British Advantages Huge population – 11 million World’s largest army Established military –Highly disciplined –Well trained –Drafted soldiers Uniforms and awards for exceptional service Controlled travel along sea coast All weapons colonists lacked Richest country in the world Leader in manufactured goods

British Disadvantages Military drained resources Difficult to meet manpower needs –Army doubled –Hire Hessians (German mercenaries) Lacked effective mobilization Budget cuts –1/2 of Royal Navy’s ships awaited repair Transporting troops and materials 3,000 miles Unfamiliar territory Lack of support at home Unpopularity of war (7 years War) Lack of motivation

Colonial Advantages Effective mobilization of citizens into Continental Army –½ of all freed males 16 to 45 Privateers wreaked havoc on British ships Hit and run tactics Winning = prolonging the rebellion Leadership of George Washington Home field advantage Personal motive –Homes, families, and FREEDOM

Colonial Disadvantages Small population – 2.5 million –1/3 Loyalists (wealthiest citizens) Very poor – Congress lacked power to tax Lack of military training and discipline –Few experienced officers –Lack of organization No regular navy Tension between colonies and militias Term of military duty – 1 year –No draft –High desertion rate in militias Ordinary clothes and no awards Shortages of food and supplies –Clothing, tents, blankets, weapons, ammunition Reliant on land transport Lack of recognition among foreign powers