England’s Strengths | Colonist's Strengths |
Population (7.5 million to 2.5 million colonists) Monetary wealth Naval forces Professional army
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Outstanding leadership - Military--Washington Diplomatic--Franklin ; European Imports--Lafayette, Kosciuzko Colonists fighting defensively and Self-sustaining agricultural base Colonists were better marksmen (Americans accurate at 200 yds.) Moral advantage. Americans were supporting a just cause with a positive goal
http://www.tubechop.com/watch/1506460
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England’s Weaknesses | Colonial Weaknesses |
Lack of British desire to crush American cousins. Whigs cheered American victories.
Military difficulties - Second-rate generalsBrutal treatment of soldiers (one lashed 800 times for striking an officer)
Inadequate, poor provisions (old, rancid, wormy) - Need for clear victory. A draw would be a colonial victory.
Armies were 3000 miles from home. Orders took months to reach the front.
Vast colonial territory (1000 by 600 miles) to subdue. No urban nerve center to conquer. |
Colonies were badly organized, disunited for war. - Continental Congress debated, but took little action and exercised less leadership
Written constitution (Articles of Confederation) not adopted until 1781. Colonies were jealous of Congress, each other's region
Economic difficulties - Little metallic currency available (Fearful of taxation, Congress issued virtually worthless Continental currency) Inflation led to increased prices, desertions from army. Limited military supplies - Inadequate firearms and powder American soldiers were numerous but unreliable |