bum history

What weapon was primarily used by infantry in the 18th century?

The musket, a smoothbore longarm loaded from the muzzle.

Why did soldiers fight in formation during the 18th century?

To maintain battlefield cohesion, apply area fire, and defend against cavalry.

When was the Battle of Bunker Hill fought?

June 17, 1775.

Why was the Battle of Bunker Hill considered a technical victory for the British?

Because they won the battle but suffered such high losses they didn't launch further assaults there.

Who assumed command of the Continental Army in 1775?

George Washington.

What was George Washington's first task after taking command of the Continental Army?

To organize his forces and drive the British out of Boston.

Where did Lord William Howe go after abandoning Boston?

He went to New York.

What was the series of engagements between Washington and Howe in New York called?

The Battle of Long Island.

When did the Battle of Long Island take place?

From August through October 1776.

What did Washington do after retreating from New York?

He crossed into Pennsylvania.

What battle did Washington win on December 25, 1776?

The Battle of Trenton.

What was the significance of the Battle of Trenton?

It boosted American morale after defeats in New York.

What battle did Washington lose in September 1777?

The Battle of Brandywine.

What happened to Philadelphia after the Battle of Brandywine?

The British captured it and the Continental Congress fled.

What was General Burgoyne’s plan in 1777?

To march from Canada through the Hudson Valley and meet with other British forces to divide New England from the rest of the colonies.

Who were the three British commanders involved in Burgoyne’s plan?

General Burgoyne, General Howe, and General St. Leger.

Why did Burgoyne’s plan fail?

Howe went to Philadelphia instead, St. Leger was defeated, and Burgoyne was left isolated.

What battle became the turning point of the American Revolution?

The Battle of Saratoga.

Who was the real architect of the American victory at Saratoga?

Benedict Arnold.

Why did Benedict Arnold turn traitor?

Because he was snubbed and relieved of command by General Gates.

What happened as a result of the American victory at Saratoga?

France joined the war in February 1778, followed by Spain and the Netherlands.

Who replaced General Howe as British commander-in-chief?

General Henry Clinton.

Where did Washington's army camp during the winter of 1777–1778?

Valley Forge.

What were the conditions like at Valley Forge?

Grim—troops lacked basic supplies and many deserted.

Who helped train and discipline the Continental Army at Valley Forge?

Frederick Wilhelm von Steuben.

What did von Steuben contribute to the Continental Army?

He wrote a drill manual and instilled discipline.

Which battle followed the British retreat from Philadelphia?

The Battle of Monmouth.

Who helped Washington fight the British to a standstill at Monmouth?

Hamilton, Lafayette, and von Steuben.

Where did the British shift their focus after Monmouth?

To the Southern colonies.

Which two southern cities did General Cornwallis capture?

Savannah and Charleston.

What two battles in the South were American victories over British forces?

King’s Mountain (10/7/1780) and Cowpens (1/17/1781).

What was the result of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse?

A pyrrhic British victory that marked the end of their southern strategy.

What was the last major battle of the American Revolution?

The Siege of Yorktown.

When did Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown?

October 19, 1781.