The Hardships that the Americans Faced
The hardships Americans faced in the beginning years of the war was that they lacked guns, ammunition, food, clothes, shoes, blankets, soap, money and soldiers. This adversity of lacking supplies contributed to the continental paper money losing so much value that their suppliers refused to accept it. Treason could have been a strategy for the British to use, but the Americans didn't want that to happen. Loyalists, such as the woman and African Americans contributed by assisting in the war and making ammunition which alleviated how deserted they felt. This lead the Americans to the accomplishment of a win in the American Revolution.
Battles of Trenton, Saratoga and Yorktown
Throughout the war, the American side used many tactics, such as guerilla warfare, and the British brought in a regiment of foreign mercanaries as recruits. Many battles occurred during the American Revolution, but some of the most important were the Battle of Trenton, the Battle of Saratoga and the Battle of Yorktown.
At Trenton, the Patriots' spirits fell. Many of the volunteers returned home, putting even more pressure on the remaining soldiers situation. The army of almost 2o,ooo men dissipated to only a few thousand! However, Thomas Paine wrote the first of a series of pamphlets called the Crisis. At this battle, on December 25, 1776, the American troops crossed the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore in hopes of surprising the British. The Patriots killed or captured 1,000 Hessians. Much needed supplies were gained such as guns and ammunition. This battle instigated a string of victories that provided the Patriots with hope.
The Battle of Saratoga is known as the turning point due to its effects on American spirit. In late September of 1777, the American army was positioned between Burgoyne's army and Albany. On October 7, the troops finally fought and this battle provided America with yet another victory. This gave France the confidence in the American fight for freedom to enter the war on the American side, and a new-found hope for America.
On September 28, 1781, the Battle of Yorktown began. General George Washington with 17,000 troops of French and Continental soldiers, began the siege against General Lord Charle Cornwallis. With the French naval fleet at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and Marquis de Lafayette with an American army of 5,000 troops, the armies were able to block Cornwallis and disassemble his attempt for escape. After three weeks of non-stop bombardment, day and night, Cornwallis surrendered to Washington due to many casualties, effectively ending the War for Independence!
At Trenton, the Patriots' spirits fell. Many of the volunteers returned home, putting even more pressure on the remaining soldiers situation. The army of almost 2o,ooo men dissipated to only a few thousand! However, Thomas Paine wrote the first of a series of pamphlets called the Crisis. At this battle, on December 25, 1776, the American troops crossed the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore in hopes of surprising the British. The Patriots killed or captured 1,000 Hessians. Much needed supplies were gained such as guns and ammunition. This battle instigated a string of victories that provided the Patriots with hope.
The Battle of Saratoga is known as the turning point due to its effects on American spirit. In late September of 1777, the American army was positioned between Burgoyne's army and Albany. On October 7, the troops finally fought and this battle provided America with yet another victory. This gave France the confidence in the American fight for freedom to enter the war on the American side, and a new-found hope for America.
On September 28, 1781, the Battle of Yorktown began. General George Washington with 17,000 troops of French and Continental soldiers, began the siege against General Lord Charle Cornwallis. With the French naval fleet at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and Marquis de Lafayette with an American army of 5,000 troops, the armies were able to block Cornwallis and disassemble his attempt for escape. After three weeks of non-stop bombardment, day and night, Cornwallis surrendered to Washington due to many casualties, effectively ending the War for Independence!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Both Sides
There were goods and bads to both sides fighting in the Revolutionary War, but for Britian it was especially hard fighting a war across the Atlantic Ocean. America had outstanding leaders, a strong motivation to fight for their homeland, experienced officers, much support from the American population and sharp shooters and riffles. Although America had many advantages, it also had many defects--an inexperienced army and militia, short enlistments, no navy, and constant shortages of everything from soldiers to bars of soap.
The British army also encountered many disadvantages throughout the war. Although they had military power, a surplus of soldiers, Indian support, Loyalist cooperation, lots of money and bright red uniforms, they faltered in motivation to fight, unaggressive officers, 3,000 miles from their home base and were easy targets due to their vibrant uniforms.
Both sides had to overcome many issues and hardships throughout the war, but both used their advantages to their best potential.
The British army also encountered many disadvantages throughout the war. Although they had military power, a surplus of soldiers, Indian support, Loyalist cooperation, lots of money and bright red uniforms, they faltered in motivation to fight, unaggressive officers, 3,000 miles from their home base and were easy targets due to their vibrant uniforms.
Both sides had to overcome many issues and hardships throughout the war, but both used their advantages to their best potential.
How the Americans Eventually Won the War
We all know that the Americans won the Revolutionary War, but we might not know how exactly they won. It was at the last major battle of the American Revolution, where our independence was conquered!
British general, Lord Charles Cornwallis and his 9,000 British troops chose Yorktown, Virgina as their base. George Washington took this oppurtunity to completely surround their base. Washington commanded Marquis de Lafayette and 5,000 Patriots to block the Britishs' escape from Yorktown and the French naval fleet blocked the British from escaping by water. With the help of their alliance, the French, on September 28, 1781 the Americans had trapped the British entirely. Three weeks of bombarding took place before the British surrendered on October 17, 1781.
About two years later on September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed stating that the United States was an independent country. It took only eight years of war, but it was all worth it in the end.
The glorious win of the American Revolution couldn't have been done without the many brave men and women who risked their lives for our country. As you tour through the website, you will learn about men who were double agents, women who dressed as men to go into the army, and fighters who had great courage.
British general, Lord Charles Cornwallis and his 9,000 British troops chose Yorktown, Virgina as their base. George Washington took this oppurtunity to completely surround their base. Washington commanded Marquis de Lafayette and 5,000 Patriots to block the Britishs' escape from Yorktown and the French naval fleet blocked the British from escaping by water. With the help of their alliance, the French, on September 28, 1781 the Americans had trapped the British entirely. Three weeks of bombarding took place before the British surrendered on October 17, 1781.
About two years later on September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed stating that the United States was an independent country. It took only eight years of war, but it was all worth it in the end.
The glorious win of the American Revolution couldn't have been done without the many brave men and women who risked their lives for our country. As you tour through the website, you will learn about men who were double agents, women who dressed as men to go into the army, and fighters who had great courage.
Timeline from the American Revolution. Linked to it is a website you can click on to learn more about the timeline and what occurred during this time period.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/battle-of-yorktown-begins