Chapter 3 - Why did the British fail to suppress the revolt in it's early stages of the war 1775-77? Flashcards
Describe 4 strengths that the British had by early 1776. [4]
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- Britain had 8 million people, compared to 2.5 million in the colonies. [1]
- Britain had the support of at least 500,000 loyalists. [1]
- Lord Sandwich, First Lord of the Admiralty, had drive to retain naval domination. [1]
- Lord George Germain, Colonial secretary from Nov 1775, coordinated British war effort. [1]
Describe 3 weaknesses that the British had by 1776. [3]
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- Britain fought the war 3000 miles from home. It took 3 months to deliver supplies. [1]
- Britain’s army was under-strength, with only about 36,000 troops rather than 50,000.
- Hessian troops, who were brutal, turned loyalists away from Britain. [1]
Describe 2 American advantages that they had by 1776. [2]
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- The militia was large and took part in many battles. Over 100,000 served at some point during the war. [1]
- Congress had 2000 privateers (Private vessels) which disrupted British merchants. [1]
Describe 2 American problems that they had by 1776. [2]
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- Washington’s army never exceed 20,000. He barely had 5000 troops at a time. [1]
- Most militiamen only served for a few weeks before leaving, which impacted numbers. [1]
State 2 problems Britain faced while compiling strategy to defeat the colonial army. [2]
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- Britain had to rely on themselves for supplies, as population was generally hostile. [1]
- There was no obvious political/economic centre for Britain to target. [1]
Describe the “Seaboard Strategy” [3]
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- A strategy of gaining control of American ports [1]
- and blockading the coastline [1]
- so operating and fighting inland was less problematic. [1]
State 2 problems with the “Seaboard Strategy”. [2]
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- This strategy would lose loyalists support in America. [1]
- A decisive victory was needed. A seaboard strategy would draw the war out. [1]
What were the 3 main strategies that were available to Washington in order to defeat the British? [3]
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- Guerilla Warfare [1]
- “War of Posts” - Fighting tactical engagements, then withdrawing, wearing the British down. [1]
- Pitched battle - Confronting the British head on. [1]
Initially, which strategy did Washington favour and why? [2]
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- Favoured pitched battles. [1]
- Historian Joseph Ellis quotes “He regarded battle as a summons to display one’s strength and courage.” [1]
Describe the nature of the loyalist groups. [2]
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- Many loyalists had strong links with Britain. [1]
- Many loyalists were from minority groups, such as backcountry men. [1]
How many loyalist’s enlisted in the British Army by 1783? [1]
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19000 men [1]
What was the main problem concerning loyalists and their coherence? [3]
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- Loyalists were unable to organize themselves on a large scale [1]
- as many had varying motivations. [1]
- so they relied on Britain to provide leadership. [1]
Referring to historian Stephen Conway (1995), explain 3 reasons why the War of Independence may have been the first modern war. [3]
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- The continental army was the first to openly use meritocracy in it’s regular and officer ranks. [1]
- After 1778, Britain was mobilising 1 in 7 fit men to fight in America. [1]
- Americans made good use of the rifle, with a range of 200m. [1]
Referring to historian Piers Mackesy (1964), explain 2 reasons why the War of Independence may have been a traditional war. [2]
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- British and continental armies fought in the traditional manner (e.g. pitched battles) [1]
- Nationalism was not a new concept in fighting armies before the war. [1]
What were General Howes plans on March 1776? [2]
- Planning an attack on New York [1]
- Hoping to defeat Washington’s army, then negotiate peace. [1]
