What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Revolutionary War?

1931 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: why was the battle of saratoga considered the turning point of the american revolution

The British was the most disciplined, best equipped, and not to mention the most professional army in the world. At the time of the Revolution, it was the undisputed ruler of the high seas. The Royal Navy had unwavering loyalty to its country, and in comparison, the American colonies were in economic disarray. Loyalists openly sided against the Patriots, and many citizens in America opposed the war against Great Britain. Looking at the statistics, weighing the disadvantages of the colonies and advantages the British had, the defeat appeared virtually impossible. The British army had years’ worth of triumphs, over countries much more powerful. And yet, somehow, when the Revolutionary war erupted in 1775 the American colonies defeated the superpower …show more content…

The British Armed Forces were too powerful to be defeated by some rebels, and that’s where they made their first mistake. The battle of Saratoga proved to be the turning point in the war, with the colonies proving victorious and forming an alliance with France. It showed the European Nation that the “Colonial forces could match the intensity and magnitude of the British troops on a man for man basis.” (Kannan, 2014) In 1778, France and America signed two treaties. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce recognized American independence and established a trade relationship with the struggling country. In the Treaty of Alliance, the two countries promised to consult the other when negotiating peace agreements with Britain. (American History, …show more content…

Military orders, troops, and supplies sometimes took months to reach their destinations. In the beginning of the American Revolution, according to an article by TotallyHistory.com, “the British army was about a total of 48,000 men composed of around 39,000 infantry units, 7,000 cavalry units, and 2,500 artillery men.” (2012) They also did not use the loyalists to their advantage, and the weaponry they had was less advanced than the American troops. The colonial army was fighting on their own ground, which helped them by being familiar with the areas. The American colonists were fighting for their freedom, and to keep their home. They weren’t about to let that go lightly. A quote by Patrick Henry captures this sentiment well, “They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.” The also had superior rifles, that had more range and accuracy than the enemy.

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of Christopher Hibbert's 'Redcoats And Rebels'

    1049 Words  | 3 Pages

    This book is the unbiased, detailed narrative of the war in chronological order. Summarized, this literary piece is an explanation of why the British lost the Revolutionary War. Christopher Hibbert explains the reasons behind their loss and provides supporting evidence as the War’s timeline progresses. One

    Read More

  • Colonists Won the War more than the British Lost It

    438 Words  | 1 Pages

    Historians may argue that the British lost the war more than the Colonists won it. Simply looking at the statistics of the British three to one ratio over the colonists, and their overwhelming wealth and naval power, it is virtually impossible to believe that the Americans came out victorious. During this war, the newly emerging colonists proved to the rest of the world that they were becoming an upcoming world power. Although unknown at the time, Washington would prove to be a military genius. This would benefit the colonists in many ways. The colonists, although only one-third of them were pro-war, were patriots who were willing to die for their country. The colonists had more to gain from the war then the British had to lose, thus creating more of an incentive to win. The colonists also had aid from other countries such as France and created allies that would eventually be useful in other wars. The Colonists won the war more than the British lost it because of Washington's great military skills, their patriotism and motives to triumph, and aid of foreign countries.

    Read More

  • The Role Of The Patriots In The American Revolution

    1014 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Americans had an advantage over the British for a simple reason: they were fighting for something they wanted, rather than the British fighting to “play defense” and prevent American independence. Americans colonists wanted to become an independant nation, have a new system of self governance, claim equal rights for all citizens, and rid themselves from tyranny. The Patriots who fought in the Revolution were primarily fighting for independence from Britain, and it was that similar goal that boosted morale. As stated in the Declaration of Independence American colonists were subject to a “long train of abuses and usurpations” and it was also argued that the British tyranny forced colonists to “alter their former system of government”. Therefore, the Patriots were fighting for a cause that affected their everyday lives which inspired them even more to defeat Britain. The British was fed up with the casualties and heavy taxes to pay for the war they were fighting without cause, while the Americans would have done anything to defeat the British. The American colonists and their want to defeat the British for the rights they deserved was a crucial factor to American victory during the revolutionary

    Read More

  • The Events and Impact of the Seven Years War

    1517 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the years leading up to the Seven Years War, there were already many skirmishes in the thirteen colonies between the British and the Native American tribes in the area.1 The first official year of fighting also led to many decisive defeats to the overextended British Empire. Many small battles for dominance between the British and the French also occurred along the Indian coast. In response to the acts of expansion by the French, the British decided to defend its own territory in North America and India.2 There were many battles scattered across the world, with significant naval battles in the Indian theatre and the Mediterranean. At first, the French won many decisive battles with the aid of its allies against the British Empire. Both countries however, were relatively equal in size and power at the time, but that would soon change. The British began to turn the tide as they made significant lead...

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Essay On The American Revolution

    579 Words  | 2 Pages

    The American Revolution was a conflict that arose from growing tensions between Great Britain and the Thirteen North American colonies. It was a long bloody war and one of the most well-known, and because of that it has many interpretations, and these interpretations have made it a challenge to be able to come to a single understanding of the war. In this week’s readings, two different views on the same war are given. The American Yawp describes the American colonies point of view on the revolution while the History Lesson discusses how British wanted to control America but instead drove them to rebel and fight for their independence. The colonists saw the war for their independence as a revolution, but through British eyes, events and people were, not surprisingly, seen quite differently.

    Read More

  • Battle Of Saratoga Essay

    1300 Words  | 3 Pages

    The battle of Saratoga was a significant turning point in the American Revolutionary War. This key conflict was, in fact, two significant battles that shaped America’s struggle for independence. The battles were fought 18 days apart in the same location - 9 miles south of Saratoga, New York. John Burgoyne, the British General, had an initial strategy to divide New England from the southern colonies. This was at first successful when the British took Pennsylvania, but hit a snag when Burgoyne met the Continental Army at Freeman’s Farm on September 19, 1777 - the first of the Saratoga battles. This was a tactical victory for the British, but it came at a price, as their casualties were heavy. It was known that the British won this Battle at Freeman’s Farm, but in actuality, they didn’t have many troops left. On October 7, in the Battle of Bemis Heights, the second Battle of Saratoga, Britain attacked America again as Burgoyne took the offensive. The troops crashed together south of the town of Saratoga, and Burgoyne's army was broken and his command captured. At this battle, the Americans were able to capture a large number of British troops, ultimately resulting in Burgoyne’s surrender on October 17, 1777. The Battle of Saratoga is well known to be “one of the most important victories of the conflict and an early success for the colonists.” The victory gave new life to the American cause at a critical time. Americans had just suffered a major setback at the Battle of Brandywine. They had also received news of the fall of Philadelphia to the British. Significantly with the success at Saratoga, France gained the confidence to enter the war as an American ally. The Battle of Saratoga was a war-altering conflict between the America...

    Read More

  • Pros And Cons Of The American Revolution

    1012 Words  | 3 Pages

    The American Revolution refers to a series of events and ideas in the latter half of the eighteenth century. That led the colonization of the thirteen states of North America spread from the British. It 's the creation of the United States of America. The two bourgeois revolutions in the United States are the adjustment of the superstructure to suit the development of the economic base. Including the American War of Independence and the Civil War, in the post-war, to some degree, it solves the social contradictions and class contradictions, to achieve national independence and national market unity.

    Read More

  • Why Did America Win The Revolutionary War

    523 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Revolutionary War between America and Britain placed a lot of difficulties on both sides, particularly the American colonies. America was the underdog of the war and no one expected them to win, but yet, despite all of their challenges they won the war. America didn't have a regular army and strong navy, unlike the Britain, who had one of the strongest armies in the world. Comparing America to the British is like comparing the emperor to a peasant. Furthermore, America's weapons and ammunitions were in short supply, and to make matters worse, not all Americans supported the struggle for independence. However, in spite of these things, America managed to win. American colonists got over the challenges thrown at them and won the Revolutionary War.

    Read More

  • American Revolution Pros And Cons

    749 Words  | 2 Pages

    “Don’t fire unless fired on. But if they mean to have war, let it begin here”(John Parker). My fellow colonists, we are here to talk about about the problem facing our colonies. The dilemma we are here to discuss is the Patriots trying to leave Britain’s rule. British government has done nothing wrong. The Patriots are completely overreacting, and The Sons of Liberty have taken this to an extreme. It is not a tremendous deal that Britain has taxed us, we should help our mother country climb out of its debt. In all of the battles our king has participated in, they have been trying to protect us, and it would not be smart to flee from their protection. My fellow colonists, if we go to war with our motherland, we shall lose the ability to protect ourselves from other lands and rivaling armies, our economy shall fail, and the cost the war shall be devastating.

    Read More

  • The Luck In the American Revolution

    2032 Words  | 5 Pages

    The American Revolution is a very important and historic war for America’s history and independence. However while important the war when looked at today seems very odd considering America back then when against England had almost no chance of winning, and yet America still won the war. So many ask the question of whether it was luck or if it was skill that won the americans the war that allowed the birth of the united states.When it really comes down to it the American Revolution was won with the key factor of luck, and it can be seen that this is the case whether it be what happened after the Battle of Long-Island, the Battle of Trenton and the winter leading up to it, the stupidity and mistakes of General Burgoyne, the events leading up to Yorktown and then Yorktown itself, and even how the war ended, because all of these and even more had to do with luck.

    Read More

  • American Revolution: The Colonists' Struggle for Independence

    1230 Words  | 3 Pages

    During the American Revolution, the French sent about 12,000 soldiers and around 32,000 sailors to the New World to help the American war effort ("France Allied with American Colonies"). Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier otherwise known as Marquis de Lafayette was the biggest French captain that would be involved in the Revolution. Although he was important in many other important events and wars with his own country, France, his role in winning American independence gave him the most fame (“Marquis de Lafayette”). The main strategy thought of by the Continental Congress and its generals was to use French army and navy to slowly start taking out the existing British on land and at sea. George Washington thought that this one-by-one plan would eventually defeat King George’s forces in America ("American Revolution, French Alliance, Siege of Yorktown"). The first direct French military support to get to America was in July 1778. The first group was a military expedition force of 4,000 soldiers and 16 ships. They were under the command of Comte d’Estaing. The first couple attempts to mount a joint American-French military ended in failure. The failures were thought to be due to cultural differences and communication issues between the new allies ("American Revolution, French Alliance, Siege of Yorktown"). The only action of importance where the Colonists and the French fought together with success in the end was the capture of Yorktown (Perkins 1). Although the two militaries were having trouble fighting together, the French continued to send money and supplies. The year 1780 was probably the lowest point in the American struggle to win independence. The British had taken over New York, Charleston, and South Carolina. They did this all after a brief siege in May. At this point the British were also on the verge of taking over the Carolinas ("American Revolution, French

    Read More

  • Advantages Of The British Colonies

    1801 Words  | 4 Pages

    The successes of the British colonies are clear, their dominance in naval warfare allowed for their ability to better supply their colonies, and the geographical location of their colonies allowed them to better supply themselves rather than wait on resupply from Great Britain. However, it is not entirely accurate to say that these are what caused Britain to better other colonial powers when facing similar hardship. It would be more accurate to say that the other colonial powers, France and Spain, lost the battle rather than Britain won it. Their methods were different, but the key difference lied in France’s inability to truly value its colonies. The British colonies not only were of large importance to the King of England, but they were also a beacon of hope and prosperity to the general population of the kingdom, which ensured their survival from the

    Read More

  • It Was The Revolutionary War A Turning Point Essay

    776 Words  | 2 Pages

    This Victory proved to France that Americans were willing to do whatever it takes to win and were worthy of an alliance. The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in war, but neither France nor America knew it at the time. Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Arthur Lee were sent to France by the Continental Congress to make a formal alliance with France in 1776. They produced the treaty of alliance and the treaty of amity and commerce. Together, both countries put input and time in the treaties and they were signed on February 6, 1778 by Benjamin Franklin in France. Treaty of alliance made Americans and France, allies against Great Britain and if France entered the war, neither of them would stop fighting and neither of them could conclude peace with Britain unless had a discussion . Treaty of amity and commerce strengthen trade between France and America, which helped them both. America was grateful to form a strong alliance with France; this soon gave the Americans an upper hand in the war. France was glad they were fighting against Britain because they were getting revenge on them. Both Treaties met the American’s and the France’s, needs and requirements. They were both glad to have formed an alliance; now they must together on peace agreements to win the

    Read More

  • Yorktown: A Miracle

    498 Words  | 1 Pages

    Many people, including many historians, believe that the American and French allied victory at Yorktown was a “miracle” and that the battle there ended the American Revolution. In fact, my research suggests that these conclusions are overstated. The victory at Yorktown was the realization of a series of events that happened to work in favor of the allies (and against the British). Some of them might be considered the result of “luck,” but most of them were the result of either human attributes or failings. Further, while Yorktown was certainly a turning point in a war that up to that point had been virtually a series of British victories, it did not assure that the British would admit defeat in the war. After Yorktown, the Colonies were

    Read More

  • What Is Revolutionary Changes, And Limitations Of The American Revolutionary War?

    1695 Words  | 4 Pages

    The 18th and 19th centuries were eras of revolution and reform. The American Revolutionary War and its outcome finalized America’s freedom from Great Britain, and the new nation of America began to take form. This was a time of new rights, freedoms and life under American society and rule. Yet, not all people within America’s borders got to reap the full benefits of the Revolutionary War. Many minorities did not gain much from or after the war, because of discrimination, racism, fear, or standards set by the white men of America. One of these minorities was infact women. No matter what age, race or status of women during these centuries, they still did not have or gain their full freedoms. After the American Revolutionary War, women did not

    Read More

More about What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Revolutionary War?

Open Document