Britain's defeat; French and Spanish involvement, Britain's limited resources; the defeats of Burgoyne and Cornwallis; the decision to seek peace and accept the Treaty of Paris. Flashcards
Going into the War of Independence, what where the American strengths and weaknesses?
+The formation of America was a glorious dream, and meant that the soldiers were united behind the cause.
+George Washington was an excellent leader, who was able to rally his troops.
+America’s knowledge of their own terrain allowed for Gruella tactics.
- As a new nation, America had hardly any industry and little economic development.
- America had no weaponry stockpiles or any kind of navy
Going into the War of Independence, what where the British strengths and weaknesses?
+ The RN had around 340 ships to reinforce the red coats and impose naval blockades, Led by Lord Sandwich, a competent leader.
+ Britain had just under 50,00 troops and the luxury of German mercenaries.
+ Britain’s economy was much stronger
+ Recruitable pop of 8 million.
- Fighting in the America’s was a logistical nightmare, loyalist support was very spread out, and fighting up to 120km deep into the land mass, supply lines became stretched.
- Due to the nature of the war, encirclements and pincers where very easy to fall into, I.e.: Saratoga and Yorktown.
- Generals which were slow to receive orders from London.
Describe General Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga, 1777.
October 1777 was Britain’s first real defeat, and a large turning point in the war.
Burgoyne assaulted from Canada, travelling 200 miles south but he could not link up with General Clinton, overstretching the supply line and leaving him surrounded, giving him no choice but to surrender to the Continental army of October 17th.
The plan was to collect loyalists supporters along the way, and meet up in NY, but he was overconfident, telling people in a London club he would be “home by Christmas.” The difficulties he faced were entirely of his own making, he had a 30 carriage baggage train including a brass band and a champagne carriage, and he was very easy to predict.
He was not co-ordinated with Clinton or Howe, and he advanced hoping his allies would do the same, they did not, and he was met with Gates’ army of double the size.
5,895 men laid down their arms at Saratoga, and 5,895 men were kept as POWs.
Describe the French and Spanish involvement in the war.
Benjamin Franklin was sent on a diplomatic mission to get the foreign powers involved.
France were persuaded by the news of Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga, France declared war in June 1778. Spain Joined A year later, sealing the fate of Britain.
Until 1778, 65% of the British army was in NA, but this dropped to 20% when BR had to defend other eras. In 1778, 41% if the RN was in NA waters but this dropped to 13%.
The French fleet under De Grasse was vital in the defeat at Yorktown.
By 1781, Spanish troops helped to clear British forces from the Mississippi valley.
The French and Spanish involvement caused Britain to re-evaluate, causing a shift in priorities.
Describe Cornwallis’ defeat at Yorktown in 1781
After Saratoga, the British moved their focus south where they believed they could rally loyalist support, moving through the new england colonies, taking them one by one.
British control of this region rested on the control of the Chesapeake bay, which linked NY and Yorktown by Sea.
Washington led an army of 16,000 of American and French troops that were able to lay siege to the British troops for 3 weeks. On the 19th Of October, Cornwallis surrendered, as reinforcements arrived 5 days to late.
The French Navy was vital, they were able to hold off the British, causing them logistical problems, repelling the first fleet on the 5th of September.
