U.S History Honor I: Revolutionary War

British Advantages

• 4x as many troops

• Strongest army/navy

• Loyalists on their side

• King had full authority in charge of British actions + decisions

Americans Advantages

• Had GW’s leadership

• Fighting on home land

• Devoted to the cause

• Short supply line

British Disadvantages

• Long supply line

• Relied on Hessians to take care of Patriots

• unknown land

• Underestimated their enemy

Americans Disadvantages

• Short enlistments

• Poorly equipped

• No power to raise $

• Many colonists were Loyalists

Victories at Trenton and Princeton

Boosted spirits and extended the War

Battle of Trenton

• December 26, 1776

• NJ guarded by 1K Hessian Troops

• GW crosses frozen Delaware River

• Hessians playing cards drinking rum, completely surprised

• Americans had a suprise attack, killed 30 Hessians

• Quick victory American Army still alive, food, supplies, and prisoners taken

Battle of Princeton

• January 3, 1777

• British wants revenge and attacks a fort in Princeton

• Gw tricks the British with campfires burning bright

• British charge the camp, however the American Army attacks them from behind.

Battle of Saratoga/The 3 Man Plan

• Burgoyne 7,000 troops led south thru Canada

• St. Leger 5,000 troops thru Mohawk River Valley going east

• Howe 15,000 troops North up the Hudson River to Saratoga

• Armies would meet in NY, crush the Americans

• Capture New England States 1 by 1

Results of Battle of Saratoga

• Burgoyne: Scalping techniques backfire, forced to surrender

• St. Leger: Meets still resistance and is forced to retreat

• Howe: Wins battles in PA (Brandywine, Germantown) but never shows up

Turning point of the Revolution

• Other nations send help, begin to support the Americans

• Germany, Spain, French, Netherlands

• $, Supplies, Navy, Expertise

George Washington

• Commander of the Revolutionary Army

• Great physical structure (tall)

• Contained strong leadership skills

• Had a lot of military experience

Patriots

Individuals who supported independence

Loyalists

Individuals who opposed independence and remained loyal to the British Crown

Battle of Saratoga Importance

• Convinced the French to give U.S military support

• Gave the American troops confidence

Battle of Saratoga Importance

• convinced French to give U.S military support

• Lifted the American’s spirits