Loss of American colonies 1770-83: Why did Britain lose the American colonies? Flashcards
In 1775, how many soldiers did Britain have in total?
48,647
In 1775, how many soldiers did Britain have in America?
about 8,000
In 1775, how many ships did the Royal Navy have in total?
340
Which two places did the Royal Navy use as based to launch their attacks on America?
Newfoundland
West Indies
Give three key weaknesses of British in the War of Independence.
- logistics of supplying and maintaining the troops in the right places
- lack of strategy
- no land base so all attacks had to start at sea ports or navigable rivers
Give two key weaknesses of Americans in the War of Independence.
- limited money (could issue paper money but caused inflation)
- not enough weapons (or means of manufacturing them)
Give three key strengths of Americans in the War of Independence.
- high level of support
- terrain and climate familiar to them
- Washington’s genius in regrouping and training forces as things changed
When and where was the first rebel defeat of the British in the War of Independence?
Saratoga in October 1777
Why did British lose at Saratoga?
- Burgoyne’s force was a ragtag mix of British soldiers, Hessian mercenaries, native Americans, Canadians and American loyalists and this put off other loyalists from joining.
- Burgoyne was overconfident and encumbered by enormous baggage train (30 vehicles for his wardrobe and champagne!)
- No coordination with Generals Clinton and Howe
Who persuaded the French to join the War of Independence?
Benjamin Franklin
What were the two French motivations for joining the War of Independence?
- long-term rivalry with Britain
- chance to gain some territory
When was treaty signed between American colonies and France?
February 1778
When did French declare war on British?
June 1778
When did Spain enter War of Independence?
June 1779
What % of British army were in North American in 1778 and 1780?
1778: 65%
1780: 20%
