Chapter 3 - What were the key military developments in the war 1778-82? Flashcards
When did France formally become an ally of America and join the war? [1]
Ref - Page 75
6th February 1778 [1]
Why did France want to enter the war against Britain? [2]
Ref - Page 75
- To take revenge after the losses during the Seven Years War. [1]
- To weaken Britain’s position in the world. [1]
Which event convinced France that they would be able to beat Britain in the war? [1]
Ref - Page 75
Surrender at Saratoga. [1]
What doubts did King Louis VXI have about America? [1]
Ref - Page 75
He refused to recognise American independence until winning the war was certain. [1]
When did Spain enter the war against Britain? [2]
Ref - Page 75
- April 1779 [1]
- as an ally of France, not of the USA. [1]
Why did Spain want to go to war against Britain? [1]
Ref - Page 76
- To recapture key possessions such as Gibraltar and Florida. [1]
What was the League of Armed Neutrality and what was it’s purpose? [2]
Ref - Page 76
- An alliance of European nations such as Russia, Sweden etc. [1]
- It aimed to protect neutral rights, given Britain’s blockade of America. [1]
State 2 consequences of French and Spanish intervention for Britain. [2]
Ref - Page 76
- French invasion threat of Britain, as France had 150,000 soldiers. [1]
- Britain had to defend their possessions in Gibraltar, India etc. [1]
How did Britain respond to the threats of French and Spanish intervention? [2]
Ref - Page 76
- Increasing national war effort in Britain. [1]
- By 1782, there was 150,000 soldiers, as well as 100,000 sailors with 600 ships. [1]
Why might the consequences of French and Spanish intervention be exaggerated? [3]
Ref - Page 76
- Both of them promoted their own interests mainly instead of America. [1]
- e.g. France landed and captured the Carribbean. [1]
- France only ever sent 10,000 troops to America. [1]
When did Valley Forge occur? [1]
Ref - Page 76
19th December 1777 [1]
Why was Valley Forge an important event for the Continental Army? [2]
Ref - Page 76
- It was the point where the Continental army was considered a professinal army. [1]
- They recieved training from General Steuben, a Prussian general. [1]
Give 3 examples of the harsh conditions suffered in Valley Forge. [3]
Ref - Page 76
- Each man only had a ration of 1/2 pound of beef a day. [1]
- 2000 men died from diseases such as influenza. [1]
- 2800 men were seen as unfit for duty. [1]
Who was General Steuben and why was he important during Valley Forge? [2]
Ref - Page 76
- He was a Prussian General who was recruited by Washington to train the continenal army. [1]
- He taught methods such as moving and attacking in fireteams of 4, instead of 1 big line. [1]
Describe an example of a battle which took place after Valley Forge, displaying a newly trained Continental army. [3]
Ref - Page 76
- Battle of Monmouth (June 28th 1777) [1]
- Resulted in a draw, with both sides suffering about 300 casualties. [1]
- Showed that the army could now contest with the British in open battle. [1]
