Why Did The British Fail To Supress The Revolt In 1775-77 Flashcards
(15 cards)
How did the British underestimate the colonists ?
- British leaders underestimated the resolve and capabilities of the American colonial forces
- perception that the conflict would be easily quelled leading to a lack of adequate preparation and failure to understand local conditions
How were Brithsb strategies ineffective ?
- traditional and geared towards European warefare
- Brithish army was not well prepared for American Guerilla tactics including hit and runs
- failure to adapt to the unique circumstances could be seen as incompetence
How was poor coordination a factor in the British failure ?
- instances of poor coordination and communication within command
- lack of effective coms meant different units and commanders missed important strategic opportunists
How were logistical challenges a factor ?
- maintaining support on a foreign war
- supply lines were stretched and the British struggled to provide adequate equipment hindering campaigning ability
How was motivation and resolve a factor in the American strengths ?
- highly motivated and had strong resolve to defend their perceived rights and liberties
- spirit of independence and desire for self governance motivated many individuals
How was familiar terrain an advantage ?
- fighting on home soil which allowed to employ guerilla warefare
- made it challenging for British often operating in unfamiliar and hostile terrain
How was leadership a factor in the American strength ?
- George Washington’s leadership was crucial in maintaining morale of continental army and adapting to challenges
How was foreign support and important factor ?
- French providing military assistance such as troops and navy bolstered the American cause and spread the Briths forces thin
Why was concord important to the failure to suppress the war ?
18 April 1775
- 800 men from Boston marched on L&C and were blocked by 70 minute men
- Britain advanced into Concord but retreated back to Boston loosing 273 casualties
- spurred on the colonial rebellion and gave further leverage to radical thought
Why was Ticonderoga and Canada important ?
- Burgoyne failed to reinforce southern forces and Clinton failed to reinforce him
- lead to a humiliating surredner which boosted morale
- helped spread conflict
Why was the survival of Washington important ?
- prevented Britain from making best use of loyalist in the middle colonies and allowed for the war to continue
- based upon Howe Inertia
Why was victory at Trenton important ?
- ahowe does not attack Philly allied Washington to regroup his army and surprise attack on the 25 December 1000 Brits captured to only 4 American casualties
- Britain lost many men and breathed new fire into revolution
- Christmas Day: unconventional and allowed for the Princeton in January
Why was Germantown important ?
- saw heavy colonial losses but also showed bravery and determination
- although a loss it presented dogged American bravery encouraging support
Why are the failures of Carelton and Clinton important ?
- Carleton: failed to move Canadian forced south and Clinton’s inability to rally forces from NY ensured Burgoynes loss at Saratoga
Why was France important ?
Sent money and arm to colonial forces and Saratoga confirmed their intervention
