American History
Unit 05:
American Revolution, 1775-1783 (Part 02)
Taking Sides
The Colonists Were Divided.
A. American Whigs
1. Supporters of independence.
2. 1/3 population.
B. Loyalists or Tories
1. Pro British
2. 1/3 population.
a. Greatest number in New York
and New Jersey.
b. British immigrants and
French Canadians.
C. Individuals that didn't care.
a. 1/3 population.
History Fun Fact:
During the American Revolution, more inhabitants of the American colonies fought for the British
than for the Continental Army.
Not for All: Diagram
The Opposing Sides
British Advantages:
1. Outnumbered the Americans 11 million to 2.5 million.
2. Possessed the world's largest navy.
3. One of the world's best professional armies.
British Disadvantages:
1. Difficulty recruiting soldiers.
a. American loyalists or Tories (21,000)
b. Hessian (German) mercenaries (30,000)
c. Indians (Sided with the British against the westward
moving, land- hungry Americans.
2. Could not maintain the 3,000-mile supply line.
3. Able to capture cities, but not control of the countryside.
4. Lacked the support from home.
a. Many British citizens were against the war.
The Opposing Sides
American Advantages:
1. Knew the terrain.
2. Did not have to beat the British, just resist long enough
for the British to tire and quit.
American Disadvantages:
1. 1/3 of population was against the war.
2. Lacked experienced officers.
3. No money, depended on donations or stole supplies.
4. In the beginning, the army was an untrained mob.
History Fun Fact:
The song, "Yankee Doodle" was originally sung by British Soldiers to
insult the colonialists (which was typical of the British in those days). The
Continental Army took to singing it to annoy the British (which was
typical of the colonialists).
BOTH SIDES HAD STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
COLONISTS
BRITISH
STRENGTHS
STRENGTHS
Strong Military Leaders
Large Number of Troops
Foreign Aid
Professional Army
Moral Advantage
Wealthy
Agriculturally Self-Sufficient
Ability to Hire More Troops
Large Area
WEAKNESSES
WEAKNESSES
Disorganized
3,000 Miles Away: Difficult to Get
Supplies and Orders
Lack of Unity
Weak Generals
Economic Problems
France Wanted Revenge
Revolutionary Cause: Diagram
American Revolution Discussion Question #1
Some historians suggest that the patriots won partly because they
had the advantage of fighting on their own soil. Considering the
American Revolution and other wars you've studied, how much
impact does this factor have?
HOME FIELD
ADVANTAGE
American Revolution (Part 02) Review
1. Describe how the colonists were divided over the issue of independence.
2. What roles did Native Americans, women, and African-Americans have during
the American Revolution?
3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the British Army during the
American Revolution.
4. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the Colonial Army during the
American Revolution.