What Were The Key Developments In The War 78-82

Question 1

When was the entry of France and Spain and why was it significant ?

Answer 1

-April 1779 Spain + France in February 1778
- international level meaning Briths forces spread thin and efforts were diverted from America
- Carrabean and the West Indies became the main priority being extremely profitable
- diverted resources meant Americans had the advantage in America

Question 2

Why and what does Washington change his strategy?

Answer 2

• had been unsuccessful in traditional assaults against Britain with the terrible Valley forge winter 77-78
• persecuted to rely on holding territory and depriving British forces of supplies and support which avoided the possibility of head to head encounters
• since Britain was 4800km away it’s supplies were vital and disruption made it even more difficult

Question 3

What does the winter 77/78 do to Washingtons army at Valley Forge ?

Answer 3

• His army improved considerably by formal training of Prussian Officer Friedrich Von Stauben
• arrival of French forces Britian now faced a professional fighting force
• transforms the army from a glorified milita to a disciplined force

Question 4

What does General Clinton decide to do ?

Answer 4

Philadelphia
- disappointed by lack of loyalist support he (1778 overall commanded) made the decision to evacuate it
- undermined loyalist confidence in British protection

Order to hold NY
- Clinton had orders to hold NY but sent forced to Florida and the West Indies spreading his forces thin

Question 5

How does the war move South in 1778?

Answer 5

• Clinton faced the impossible victory in the North so moved South
• Washington pinned Brit forged in NY and Newport Clinton used navy for an invasion in Georgia
• no more loyal support in the South and Savannah was taken in December 1778
• Britain avoided being captured in one location

Question 6

Where does Spain declare war on and why is the important ?

Answer 6

• Gibraltar and weakening British West Indies in North America
  -spread the war into Europe and increase the size of the conflict which meant British forces had to focus on America but export interest as well

Question 7

How does the war widen involving western frontiers ?

Answer 7

• Both sides tried to gain Native American support resulting in a civil war amongst the iropuois tribes
• American forces from Virginia attacked the British and their native allies
• the milita at Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as some of Washington’s army had a harsh struggle against the natives

Question 8

When and what happens with the attempt to retake Georgia ?

Answer 8

October 1779
- French-Colonial force attempt to retake Georgia Clinton sent reinforcements which maintained control but the war in the south turned into a civil war
- loyalists attacked patriots supported by a particularly ruthless British force under Colonel Tarleton
- existing tension between pro British coastal elite and the poorer elements in the back country made this a savage element
- the unity of the colonists brought into question

Question 9

How does Washington’s leadership prove vital in early 1780 ?

Answer 9

• poor conditions and suffering from cold and sickness the army have disintegrated
• held together by Washington and his officers
• changed tactics at Valley forge to avoid pitched battles
• realised that a future I’d spent America needed a stronger government

Question 10

When and what happens at Charleston ?

Answer 10

• May 1780, Brit forces under Cornwallis defeated a regular American army under Gates at Camden
• Brits then moved to North Carolina
• Charleston: worst military disaster with British taking 5000 prisoners, 342 artillery pieces, 6k muskets and 376 gunpowder battles and Lincoln surrendered on the 12 May
• Britain could move into the interior and for a time it seemed that South Carolina was under British control
• many patriots took an oath to the crown fearing they had lost

Question 11

What happens in June 1780?

Answer 11

• British held New York, Charleston and savannah
• had built strong defences in the South and had defeat the regular colonial army
• clear elements of civil conflict and Washingtons army in the North was stunned by Benedict Arnold being a traitor

Question 12

When does Cornwallis invade Virginia and what is the result ?

Answer 12

• After being driven out of North Carolina Cornwallis invaded Virginia an attempt to cut supplies to rebels in the south
• defeated colonial forces under Greene at Guildford Courthouse in March 1871 however he was forced to retreat to Yorktown and be supplied by sea

Question 13

What happens to the loyalist in South Carolina shortly after Cornwallis retreat to Yorktown ?

Answer 13

• Colonial forces able to defeat loyalist in South Carolina and confine them to port Charleston

Question 14

What are the determining factors for the final phase of the war in 1781?

Answer 14

• British forces divided
• Washington bluffed and gave the impression he would besiege New York and move to Virginia
• French shipped 3000 troops from the north to Virginia 16k men deployed agaisnt Cornwallis’ 7000
• bulk of British naval forces confined to the West Indies against the French

Question 15

What happens at Yorktown ?

Answer 15

Simple answer
Cornwallis is forced to surrdener and it proved to be the decisive event ending the war

Question 16

What happens after Yorktown in 1781 ?

Answer 16

Lord North British Prime Minuster resigned
- Britian maintained its forces in New York and Charleston and Washington kept his army in service whilst peace negotiations began in Paris
- After Yorktown the war was effectively over