Why Did The British Fail To Supress The Revolt In 1775-77 Flashcards
How did the British underestimate the colonists ?
- British leaders underestimated the resolve and capabilities of the American colonial forces
- perception that the conflict would be easily quelled leading to a lack of adequate preparation and failure to understand local conditions
How were Brithsb strategies ineffective ?
- traditional and geared towards European warefare
- Brithish army was not well prepared for American Guerilla tactics including hit and runs
- failure to adapt to the unique circumstances could be seen as incompetence
How was poor coordination a factor in the British failure ?
- instances of poor coordination and communication within command
- lack of effective coms meant different units and commanders missed important strategic opportunists
How were logistical challenges a factor ?
- maintaining support on a foreign war
- supply lines were stretched and the British struggled to provide adequate equipment hindering campaigning ability
How was motivation and resolve a factor in the American strengths ?
- highly motivated and had strong resolve to defend their perceived rights and liberties
- spirit of independence and desire for self governance motivated many individuals
How was familiar terrain an advantage ?
- fighting on home soil which allowed to employ guerilla warefare
- made it challenging for British often operating in unfamiliar and hostile terrain
How was leadership a factor in the American strength ?
- George Washington’s leadership was crucial in maintaining morale of continental army and adapting to challenges
How was foreign support and important factor ?
- French providing military assistance such as troops and navy bolstered the American cause and spread the Briths forces thin
Why was Bunker hill important to the failure to suppress the war ?
18 April 1775
- 800 men from Boston marched on L&C and were blocked by 70 minute men
- Britain advanced into Concord but retreated back to Boston loosing 273 casualties
- spurred on the colonial rebellion and gave further leverage to radical thought
Why was Ticonderoga and Canada important ?
- Burgoyne failed to reinforce southern forces and Clinton failed to reinforce him
- lead to a humiliating surredner which boosted morale
- helped spread conflict
Why was the survival of Washington important ?
- prevented Britain from making best use of loyalist in the middle colonies and allowed for the war to continue
- based upon Howe Inertia
Why was victory at Trenton important ?
- ahowe does not attack Philly allied Washington to regroup his army and surprise attack on the 25 December 1000 Brits captured to only 4 American casualties
- Britain lost many men and breathed new fire into revolution
- Christmas Day: unconventional and allowed for the Princeton in January
Why was Germantown important ?
- saw heavy colonial losses but also showed bravery and determination
- although a loss it presented dogged American bravery encouraging support
Why are the failures of Carelton and Clinton important ?
- Carleton: failed to move Canadian forced south and Clinton’s inability to rally forces from NY ensured Burgoynes loss at Saratoga
Why was France important ?
Sent money and arm to colonial forces and Saratoga confirmed their intervention
