The War of Independence Flashcards
1
Q
Why where Britain confident of victory at the beginning of the war?
A
- Britain had 8 million people were as the colonies had 2.5 million.
- Most British people fully support ed the war.
- Britain had the support of 500,000 American loyalists.
- Most Native Americans supported Britain.
- Britain had a 50,000 strong regular army.
2
Q
How many hessians did the British army hire in 1775-6?
A
18,000
Provided Britain with trained troops who could be immediately sent to the colonies.
3
Q
Evidence of Britain having naval superiority? Britain had 300 ships in 1775-6.
A
Britain had 300 ships in 1775-6.
Lord Sandwich, the first Lord of the admiralty embarked on a shipbuilding programme that ensured Britain retained control of the seas.
4
Q
What problems did America face at the beginning of the war?
A
- They lacked unity.
- In 1775 America had to build an army from scratch - Washington’s army never exceeded 20,000 men.
- The Americans did not have a worthy navy. 50 vessels were eventually commissioned for the continental navy.
- Americans lacked an effective national government.
The American economy was disrupted by war - American troops were often short of firearms munitions. - Congress was unable to levy taxes and financed the war through printing paper money.
5
Q
What advantages did Americans have at the beginning of the war?
A
- Most Americans were committed to the ‘Glorious Cause’.
- Although the continental army was small the militia turned out in large areas to fight. Over 100,000 Americans served at some time in militias.
- Britian didn’t entirely control the waves. Congress and the states commissioned 2000 privateers that inflicted heavy damage on British merchant ships.
6
Q
What problems did Britain face during the war of independence?
A
- Britain was fighting 4800km from home.
- The territory was unfriendly.
- The presence of Hessian troops convinced neutral Americans to support the patriots.
- The fact that Native Americans supported the British led to Americans joining the patriot side.
- Britain martial law alienated potentially friendly colonists.
- Lord North was not an inspiring war leader
7
Q
What strategic problems did Britain face during the war of independence?
A
- British troops faced a hostile population - British army was reliant on Britain for its supplies.
- The army had to defend ports to secure their supplies meaning that only part of the army was available for field operations.
- There was no political or economic centre for colonists to capture.
8
Q
Why did Britain not develop their seaboard strategy during the war of independence? - It would betray loyalists.
A
- It would betray loyalists.
- The seaboard strategy had failed in New England in 1775.
- There was pressure in Britain for a speedy and decisive victory - a seaboard strategy would be drawn out.
9
Q
Why did Britain think it was important to focus their efforts on destroying the continental army?
A
Britain hoped to reach a political solution an regain rule after the war so destroying territory would not be productive.
10
Q
What were Washingtons 3 main options for conducting the war in 1776? - Guerrilla war.
A
- Guerrilla war.
- A ‘War of Posts’ - fighting tactical engagements and withdrawals designed to wear down the enemy .
- An Offensive strategy.
11
Q
Which military approach did Washington take during the War of Independence? - Washington preferred taking on the British army in battle.
A
- Washington preferred taking on the British army in battle.
12
Q
How many people did John Adam’s estimate were loyalists and active rebels?
A
1/3 loyalists
1/3 active rebels.
13
Q
How many Americans enlisted in the British army by 1783?
A
19,000.
14
Q
Who were the loyalists? - Those who had strong links with Britain - recent immigrants.
A
- Those who had strong links with Britain - recent immigrants.
- Tended to be drawn from minority groups. ( eg Southern backcountry farmers Anglicans in New England and Dutch in New York).
- Many Black Americans supported Britain.
15
Q
What problems did the loyalists face?
A
- Variety of backgrounds and motivations meant that they did not constitute a coherent opposition.
- Loyalists didn’t have something they were fighting for just against the rebels.
- Loyalist activity required the presence of British troops. (Tens of thousands of loyalist were imprisoned or killed by patriots).
16
Q
Why do some historians regard the War of Independence as the first modern war?
A
- Not waged over territory by rather political ideals.
- The continental army embraced the principle of careers open to talent - many of its officers rose from the ranks.
- Guerrilla war was an important aspect of the conflict.
- After 1778 Britain was involved in a world war
17
Q
Why might historians portray the war of independence as a traditional conflict?
A
- Nationalism was developed before the 18th century.
- State militias were not very effective the continental army did most the fighting.
- The continental and British army fought essentially in the traditional manner there was little innovation in the technology of war.
18
Q
Who was military commander to the troops in American in 1776?
A
General William Howe
19
Q
What was General Howe’s opinion of the war of independence?
A
Howe declared in 1774 that he was against a policy of coercion and was fond of Americans and sympathised with their cause.
- Howe did not want a devastating British victory that would permanently alienate American colonists he wanted to win the war without causing widespread loss of life and property.
20
Q
How many men did Howe command in 1776?
A
32,000
21
Q
What was General Howe’s plan for New York City in 1776?
A
- Landed his troops in Staten Island and hoped to lure Washington into battle, defeat him and negotiate and end to the rebellion.
- He was supported for a fleet commanded by Admiral Lord Richard Howe - overall commander of British forces in America. ( sympathised with Americans and favoured a plan of conciliation rather than coercion).
22
Q
What happened at the Battle of Long Island 1776?
A
Washington had 20,000 men
- Howe defeated Americans who suffered 2000 casualties - 6 times more than the British.
- Howe’s incompetence meant that Washington managed to withdraw his army to the mainland.
- Rather than continue military momentum Howe sought to negotiate peace.
23
Q
What happened with Howe’s troops at Kips Bay Manhattan? Followed the Battle of Long Island.
A
Followed the Battle of Long Island.
- Howe’s caution in Kips Bay gave Washington time to withdraw.
- Several weeks of stalemate followed.
- Howe failed to attack well-entrenched American positions.
- 16th November British forces capture fort Washington taking 3000 American prisoners, weapons and supplies - American army was in full retreat.
- In December British forces seize Newport, Rhode Island.
24
Q
After seizing Newport Rhode Island what did Howe decide to do?
A
Rather than marching on Philadelphia Howe threw away another opportunity to destroy American morale.
25
What did Washington whilst Howe and the British troops were in winter quarters?
Reinforced militia units.
Re-crossed the Delaware with 1600 men on 25th December and attacked an unsuspecting garrison at Trenton.
Captured 1000 prisoners.
Followed with a similar coup at Princeton.
26
How many Americans were wounded at Trenton?
4.
27
What strategy did Washington adopt in 1776-7? Decided that he must adopt a defensive strategy.
Decided that he must adopt a defensive strategy.
Realised that the continental army could no compete on equal terms on a conventional battle field with the British army.
28
What was the British situation like in America in 1777? - Canada was secure.
- Canada was secure.
- New York had been captured - there were great hopes to win the war.
- There were 2 British armies in North American by 1777 one led by Burgoyne and one led by Howe.
29
Why can it be argued that there were two separate campaigns in the colonies?
- Lord Germaine had instructed Howe and Burgoyne to co-operate, however they did not.
- Burgoyne wanted to isolate New England from the other colonies.
- Howe wanted to capture Philadelphia.
30
What happened during the capture of Philadelphia (1777) ?
- Howe decides to move his 15,000 army from New York to Philadelphia by sea.
- Howe achieves a British victory at Brandywine creek.
- Howe gains another victory at Paoli and the captures Philadelphia.
- Washington launches an unsuccessful counter-attack at Germantown and suffers 1000 casualties.
- Howe forces Americans to evacuate to forts on the Delaware river allowing British naval access to Philadelphia.
31
Why did Philadelphia's fall not lead to the rebellion's collapse?
Philadelphia had symbolic importance it had no strategic value.
Congress moved to Lancaster
32
What opportunity did How miss in Philadelphia? When Washington's troops withdrew
When Washington's troops withdrew rather than attack he spent winter in Philadelphia.
Failed to produce a decisive victory.
33
What happened during Burgoyne's campaign at Ticonderoga?
Burgoyne's 9000 strong army sailed down Lake Champlain recapturing Fort Triconderoga.
- Burgoyne then decides to travel through inhospitable terrain which was made difficult by patriot militia blocking roads.
- Took Burgoyne 3 weeks to cover the 37 km to Fort Edward.
34
Why did the support of the natives not benefit Burgoyne?
The Iroquois warriors attacked outlying farms killing families.
The murder and scalping of Jane McCrea alienate those who had been sympathetic to Britain.
35
What happened at the battle of Saratoga?
- American Generals Gates and Benedict Arnold prepared a defensive position north of Albany.
- The two forces clashed at Freemans farm, Burgoyne couldn't defeat the rebels and was short of supplies.
- Clinton's army of 3000 was supposed to join them and Burgoyne hoped that they would provide some relief.
- Burgoyne decides to attack American defences at Bemis Heights - it fails and he looses 400 men.
36
What happened at the end of the Battle of Saratoga?
- Surrounded by troops Burgoyne decided to lay down their arms and wanted to negotiate a settlement.
- Congress rejects Gates terms and keeps Burgoyne's troops as prisoners of war until 1783.
37
Who was to blame on the British side of the fight for independence? - Howe did little to help Burgoyne.
- Howe did little to help Burgoyne.
- Burgoyne underestimated the enemy and the terrain.
- Germain should have ordered Howe to co-operate with Burgoyne.
38
What were the results of Saratoga? - Boosted rebel morale - first time rebels had beaten Britain in a major campaign.
- Boosted rebel morale - first time rebels had beaten Britain in a major campaign.
- Howe resigns.
- Two days after the news of Saratoga Lord North sends a Secret Agent to contact Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane to explore possibilities for ending the war.
- 1778 Parliament passes North's Conciliatory Proposition - repeals the Coercive Acts and renounce the right to tax Americans.
- Peace Commission was appointed to try and negotiate an end to the war.
39
What were France's motivations for becoming involved in the war of independence?
- Avenge the outcome of the 7 years war.
- Weaken Britain's power.
- Louis XVI treasury was so depleted his ministers believed he should avoid war at all costs.
40
Who did the colonists send to persuade France to join the war? Benjamin Franklin sent to Paris in 1776.
Benjamin Franklin sent to Paris in 1776.
41
How did Saratoga influence France's decision to join the war? - Ended French fears of an American collapse.
- Ended French fears of an American collapse.
- France may have needed the war in 1778 regardless because Louis XVI was committed to the war and was waiting for the completion of his naval preparations.
42
What did the Treaty that France sign with American in 1778 entail?
Both countries promised to wage war until American independence was formally or tacitly assured and undertook not to make peace separately.
43
When did Spain win the War of Independence against Britain?
1778.
44
Why did Spain join the war of independence? - To regain possessions lost to Britain: Florida
- To regain possessions lost to Britain: Florida and Minorca
45
How did Britain respond to the involvement of France and Spain in the War of Independence?
1780, Britain declared war on the Netherlands which was aiding France and Spain.
46
What was the League of Armed Neutrality (1780)? Made up of Russia
Made up of Russia Sweden and Denmark.
Its aim was the protection of neutral right given Britain's blockade of America.
The League bolstered the USA's international position.
47
What was the result of French and Spanish intervention?
France had an army of 150,000
- It meant that Britain was divided and had to defend Gibraltar Minorca and possessions in Africa
- By 1782 Britain had an army of 150,000 troops.
- America benefited from additional assistance in arms and money however their allies were more concerned with promoting their own interests.
48
What percentage of the British Army was in North American in 1778 compared to the 1780s?
1778 - 65%
1780s - 29%.
49
How many troops did France send to the colonies?
Fewer than 10,000 troops.
50
What problems did Washington face in 1777-8? - Suffered a tough winter
- Suffered a tough winter, more than 3000 men died or deserted.
- There was the publication of a letter to Gates by General Conway which expressed the hope that Gates would replace Washington.
51
Who was General Howe replaced by?
General Henry Clinton
52
What problem did Clinton face (1778-9)?
- Germain told Clinton that Britain's main military effort was to protect French possessions in the Caribbean.
- Clinton had to evacuate Philadelphia and focus his efforts on New York.
53
What happened at the Battle of Monmouth in mid 1778?
- American attack at Monmouth court house failed and Washington blamed the failure on his second in command Charles Lee.
- Charles Lee was courtmartialed.
54
What problems did America face 1779-81? - Lack of troops
- Lack of troops, army was at 8,000.
-1780, Benedict Arnold - deflecting to the British- Symbolised the crumbling of the American ideal.
- Jan 1781, the Pennsylvania Line regiment mutinied - met with congress and refused to return to duty unless there grievances were met.
- New Jersey line also mutinied.
- Massachusetts and New Jersey troops clashed at Princeton.
55
What happened in Georgia during the Southern Phase of the British campaign (1778-81)? - Clinton sent a 3
- Clinton sent a 3,000 army under Colonel Campbell to Georgia.
- Campbell captures Savannah loosing only 3 men.
- Augusta then falls to Britain.
56
Why did Britain's position in Georgia remain precarious?
- Georgia's population was divided between loyalists and patriots.
- General Lincolns forces outnumbered that of the British.
- September 1779, General d'Estaing returned from the Caribbean and a combined Franco-American force besieged Savannah. The Siege collapsed and D'estaing left and Lincoln returned to Charleston.
57
What happened in The Carolina's during the Southern Phase of the British campaign?
- Cornwallis + 7600 men besieged Charleston - Lincoln surrenders and take 5000 American prisoners.
- Worst military disaster for Americans in the war.
- Then moved on to the interior of South Carolina
- Colonel Banastre and Tartleton beat the Virginians and butchered many of them after they had surrender.
- Seemed that South Carolina had been brought under British control.
- Clinton fearing a French
- American attack on New York returns.
58
What happened after Clinton left South Carolina?
Issued a proclamation which required that all adult males should openly support Britain or be treated as rebels - made neutrality impossible.
-Fighting in 1780 led to a success for Patriots in North Carolina.
-Horatio Gates (new commander of the continental army in the south) is beaten ay Camden.
Over the winter of 1780-81 patriot and loyalist militias turned the backcountry regions of Georgia and Carolinas into wasteland of plunder and slaughter.
59
Who took control of the continental army in the South?
Nathaneal Greene
60
What attacks did Nathaneal Greene implement? Short hit and run attacks.
Short hit and run attacks.
- Daniel Morgan was sent with 700 men to probe British defences in the South Carolinas Backcountry.
-Other troops cooperated with militias in attacks on British costal positions.
61
What happened ay Guilford Court House (1780)? Cornwallis and Greene's armies met.
Cornwallis and Greene's armies met.
- Cornwallis won a costly victory loosing 1/4 of his own force.
- In April Lord Rawodon defeated Greene at Horbricks Hill.
62
What territories did Britain control in the south by mid-1781?
Charleston and Savannah
63
What was the situation in Virginia in 1780?
- 1780-1 Benedict Arnold led a series of raids into the states inflicting major damage.
- the presence of Cornwallis in Virginia led to greater support for Britain however most Virginians were determined to drive Britain out.
- Cornwallis failed to destroy an American detachment held by Lafayette.
- Cornwallis in August begins to construct a base in Yorktown.
- 20 French ships led by Admiral de Grasse appeared in America.
64
What led to Cornwallis's surrender in the Battle of Yorktown? - The combined French-American army of 16
- The combined French-American army of 16,000 confronted Cornwallis and trapped him on the Yorktown peninsula.
- France gained control of Chesapeake Bay.
- After a three week siege Cornwallis and his army surrendered.
65
What was the result of Yorktown? - Cornwallis' surrender was a shock.
- Cornwallis' surrender was a shock.
- Britain still controlled New York Charleston and Savannah.
- After Cornwallis' surrender the British government discontinued offensive operations in America.
In 1782 the Commons and George III resolve to end military measures in America.
66
When did Rockingham order the evacuation of New York Charlestown and Savannah?
April 1782.
67
When was the Treaty of Paris signed?
September 1873.
68
What were the key terms of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?
- Britain recognised American independence and agreed on the extended boundaries of the USA.
Americans were to be granted liberty to fish in Newfoundland banks.
- USA agreed that British merchants should be met with 'no lawful impediment' in seeking to recover the prewar debts.
-Britain ceded Florida to Spain.
69
British failures in the war of independence:
- North's government overestimated loyalist support.
- Better British diplomacy in the 1770s may have prevented Spain and France joining the war.
- North was not a good war leader - evident in his appoint o Germain and Lord Sandwich.
- Howe was too cautious and missed several opportunities to destroy Washington's army.
- The use of hessian troops alienated potential British support.
70
What was George Washington's role in the war of independence? - Maintained the continental army and improved its quality.
- Maintained the continental army and improved its quality.
- The continental army was severely short on supplies.- His attack and Trenton and Yorktown were superb military feats.
