1. How was the War of Independence fought?
Wednesday 4th May 2011
How was the War of Independence fought?
Lesson Objectives
To identify the weapons used by each side
To evaluate which side was more likely to win the War of Independence and why
To explain the factors which contributed to Britain losing the war

2. America Britain

3. Who do you think was more likely to win? Why?
The Two Sides
The table below shows what each side was like in 1775, when the War of Independence started.
Use the information in the table to write an answer to the question;
Who do you think was more likely to win? Why?
Americans in 1775
British in 1775
No national government No army No navy No financial system No international allies
Strong national government Well trained and experienced army Largest and best navy in the world Richest country in the world No international allies

4. Why did Britain lose? Topic What was the problem
How it helps colonists
Distance
Time
Terrain
Allies
Tactics

5. Why did Britain lose? Distance Time Terrain Allies Tactics
How would the long distance between Britain and the US affect Britain?
Distance
Time
Terrain
Allies
Tactics
How would the time for reports and orders to reach British troops in America affect Britain?
Why would the size of America and the vast plains and mountain ranges pose a problem to the British?
Why would America’s allies and Britain having no allies be a problem?
Why did Americans use lots of guerrilla tactics?

6. Why did Britain lose? Distance Time Terrain Allies Tactics DISTANCE
America was a long way from Britain
It took a long time to ship troops and supplies to America

7. Why did Britain lose? Distance Time Terrain Allies Tactics TIME
Reports to London were about 2 months out of date by the time they arrived
Orders to America usually arrived after the situation had changed
Generals in America had to do the best they could

8. Why did Britain lose? Distance Time Terrain Allies Tactics TERRAIN
America was huge and the British couldn’t control the area by force – not enough manpower.
Troops needed to be stationed in a town or revolutionaries would take control again – limited the number of troops in the field.
Hard to operate away from a port – due to supplies.

9. Why did Britain lose? Distance Time Terrain Allies Tactics ALLIES
Spain, France and the Netherlands joined on the side of the colonists.
Their new allies gave them more man power, money and supplies.

10. Why did Britain lose? Distance Time Terrain Allies Tactics TACTICS
The Revolutionaries often used guerrilla warfare tactics.
Hit and run attacks.
If you do not fight a traditional battle – then you can not be defeated.