American and British Strengths and Weaknesses Upon Entering the American Revolutionary War

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In every war, there are advantages and disadvantages on both sides. Entering the American Revolutionary War the two opposing sides held a variety of assets and hindrances. These factors ranged from superior leaders to mere populations sizes, but in the big picture, all the miscellaneous dynamics for both Britain and the American colonies would be the ultimate decider of victory. At the beginning of the war, there were many mixed opinions about who would win because of the extent of diversity in both sides’ advantages and disadvantages.

At first, most think Britain would achieve an easy victory over such a small and inexperienced group of colonies. This was also what Britain’s thought. The 7.5 million inhabitants of Britain more than doubled the population of the colonies. With such large numbers, the British government had no problem generating war funds through taxes. The monetary wealth Britain acquired also paid for the first class naval force of Britain. The British had the biggest and best ships money could buy, and with them an array of victories. Alongside Britain’s vast naval fleet stood their 50,000 British soldiers, and 30,000 mercenary Hessian soldiers. Not to mention, Britain still possessed 30,000 additional American loyalists who were still loyal to the British crown. It seemed that Britain’s army was incredibly intimidating, but as Britain soon found out, this war was so much more than a number game.

When Britain entered the war, one of their biggest problems was uneven support for the war. There were many American sympathizers in British Parliament. These sympathizers saw the revolt in the colonies as a plausible and reasonable reaction. The fact that parliament as a whole was not in complete favor of the onc...

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...ary War, it is a miracle they came out victorious.

By no doubt Britain held an incredibly intimidating military, but sometimes it is not just the strength of the soldiers that counts. The colonists had the benefit of an exceedingly morale filling cause that most could not help but rally around. Britain tried to fight a war the traditional way without incentive for victory. Entering the American Revolutionary War, the colonists possessed a keen desire and aspiration to have and keep their freedom. With determination the chaotic army of America strived toward victory. The British had the powers of money, numbers, and experience, but sometimes seemingly potent advantages have little effect on the determination of free will.

Works Cited

“American and British Strengths and Weaknesses.” U.S. History Online

Textbook, 2011. Web. 18 August 2011.

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