The American Revolution Sizing Up The Armies The Strategy of War “A World Turned Upside Down”

American Strengths and Weaknesses  The colonists are fighting for independence  George Washington can inspire his men to fight  France will aide the colonies with weapons, supplies and their navy

Patriots and Loyalists  Patriots were colonists who supported the break from England.  Loyalists are colonials who support England.  Colonists are divided as to whether or not they should rebel against England!

American Strengths and Weaknesses  The colonists are not a trained army  Colonists enlist for months instead of years  Short on money, weapons and supplies to fight a war

British Strengths and Weaknesses  The British have an experienced professional army  Outnumber the Continental Army  The British army is well supplied with equipment and weapons

British Strengths and Weaknesses  The British are not fighting for a cause  British officers are careless and poor leaders  The British have to cross the Atlantic Ocean to send men and supplies for the war  The support at home is rather weak

The Strategy of War  American Colonies Keep the Colonial Army together Keep the Colonial Army together Washington seeks to stretch the British army away from supply lines Washington seeks to stretch the British army away from supply lines Harass the enemy, defeat the British in a major battle Harass the enemy, defeat the British in a major battle Get allies to help win! Get allies to help win!  Britain Seeks to destroy the Colonial Army Regain control of the colonies by region Take the fight to the Colonial Army using European war tactics Use loyalists support against the colonies

The Strategy of War

Lexington and Concord, April 1775  British attempt to capture Samuel Adams and weapons stockpile around Concord  The colonists are warned by Paul Revere and 40 other riders that “British are coming”  4,000 colonial “militia men” exchange fire with British troops along the main road  This battle is considered the beginning of the American Revolution

A personal view of the American Revolution “ The men that was wounded in the thigh or leg, they dashed out their brains with their muskets and run them through with their bayonets, made them like sieves. This was barbarity to the utmost.” Sergeant New Jersey Regiment, 1778