Why did America win the War of Independence?

British Failure

• North’s government overestimated loyalist support and assumed that the rebellion was localised in Massachsetts.

• Better British diplomacy may have prevented France and Spain from entering the war.

• British government fails to direct and energise its generals, so they were left to their own devices meaning that the mistakes were made in America rather than in London.

• North was not a great war leader, but did appoint some able men like Germain and Lord Sandwich

• General Howe was too cautious and missed several opportunities to destroy Washington’s army. Clinton was equally timid. Most of the mistakes were made in America rather than back in Parliament.

• Other generals, like Burgoyne, were too over-confident.

• British officers did not co-operate particularly well.

• British admirals, like Rodney, failed to send sufficient ships to New York in 1781, having some responsibility for Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown.

• Hessian troops alienated American loyalists and were not totally committed to the British cause - 5000 deserted. Most of those who did desert did so after 1781 when the war was already lost.

• British were bad at garnering local support - the British were worse towards civilians - generals would rally support and left the supporters without adequate support.

American Success

• Despite 0.9 percent of the population dying during the war and Britain being able to capture important towns as well as win most pitched battles, these successes did not subdue the population.

• Whenever the British army moved out of the area, people reverted back to the American cause.

• Successful building up of the Continental Army.

George Washington’s Role and the role of other leaders

• Despite immense shortages and one third of the men deserting, Washington kept the Continental Army being and improved its quality.

• His attack on Trenton required skill and tact and his march to Yorktown was a great feat.

• The militia units were very useful, they had control over most of the country, which gave them a massive advantage.

• Benedict Arnold was one of the best American heroes.

• American diplomats - Franklin, Jay and Adams - turned European rivalries and produced a series of diplomatic victories: the French Alliance (1778) and the Treaty of Paris (1783).

• Foreign expertise that advised Washington - Rochambeau, Von Steuben

Foreign Intervention

• Entry of France and Spain had swung the war into America’s favour.

• The reallocation of British military resources following Spanish and French conflict, had important implications for America.

• However, France and Spain only joined because they had old scores to settle, not American diplomacy.

• French Navy is important - de Grasse at Yorktown