THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR: 1775 - 1783
OBJECTIVES FOR AMERICA
The War was necessary to:
1. Establish American as a Sovereign (self-determining) Nation
2. Promote American Unity – fight a Common Enemy to bind the new country together
3. Expel the British from Colonial America and begin the American Story
4. Jump start American Diplomacy –to attract official recognition from other countries
ADVANTAGES vs DISADVANTAGES
American Advantages
British Advantages
A Fighting Force committed to their Cause
Home field Advantage
George Washington’s Leadership
Ben franklin’s Diplomacy
Professional Army and Navy
A Government Committed to Supporting the War
Paid Hessians and Indians for extra manpower
Inexperienced / poorly trained American force
American Disadvantages
British Disadvantages
Poorly trained Army / No Navy
Weak, Inexperienced Government
1/3 of population were Loyalists
A 3000 mile (across Atlantic Ocean) supply line
Vastness of the American Geography–lots of land
Indecisiveness of Generals
STRATEGIES FOR FIGHTING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Americans
Fight a long war
Fight an Unconventional (Guerilla) War
Get allies to help America fight the War
British
Fight Two wars -- North & South Campaigns
Naval Blockade of Ports
Use Loyalists to fight Americans
TREATY OF PARIS / OUTCOMES
America declared to be “free, sovereign, and independent country”
North American Map re-drawn – USA stretches from Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River
American Diplomacy Commences as the USA takes its place among other nations in the World
Articles of Confederation (passed in 1781 and America’s first plan of government) go into effect
First crop of American leaders – at the national and the state level – are identified (Forefathers)