6.1 The War for IndependenceAdvantages and Disadvantages

Roles

British Advantages

• Strongest navy in the world• Well trained army• Very wealthy/ resources/ supplies• Colonies divided in their support (some

loyalists supported Britain)• Higher population in Britain compared to

colonies• Sought enlistment of Colonial slaves

Colonist Advantages

• Fighting on their own ground– Supply lines quicker– Knew the land

• British: did not know land, supplies had to be shipped across ocean

– Quick communication• For British: News or victories/ defeats, orders took a long

time to get across ocean

• Highly motivated/ as opposed to the British and their mercenaries who were not as motivated

• Good leadership under George Washington

Conditions for Victory

• Colonists have an easier condition of victory:– They do not need to defeat the strong British forces in

their entirety, rather they just have to convince the British that it will be too inconvenient and costly for them to control the colonies.

• British have a difficult condition of victory:– Need to convince the colonists that they will not be able

win the war (difficult as colonists are highly motivated.)– Cannot wage “absolute war” for risk of losing support of

Loyalists

Colonial Fighting Forces• 1. Colony Militias– Civilian forces of each colony– Each colony had its own objectives

• 2. Continental Army– Fighting force which did not represent one

particular colony, but rather, the entire body of colonies. (Continental)

– This group led by Washington• Recruit: to enlist in the military• Most people enlisted for one year of service

– Why might this be a problem for the Patriots?

Other factors which led to British defeat

• In 1778 France declares war on Britain (alliance with Colonies)

• In 1779- Spain declares war on Britain• 1780- Britain becomes involved in a war with

Holland

• How do these factors affect Britain’s ability to fight an inconvenient and logistically difficult conflict in the Americas?

Women in the War

• Margaret Corbin (took husband’s place in battle after he died)

• Mary Ludqig Hays McCauley (called Molly Pitcher) because she carred pitchers of water to soldiers

• Deborah Sampson- disguised herself as a man to serve in Massachusetts Militia

African Americans in the War

• Need for soldiers led some colonies to wave the ban on African soldiers

• Rhode Island raised the first all African regiment 1778

• Every state except South Carolina enlisted African Americans by end of war

• HOWEVER: most out of those African Americans who fought in the war, most joined the British side as the British offered them freedom from slavery in exchange for service.

Native Americans in the War

• While some Natives remained neutral, most who took part in the war sided with the British. – Given what you know about the Colonists and the

Proclamation of 1763, why does it make sense for Natives to side with the British?

Battle of Long Island• In June of 1776, Sir William Howe (British general)

gathered his troops in Staten Island, NY.• Washington’s men were awaiting an attack in

Brooklyn on Long Island. • The British outnumbered the Americans and had

naval supremacy. • After several battles, Washington abandoned New

York City in August.

New York City Map• Brooklyn-Yellow• Queens-Orange• Staten Island-Purple• Manhattan-Blue• Bronx-Red

• Note: Brooklyn andQueens are technically part of Long Island

Nathan Hale• Hale, an American spy

posing as a school teacher, was captured by the British during the Battle of Long Island

• Before he was hanged, he stated “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

New Jersey• Washington and his men were pursued

throughout New Jersey and escaped to Pennsylvania in early December, 1776.

• On Christmas night, Washington and his men crossed the Delaware and surprised the Hessian troops (German mercenaries) stationed in Trenton, NJ. 900 prisoners were taken by the Americans.

Battle of Princeton • When news reached Cornwallis (British leader) of the surrender of the Germans, he marched his troops towards Trenton

• Washington attacked the British at Princeton

• Victory inspired troops, increased morale and enlistment on American side.

Battle of Princeton • How it was won:• While the experienced

British soldiers formed into lines, Washington's men fell into perilous disarray until their commander rode to the front on his tall white horse. "Parade with me my brave fellows," he called to them, before personally leading the assault on the British lines.

Battle of Princeton• Observers remarked with

wonder not only that the mounted general survived the subsequent barrage of enemy gunfire, but that he did so in high good spirits: "It's a fine fox chase, my boys," Washington is reported to have called out when the British broke and ran.

Saratoga • British General Burgoyne

hoped to cut off New England from the rest of the colonies by attacking from three directions (North, South, West) in 1777.

• His plans fell through and the Americans (under General Horatio Gates) were able to surround the British in Saratoga, New York.

• Generally regarded as a turning point in the war.

Battle of Saratoga: Surrender of General Burgoyne

Battle of Saratoga• After losing many men, Burgoyne surrendered in Oct.

1777.• Victory at Saratoga boosted American spirits,

Europeans realized Americans had a chance at defeating British

• Franklin and Adams were in Paris in 1777 petitioning for French support for America

• News of Burgoyne's surrender was instrumental in formally bringing France into the war as an American ally

Day 2 Closure

• With a partner and as a left-side reflection, summarize the significance of the Battles of:– Long Island– Trenton– Princeton– Saratoga