AKFCS Freshmen: Comparing the Continental and British Armies

What was a major weakness of the Continental Army regarding manpower?

The Continental Army was often short of qualified and capable men, with General Washington rarely having more than 20,000 troops at one time.

What issue did the Continental Army face in terms of training?

Very few Americans were trained well enough to survive in battle, often only able to shoot well from behind cover.

What were some of the supply shortages faced by the Continental Army?

The army faced shortages of guns, gunpowder, food, uniforms, and adequate clothing.

How did food shortages impact the Continental Army?

Food shortages forced many soldiers to leave the army to tend to their farms.

What was the Articles of Confederation's limitation regarding the Continental Army?

The Articles of Confederation lacked the power to raise money, as the federal government could not tax the states.

What was a significant strength of the American forces during the Revolution?

The patriotism of the colonists, who were willing to give their lives to defend their liberty and homes.

Which foreign country provided significant aid to the Americans during the Revolution?

France provided roughly 85-90 percent of the Americans' gunpowder in the first two years of the war.

Who was the commander of the Continental Army, and what was his significance?

George Washington was an experienced leader whose determination inspired confidence and courage in his men.

What was the size and training level of the British army at the start of the Revolution?

The British army totaled about 50,000 well-trained and well-armed troops.

What additional forces did the British employ to strengthen their army?

The British supplemented their army with about 30,000 mercenaries known as Hessians.

What was a logistical challenge faced by the British during the war?

The distance between Britain and America made timely shipments of troops and supplies slow and expensive.

What was a public sentiment in Britain regarding the war?

Many British citizens questioned the need to fight the Americans and were concerned about the war's costs.

How did the geographical unfamiliarity affect British soldiers?

British generals were unsure of strategic locations, and soldiers were often unaware of American town layouts and landscapes.

What was the impact of the British public's support on the war effort?

The lack of public support in Britain led to fewer volunteers to fight in the war.

What did the term 'mercenary' refer to in the context of the British army?

A mercenary is a professional, hired soldier, such as the Hessians who fought for the British.

What does the term 'adage' mean as used in the context of the British experience during the war?

An adage is a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth, highlighting the British experience of underestimating the American struggle.