Chap 4: Section 3 Flashcards
William Howe
British Commander-in-Chief/General during the American Rev
Guerilla warfare
A type of warfare that includes groups of people sabotaging, ambushing, raids, hit-and-run, and petty tactics
Nathan Hale
American soldier and spy during the American Rev. He was caught spying and was hung
Valley Forge
A tough battle that was rough because of weather, living conditions, lack of food, illness, and more
Marquis de Lafayette
French soldier who was a help in the American Rev.
Saratoga
A battle that was a turning point, American victory that brought morale up
Letters of marque
Written authorization for a person to attack and capture vessels of a nation during war
John Paul Jones
The United States’ first well-known naval commander in the American Rev
Charles Cornwallis
British solider
Battle of Kings Mountain
A battle that gave colonists hope that they wouldn’t lose the south, colonists win
Did the British expect the rebellion to last long?
No
Robert Morris
A wealthy PA merchant and banker who promised a lot of money towards the war
What are some advantages for the colonists?
Fighting on home ground, generals make good decisions, fighting for their rights and freedom, and French allies.
What are some advantages for the British?
Well trained militia, many resources, and strong gov’t
What are some disadvantages for the colonists?
Untrained and small army, food and ammunition shortages, and weak and divided gov’t
What are some disadvantages for the British?
Fighting in unfamiliar territory, far from Britain and resources, and indifferent troops (half-hearted support from home)
The British were not united at home…
…Many citizens (members of Parliament and merchants) were against the war.
The US didn’t really have to win…
…they had to wait until the British were tired of paying for the war.
What were the two parts of Howe’s strategy?
Military (he began a massive build-up in NY) and diplomacy (trying to make a compromise with colonists)
What happened in The Battle of White Plains?
Washington was forced to retreat by the British
Battle of Trenton
December 25th, 1776, colonists attack Hessians at Trenton
What did Howe believe about capturing Philadelphia and the Continental Congress?
He believed it would cripple the revolution
Howe’s operation was a _____ success and a _____ failure
Military; political
Howe’s plan:
He loaded about 13,000 men onto ships and
moved them to Maryland. From there he attacked Philadelphia from the south
Howe defeated Washington but…
…to Howe’s frustration, the Continental Congress got away
Howe failed to destroy the Continental Army, which soon…
…took up winter quarters at Valley Forge
What was the American victory at Saratoga considered?
A turning point
Who was secretly sending arms and supplies to the US?
Spain and France
When did the USA sign its first two treaties?
February 6, 1778
The First treaty
France recognized the USA as an independent nation
The Second treaty
The French and American alliance
Who was at war by June 1778?
France and Britain (in 1779, Spain joined the war, ally of France, not USA)
What ship did John Paul Jones command?
Bonhomme Richard (JPJ attacked British ships and the British surrendered after a crazy fight with him!)
After the Saratoga British defeat…
…General Howe resigned and was replaced by SIr Henry Clinton
In 1778, British troops captured…
…Savannah, Georgia
Charles Cornwallis was left in command after…
…Clinton returned to NY
What was the greatest American defeat of the war?
The capturing of Savannah Georgia
Who led an attack that captured key British defenses?
Alexander Hamilton
