American Revolution Forces, Weapons, and Strategies

Vocabulary flashcards covering the soldiers, weaponry, battle tactics, and military strategies of the British and Continental forces during the American Revolution.

Hessians

German soldiers hired to fight on the side of the British during the war, rented out by the prince from the German state of Hesse-Cassel for more than he would make in $13$ years from tax revenue.

Pennsylvania or Long Rifle

A firearm manufactured with spiral grooves in the barrel that made the bullet spin when fired, improving its accuracy and increasing its range.

King's Mountain

A battle where the Long Rifle, used mainly by Americans in the frontier, played a key role in the victory.

Artillery

Weapons including cannons, field guns, mortars, and howitzers used by both armies to bombard fortifications, sink ships, and fire on advancing troops, with ranges varying between $750\text{--}2000$ yards.

Early British Strategy

A military plan that involved establishing headquarters in New York City and Canada to cut New England off from the rest of the colonies, believing the rebellion would die out once New England was isolated.

Guerilla Warfare

A combat strategy involving tactics such as hiding behind trees, firing from inside buildings, raids, and hit-and-run attacks, used by colonial militia, mountain men, and Swamp Fox Marion's forces.

Swamp Fox Marion's Forces

A military group in South Carolina that used Guerilla Warfare tactics against the British.

Brown Bess

The most common musket used by both the Americans and the British during the war; it was very inaccurate, worked best when fired in unison, and could be reloaded and shot $3\text{--}4$ times per minute by experienced soldiers.

Bayonets

Blades attached to the end of the rifle used for charging and for hand-to-hand combat.

British Army Enlistment

The standard process where volunteers enlisted in the British Army between the ages of $17\text{--}25$ and typically remained in service until they were no longer fit.

Impressment

A practice throughout British history where men were forced or even kidnapped to serve in the military.