Why Was It Difficult To Acheive A Compromise By 1776

Question 1

By 1776, did hopes of compromise exist ?

Answer 1

Yes on both sides
Howe had authorisation to reach a settlement with the colonists however the British did not accept violence towards royal officials or Loyalists

Question 2

Was there a decent amount of loyalist within the colonies ?

Answer 2

Yes, around 50,000 loyalists went so far as to volunteer to fight for the Briths army

Question 3

Why would accepting a defeat be an issue for Britian ?

Answer 3

As a world power with a powerful navy and strong army it would damage its international prestige

Question 4

By 1776 why did the likelihood of reimposing authority seem quite high ?
B&Q when B&C

Answer 4

• British army 48,000 strong army ready to be deployed: why compromise if you could dominate
• quality of soldiers numbers fewer than colonial army but they were professional soldiers unlikely to serve short term enlistments
• wealth of Britain commercial wealth of Britian and was able to employ German mercenaries
• British navy allowed for troops movements along the coast and naval fire support
• Colonial loyalists substantial colonial slaves, loyalists and natives who didn’t support rebellion

Question 5

What was the issue if Britian did maintain control ?

Answer 5

Cost of maintaing huge garrisons was expesnive and many in Britain were sympathetic to the colonists