HST 121: History of the United States to 1877

War of Independence

Why did American Patriots win and the British lose the War of Independence?

I: Traditional Reasons

A: "Home Court Advantage"

B: Fighting for a Cause

C: Redcoats marching in straight lines

II: Militia

A: Supplies

B: Patriot militia vs. Loyalist militia

C: Patriot advantage: Militia & regular army

1:    Coordination of Continental Army & Patriot militia--Greene in S. C.

2:    Lack of coordination between Redcoats & Loyalist militia--N. J., Delaware

III: Strategy    

A: Patriot    

1: Fabian

a: Trenton and Princeton

b: Greene's "retreats"

2: Guerrilla

--vs. British army in N.Y.

B: British

1: Trying to capture a strategic center or capital

2: Restraint--goal: to put down a rebellion

IV: Time to build the Continental Army

A: Regular Army

1: Enlistments

2: Training

--von Steuben, at Valley Forge

3: Veterans

4: Pay

B: Example of result: Monmouth Courthouse

V: Patriot Innovations

A: Knox's use of cannon

B: Morgan's use of rifles

--sniping vs. the British army in N.Y. (surrenders at Saratoga)

C: Morgan battle plan

--Cowpens

VI: Foreign Aid

A: Money and Supplies

1: France

2: Dutch loans

B: Treaty of Alliance

1: World war

2: French navy

--Yorktown