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%
What % of British navy were in North American in 1778 and 1780?
1778: 41%
1780: 13%
Why did the % of British army and navy in North America drop between 1778 and 1780?
French entered the war so Britain needed to defend itself against France.
Where did French intervention play a key part in War of Independence?
Chesapeake Bay
Where did Spanish intervention play a key part in War of Independence?
Mississippi Valley
Why did British move their focus south after Saratoga?
They thought there were more loyalists there so hoped to have a victory and then use as base to move northwards again.
How were British defeated at Yorktown in 1781?
16,000 American and French troops lay siege for 3 weeks whilst French fleet controlled Chesapeake Bay
When did Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown?
19 October 1781
Who put pressure on king to end the war after the defeat at Yorktown?
City of London and parliament
When was the Peace of Paris signed?
3 September 1783
Who signed the Peace of Paris?
Britain, USA, France, Spain and Holland
What were the two most significant clauses of the Peace of Paris?
- recognition of American independence and its new boundaries
- division of imperial posessions between Britain, France and Spain
What was the immediate impact of Britain’s defeat?
resignation of Lord North in 1782 and formation of a coalition government
Who won decisive election victory in 1784?
William Pitt
Over what years was William Pitte prime minister?
1784-1801
What was Britain’s national deby by 1783?
£232m
