1. Comparing Military Strength during the Revolutionary War
By Karen Balke and Helen Smith

2. The British Army 1776 STRENGTHS OR ADVANTAGES
A powerful nation with a well-established government
9 million citizens
The most powerful navy in the world
A large, well-trained army and military leaders with experience in fighting a war (45,000 British & 30,000 Hessians)
A rich country with many factories to produce war supplies
Native Americans and Loyalists fought for the British.

3. The Continental Army 1776 WEAKNESSES OR DISDVANTAGES
A new, weak nation that cannot raise money for war
Less than 3 million citizens, of which on-third are not loyal to the government
small navy
A small, poorly trained volunteer army and military leaders who lack experience in fighting a war (15,000 men initially)
Few factories to produce war supplies
Most Native Americans and Loyalists against them

4. Based on the information in the previous slides,
which country do you think had a better chance
of winning the Revolutionary War? Why?

5. The British Army WEAKNESSES OR DISADVANTAGES
Long way from home (3,000 miles)
Difficult to get supplies ashore (American Privateers would attack British ships.)
The British had to fight in a country that they didn’t know well.
No help from colonists
Less motivation to win

6. The Continental Army STRENGTHS OR ADVANTAGES
Fighting in their home country
Get supplies easily
Support of women
Stronger motivation to win
Did not give up during hardships
General George Washington
Help from European countries

7. Why do you think the Americans were able to win the war?
What advantages or strengths do you think were the most
Important to the Continental Army?

8. The Continental Army and Navy were far weaker than those of the British. But unlike the British, Continentals were fighting close to home. They also had a stronger motivation to win. The British had to try to control large amounts of territory and destroy the Continental Army. America won its
independence!