Lecture Notes: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Continental Army

Historical Context

Date: February 6th, 1788
Event: Massachusetts becomes the sixth state to ratify the Constitution.
- Importance: Needed 9 out of the original 13 states for the Constitution to go into effect.

Key Question: Does the favored team always win?
- Examples from sports (e.g., Patriots in 2007, Giants vs. Packers, Phillies in World Series)
- Connection to the American Revolution: British army was the strongest, but Continental Army won.

Fighting for a Cause:
- Patriots fought for freedom, homes, families, and independence.
- British soldiers were not personally invested; they were ordered to suppress the rebellion.
Knowledge of the Land:
- Familiarity with the terrain was advantageous for strategy and planning.
- Compared to British soldiers who were unfamiliar with the colonies.
Leadership:
- George Washington, an experienced leader from the French and Indian War.
- Knowledge of British tactics and how to counter them effectively.

Strength of the Army:
- Not as strong or professional as the British army.
- Needed on-the-job training and experience.
Lack of Supplies:
- Dependent on local colonists for food, clothing, and supplies.
- Second Continental Congress had no funds to support the army.
Limited International Support:
- Initially lacked support from countries like France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
- These nations waited to see if the Americans had potential for victory (e.g., after Saratoga).
Inexperienced Soldiers:
- Many soldiers had to learn military maneuvers and follow commands quickly.
- Washington had to train them to act as a cohesive unit.

Texting Activity:
- Students were paired to write a text conversation about the Revolutionary War.
- Use of texting shorthand (e.g., "OMG", "BRB") allowed.
- Aim for at least five lines of conversation between partners.