AMH Lesson II – Late Revolutionary War & Subsequent U.S. Campaigns

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key tactical, operational, and ethical concepts from the Late Revolutionary War through 19th-century U.S. conflicts.

Double Envelopment (Cowpens)

Tactical maneuver in which Daniel Morgan’s militia and dragoons simultaneously flanked Banastre Tarleton’s force from both sides, encircling it.

Combined Arms

The coordinated use of multiple combat branches—infantry, cavalry, artillery—to achieve complementary battlefield effects.

Morgan’s Use of Terrain

Positioned regulars and cavalry behind a hill so only militia were visible, luring Tarleton into a premature frontal attack.

Morgan’s Use of Time

Delayed counterstroke until Tarleton’s troops were fully committed, maximizing the impact of the envelopment.

Tarleton’s Overcommitment

Aggressive penetration attack at Cowpens that ignored hidden American forces and set conditions for his defeat.

Mounted–Dismounted Synergy (Cowpens)

American dragoons decisively supported dismounted militia and regulars, illustrating effective mounted support to foot troops.

Greene’s Leadership at Guilford Courthouse

Cautious strategy that preserved Continental forces while inflicting attrition on the British, leading to a strategic American advantage.

Emotional Impact on British Southern Campaign

Harsh British policies fueled colonial anger, strengthening Patriot resolve and resistance.

Patriot Guerilla Support

Strong local backing for partisan fighters in the South, enabling successful irregular and conventional actions such as King’s Mountain.

British Policies & Guerilla Growth

Repressive measures that alienated southern populations and increased recruitment for Patriot guerillas.

Joint Army-Navy Operations at Yorktown

French fleet blockaded Cornwallis while allied armies besieged, ensuring British surrender.

French Naval Interdiction (Yorktown)

Cut British sea lines of communication and resupply, isolating Cornwallis’s army.

Joint Success at Vicksburg

Union riverine navy and land forces cooperated to secure the Mississippi, splitting the Confederacy.

Joint Synchronization in Desert Storm

Integrated air, land, and maritime operations that rapidly overwhelmed Iraqi forces.

Newburgh Affair

1783 officers’ conspiracy challenging civilian control that George Washington defused without harsh punishment, reinforcing ethical civil–military relations.

Old Northwest Improvement (Wayne’s Expedition)

Enhanced training, discipline, equipment, and combined arms that defeated Native resistance after St. Clair’s disaster.

St. Clair’s Expedition

1791 U.S. campaign that collapsed due to poor discipline and logistics, prompting later reforms.

Second Seminole War Reforms

Better soldier conditioning, tactics, uniforms, and year-round pressure that eventually forced most Seminoles west.

Perseverance Principle (Second Seminole War)

Continuous operations without summer pauses, depriving Seminoles of respite and resources.

Battle of the Thames (1813)

U.S. victory that eliminated Tecumseh, broke British-Indian alliance, and secured the Detroit front.

Lake Champlain Key Terrain

Critical line of communication; control of the lake blocked British invasion from Canada in 1814.

New Orleans Strategic Value

Guarded access to the Mississippi River, making it decisive terrain for the War of 1812’s closing battle.

METT-TC

Mission, Enemy, Terrain & Weather, Troops & Support, Time, and Civil Considerations—a planning framework for commanders.

OAKOC

Observation & Fields of Fire, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Obstacles, Cover & Concealment—tool for terrain analysis.

Legitimacy Principle (COIN)

Requirement that counterinsurgents maintain moral and legal authority to win popular support.