Overview of the American Revolution United States of America vs. Great Britain

Let’s start with the 13 American Colonies… 2.5 million  Population: about 2.5 million 18,500 men  Army: Never more than… 18,500 men 13 ships and 2,000 sailors, French Navy helped us out  Navy: about 13 ships and 2,000 sailors, French Navy helped us out  Leaders: General George Washington in charge of the troops French  Allies were the French

Advantages…the good things 1.Outstanding leadership 2.Strong motivation (fighting for there freedom) 3.Fighting on home ground 4.Experienced officers 5.Superiority of the American rifle 6.Sharp shooters, very experienced

Disadvantages…the bad things 1.Inexperienced army and militia 2.Short enlistments (no long term soldiers) 3.Brand new navy 4.Constant shortages 5.Near-bankrupt treasury (NO MONEY) 6.Loyalist warfare (neighbor against neighbor)

American’s goal…  Gain freedom from Britain  Wear down the British until they give up and go home!!

How will we reach our goal??  Strategies: Hit and run! Avoid battles and capture.  Tactics: Guerrilla tactics learned from the Indians…surprise and hide behind trees. Traditional fighting when needed.

Now lets take a look at Great Britain…  Population: about 8 million about 50,000 regulars spread out  Army: about 50,000 regulars spread out  Navy: by 1781, about 460 ships  Leaders: General William Howe, Henry Clinton, and Charles Cornwallis  Allies: Germany, hessian troops

Advantages for Great Britain…  Military superpower  Superior numbers in the battles  Indian support  Loyalist cooperation (spies)  Hefty war chest (lots of money)  Bright red uniforms

Disadvantages…things that won’t help them…  Weak Motivation (what are we fighting for?)  Unaggressive officers  3,000 miles from home base  1,500 mile enemy coastline  Vast land (unfamiliar)  Easy targets (uniforms)  European aid to Americans

What were the British fighting for…  Goal: Force the continental army to surrender and take back control of the colonies…

How will the British accomplish this?  Strategies: Capture seaports, divide and conquer the colonies by separating the three regions from each other  Tactic: Traditional battlefield warfare with frontal attacks at close range