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Overview of the American Revolution. United States of America vs. Great Britain. Let’s start with the 13 American Colonies…. Population: about 2.5 million Army: Never more than… 18,500 men Navy: about 13 ships and 2,000 sailors, French Navy helped us out
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Overview of the American Revolution United States of America vs. Great Britain
Let’s start with the 13 American Colonies… • Population: about 2.5 million • Army: Never more than… 18,500 men • Navy: about 13 ships and 2,000 sailors, French Navy helped us out • Leaders: General George Washington in charge of the troops • Allies were the French
Advantages…the good things • Outstanding leadership • Strong motivation (fighting for there freedom) • Fighting on home ground • Experienced officers • Superiority of the American rifle • Sharp shooters, very experienced
Disadvantages…the bad things • Inexperienced army and militia • Short enlistments (no long term soldiers) • Brand new navy • Constant shortages • Near-bankrupt treasury (NO MONEY) • 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 • 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