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 support the 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 a to cross the Atlantic Ocean to send men and supplies for the war  The support at homes 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 – “War of Harass the enemy, defeat the British in a major battle – “War of Attrition. Attrition. Get allies to help win! Get allies to help win!  Britain Seeks to destroy the Colonial Army Regain control of the colonies by region – Break NE off from the rest of the colonies. 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 1777  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

Fort Ticonderoga  Ethan Allen, a blacksmith, leads the Green Mountain boys of Vermont against the fort which had many cannon.  There was one guard and the officers were sleeping.  The commander had to turn over 100 cannon and gunpowder.

Bunker (Breed’s) Hill Bunker (Breed’s) Hill Jun 1775 Bunker (Breed’s) Hill  New “Continental Army” takes position on Breed’s Hill  They are told, “Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes!” because they have only a small amount of gunpowder  British conduct frontal assault Poor judgment – flanks/rear exposed Poor judgment – flanks/rear exposed 40% casualties for Brits (1,100 dead) 40% casualties for Brits (1,100 dead)  Colonials repel two assaults but run out of ammunition.

The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull

Brits Leave Boston  By January 1776, the Continental Army surrounded Boston.  The cannon captured at Ticonderoga were placed on a hill overlooking Boston and its harbor.  Seeing that they were trapped, General Howe ordered his troops to go to Halifax, Canada.

New York  G en. Howe (Brit) heads to New York City.  Washington takes the Continental Army to defend the city.  Howe has 34,000 troops, 10,000 sailors, 30 warships and 400 smaller boats.  Washington has 20,000 men and no navy.  Losing the battles for New York, the Continentals retreat to New Jersey.  Nathan Hale, a young Connecticut spy is captured behind British lines.  “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country” were his last words…

New York City in Flames (1776)

Trenton and the Crossing Trenton and the Crossing  Discouraged with losing, the Continentals are cold, hungry, deserting and many are due for re- enlistment  A victory is badly needed.  Washington plans a surprise attack on Hessian troops (German mercenaries) in Trenton, New Jersey.  He gets his troops across the frozen Delaware River in the dead of night on Christmas.  On Dec. 26, the Continental Army takes over 1400 Hessians prisoner without losing a single soldier!

The Crossing – The Battle The Crossing – The Battle  The full video is called The Crossing and stars Jeff Daniels (Dumb and Dumber). It is really good and can be found here and on my website. It is in installments though. here