army Advantages - highly trained, experienced soldiers - plentiful weapons and supplies - most powerful navy in the world Naval Strength: Allies vs. Britain Year French Spanish Dutch American Total Allied British 1778 52 — 66 1779 63 58 121 90 1780 69 48 117 95 1781 70 54 13 137 94 1782 73 19 146

British Army Disadvantages - the war was fought far from home - less reasons to fight hard - risked constant attack "General Marion Inviting a British Officer to Share His Meal", by John Blake White

Battle of Bunker Hill – video (2:24) • Occurred on Breeds Hill on June 17, 1775.

• The Patriots were short on gunpowder and were warned by Colonel William Prescott, “Don’t fire till you see the whites of their eyes!”

• The British won the battle, but lost over 1,000 troops.

• This battle showed Britain that the Patriots would not be an easy enemy.