Show
The question remains: What factors led an undisciplined, unprepared, divided American nation to prevail over the world's largest empire? Despite the supremacy of the British navy in the 18th century, the Colonial naval forces won many battles. This picture depicts the naval engagement of July 7, 1777, between the American frigates Hancock, Boston, and HMS Fox, and the British frigates Flora and Rainbow. British Strengths and American WeaknessesThe British seemed unbeatable. During the previous 100 years, the British had enjoyed triumph after triumph over nations as powerful as France and Spain. At first glance, the odds were clearly against the Americans. A closer look provides insight into how the underdogs emerged victorious.
Britain's military was the best in the world. Their soldiers were well equipped, well disciplined, well paid, and well fed. The British navy dominated the seas. Funds were much more easily raised by the Empire than by the Continental Congress. Some of those funds were used to hire Hessian mercenaries to fight the Americans.
The Americans had tremendous difficulty raising enough funds to purchase basic supplies for their troops, including shoes and blankets. The British had a winning tradition. Around one in five Americans openly favored the Crown, with about half of the population hoping to avoid the conflict altogether. Most Indian tribes sided with Britain, who promised protection of tribal lands. American Strengths and British WeaknessesAlthough American troops may not have had the military force and economic base that their British rivals had, they did believe strongly in their fight for freedom and liberty. The Continental Congress adopted this "Stars and Stripes" as its official flag on June 14, 1777. On the other hand, the Americans had many intangible advantages. The British fought a war far from home. Military orders, troops, and supplies sometimes took months to reach their destinations. The British had an extremely difficult objective. They had to persuade the Americans to give up their claims of independence. As long as the war continued, the colonists' claim continued to gain validity. The geographic vastness of the colonies proved a hindrance to the British effort. Despite occupying every major city, the British remained as at a disadvantage. Americans had a grand cause: fighting for their rights, their independence and their liberty. This cause is much more just than waging a war to deny independence. American military and political leaders were inexperienced, but proved surprisingly competent. The war was expensive and the British population debated its necessity. In Parliament, there were many American sympathizers. Finally, the alliance with the French gave Americans courage and a tangible threat that tipped the scales in America's favor.
Which statement best describes the Native American experience in the armed forces during World War II?Which statement best describes the Native American experience in the armed forces during World War II? Native American servicemen fought in segregated units with African Americans.
What was a surprise to Americans and a shock to the British during the early fighting in the War of 1812?What was a surprise to Americans and a shock to the British during the early fighting in the war of 1812? The small American navy fought well. In 1814, what happened to the number of British troops fighting in the US? The defeat of Napoleon in Europe freed British troops to fight in North America.
How did the colonists prove they were equal to the British army?How did the colonists prove they were equal to the British army? The colonists stood up to the British at Lexington and Concord. What did the colonists do to prevent being disarmed? They seized British military supplies in New York.
What was the result of the Battle of Britain in 1940 quizlet?What was the result of the Battle of Britain in 1940? Although German air strikes killed many British civilians, the Royal Air Force used new radar technology to win the battle and postpone German invasion plans.
|