Focus: What factors contributed to the American victory in the Revolutionary War?
Context and Background
America declared independence from Britain, the most powerful nation at the time.
Economic consequences due to war with their significant trading partner, Britain.
Internal Conflict
Not all colonists supported independence.
Patriots: Supported independence, influenced by the Continental Congress and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
Loyalists: Opposed independence, wanted to remain loyal to the British crown.
Some colonists remained neutral.
The Continental Army
Led by George Washington, appointed by the Continental Congress.
Early struggles:
Poorly armed and trained soldiers.
Regional mindset prevented cohesive national army.
Initial desertions and lack of victories.
British Forces
Led by General William Howe.
Reinforced by 10,000 British troops and 60,000 American Loyalists.
American Strategy
Washington adopted a war of attrition strategy to exhaust the British.
African Americans in the War
Initially hesitant, Washington eventually integrated black soldiers after British offered freedom to enslaved people who fought for them.
Approximately 5,000 black men fought for the patriots.
Turning Points in the War
Christmas Eve, 1776: Washington crosses the Delaware, wins against Hessian soldiers.
Battle of Saratoga (September 1777):
Major turning point leading to French alliance.
Benjamin Franklin convinced France to join the patriots, leveraging the victory.
International Influence
France joined to weaken Britain, not out of revolutionary ideals.
Spain and Holland joined, spreading British resources thin.
Conclusion of the War
Battle of Yorktown (1781):
Final battle; French support crucial.
British surrender.
Paris Peace Treaty (1783):
Britain recognized American independence.
Western boundary established at the Mississippi River.
Summary
Despite internal conflicts and early struggles, strategic decisions, key alliances, and international support were crucial to American victory in the Revolutionary War.
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