Chapter 6 Flashcards
Opposing Sides?
-1/3 for independence, 1/3 against, 1/3 neutral
American Strengths?
-Fighting for a cause (Freedom)
-Good leaders (GW) understood situation
-Defending homes, knew the land
-Good shots/ guerrilla tactics
-Stick-to-it-ivness
American Weaknesses?
-Lacked supplies/weapons/ammo
-No navy
-Poorly trained/unorganized
-No allies/no real government
-Lacked money/fighting wealthy nation
British Strengths?
-Well-trained/supplied/experienced
-Strong Navy, move men and supplies quickly
-Larger population, more soldiers
-More $, weapons, etc.
-Many loyalists in colonies
-Strong leadership (military and government)
-Hired mercenaries (Hessians)
British Weaknesses?
-Stuck fighting European style war
-Unfamiliar with the land
-Overconfident
-3,000 miles from home
-Failed to understand American will to win.
The American Army Under Washington?
-Short-term enlistments
-little fighting experience
-Soldiers didn’t want to mix ranks with soldiers from other colonies.
-Congress had little money to support the army, and little authority to raise money or troops.
New York City Lost?
British, led by William Howe, defeat Americans led by George Washington in a series of bloody battles over four months. Final blow was battle of Long Island- 32,000 British troops defeated less than 20,000 Americans driving them across Delaware R. into Pennsylvania.
Nathan Hales Quote?
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country!”
Miracle at Trenton?
-(Christmas, 1776 ) Washington has 2400 weary soldiers needing a lift before enlistments end; re-crosses the Delaware R., surprising and defeating 1000 Hessians stationed in Trenton.
-Stunning victory, followed by another in Princeton- re-supplies army. Troops are revived!
Thomas Paines Quote?
“These are the times that try men’s souls.” (The Crisis)
George Washingtons Quote?
“I think the game is pretty near up.”
Turning point of the war?
British, led by John Burgoyne, try a three-pronged attack to divide the colonies (cut off New England).
(1) Burgoyne moves south from Montreal to Albany, NY.
(2) Barry St. Leger, headed from Lake Ontario to Albany fails when he is defeated by NY minutemen and Benedict Arnold at Ft. Stanwix.
(3) William Howe headed from New York City to Albany, but George III makes him take Philadelphia first. Washington defends the city, losing battles at Brandywine and Germantown as he slows Howe, who must spend winter in Philadelphia.
(4) Burgoyne took Ticonderoga; moved slowly, eventually defeated at Saratoga, NY when no help arrived. Plan Fails! England offered to discuss American grievances, but refused independence. Americans decide to Fight to the Finish!
Allies for the Americans?
-France convinced Americans can win the war by victory at Saratoga and Benjamin Franklin, who represented Congress.
-France agrees to fight war on American side, promising money, equipment and the support of their navy.
-Though refusing to recognize American independence (until the war was won), Spain soon followed France as an ally.
Valley Forge?
-War’s lowest point for the Americans. -Washington’s army suffers through winter quarters near Philadelphia.
-Conditions are brutal: cold, little food, medicine, clothing or needed supplies.
-Many desertions, and no help from Congress.
-Eventually Europeans such as French noble Marquis de Lafayette, Poles Thaddeus Kosciusko and Casimir Pulaski, and Prussian Friedrich von Steuben arrived to help give Washington’s army much needed training and support.
War In The West?
-Threat comes from British and Natives siding with the British (Mohawks led by Joseph Brant).
-George Rogers Clark leads a small army (175 troops) to victories at Kaskaskia (IL) and Vincennes (IN), strengthening the American position in the West.
-Some believe that defeating British forts north of the Ohio R. destroyed British influence with the natives and doubled the size of U.S.
