Unit 3: Topic 5 - The American Revolution Flashcards
What were Britain’s advantages going into the American Revolution?
Britain’s advantages over the colonies during the American Revolution included a highly trained and well supplied military, powerful naval forces, and superior manufacturing industries.
What were the 13 British colonies’ disadvantages going into the American Revolution?
The colonial disadvantages during the American Revolution were a lack of unified government, lack of money, no trained military, no manufacturing capabilities, and a divided population.
What were 5 factors that contributed to the Patriot victory in the American Revolution?
One reason the Patriots won the American Revolution is the fact they had a home-field advantage. Britain had to manage long supply lines across the Atlantic, so they struggled to communicate, supply troops, and remain flexible in their wartime strategy. On the other hand, the colonists knew the terrain and could strategize accordingly.
Another reason the colonists were victorious over Britain was because of their will to fight. The colonists had an ideological commitment and resilience that the British could not match.
A reason for the Patriots’ victory in the American Revolution was due to the leadership of individuals like George Washington. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington kept the colonial cause going through both high and low points during the war.
Another advantage the colonists had was the fact they could win by waging a war of attrition, meaning they could tire out the British by dragging the war out. War costs money, and Britain was already in debt from the Seven Years War. The costs of another long war with the colonists would only add to that debt.
One of the most important reasons the colonists won the American Revolution is due to assistance sent by European allies. The Battle of Saratoga played a key role in gaining French support with the signing of the Franco-American Alliance in 1778, which provided open French financial and military assistance to the colonists.
Who were the Minutemen?
The Minutemen was a nickname given to the colonial militia, who were trained to respond at a moment’s notice.
Who were the Loyalists?
The Loyalists were colonists who opposed independence and wanted to remain loyal to the British crown. Some Loyalists joined British ranks to fight the Patriots in the war.
Who was the general of the Continental Army?
The Continental Congress appointed George Washington as the general of the Continental Army. He had gained the fame to receive such a position from his service during the French and Indian War.
At the beginning of the American Revolution, who was winning?
For the first six months, the Continental Army didn’t win a single conflict, meaning the British and Loyalists were initially winning. This was in part due to the colonists’ poorly armed and poorly trained soldiers. The Continental Army’s poor performance was also due to their divided troops, a result of militias’ regional mindsets.
What was the first battle of the American Revolution?
On April 19th, 1775, the Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first battle of the American Revolution, nicknamed “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World.” It is uncertain which side fired first, but the battle ended with a forced retreat by the colonists under heavy British fire.
What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?
The Battle of Saratoga, starting in September and going into October of 1777, was a major victory for the Patriots and a turning point in the American Revolution.
Despite Benjamin Franklin’s previous diplomatic efforts in France, the French were hesitant to join the Patriot cause because it was not forseeable that the Patriots would win the war. However, after the American’s decisive victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga, Franklin was able to persuade the French to ally with the Americans in 1778 under the Franco-American Alliance. This provided American troops with more money, weapons, naval support, and soldiers. A year later, Spain and Holland also joined the fight against Britain, increasing the cost of the war and forcing the British troops to spread out their resources.
Why would the French want to join the American Revolution against the British?
Joining the war against the British, France hoped that they could regain power in North America, after losing the French and Indian War to Britain. Other reasons the French joined the war was due to the influence of idealism and Enlightnement ideas in France that aligned with American ideologies and the opportunity of free trade with the colonies under their alliance. Benjamin Franklin’s negotiations played a major role in gaining France as an ally.
What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill?
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775 during the first stage of the American Revolutionary War. Although the American Patriots were defeated at this battle, they proved they could hold their own against the superior British Army. The British sustained twice as many casualties as the Americans and lost many officers. This battle confirmed that any reconciliation between England and the American colonies was no longer possible.
What occurred at the Battle of Trenton?
At the Battle of Trenton on December 26th, 1777, the Patriots fought the Hessians, who were German mercenaries hired by the British. On Christmas Day, George Washington made the famous Crossing of the Delaware River with his troops to catch the German troops off-guard in their attack.
By crossing the Delaware River and facing the Hessians, the colonial troops’ morale improved, more supplies were sent or the Continental Army, and George Washington kept his position as Commander-in-Chief.
What was the final major battle of the American Revolution?
The final major battle of the American Revolution was the Battle of Yorktown in autumn of 1781. With the aid of French guns and ships, the Continental Army forced General Cornwallis, leader of the British troops, into surrender.
What document was signed to end the American Revolution and what were its terms?
The 1783 Treaty of Paris was signed by all parties in Paris, ending the war. In the treaty, Britain officially recognized America as an independent nation whose western boundary would be established at the Mississippi River. Britain also had to return the Florida territory to Spain, and both Spain and America were granted free navigation of the Mississippi River. The British were to remove their troops and forts from the Northwest territory and pay Loyalists for lost property.
