THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Above: Map of American Revolutionary War (click map to enlarge)

When war broke out in 1775 between America and Britain it seemed that the latter would come out a sure winner. Its well organized army and navy were matchless. There were veterans from the French and Indian wars at the lead. But America had only a motley group of untrained inexperienced conscripts. The small American navy could hardly face up to the royal British fleet consisting of nearly thousand or more ships.

Above: Picture of George Washington, first President of America

However things began to look up for America after George Washington performed an almost overnight miracle by turning the continental army into professional fighting units. Nevertheless the odds were still greatly in favour of Britain.

Above: Map showing the movement of American and British forces

The Americans had great faith in themselves. They were fighting for a cause. America had everything to lose for their very existence was at stake - their homes and hearths. The added advantage was that they were taking a stand on their own home turf. Feelings of patriotism were high - in fact this was the driving force that inspired America. Most of the army groups consisted of men who knew each other well - consisted of friends and neighbors. Hence they were well knit bands and not just paid mercenaries. All along they had defended their homes and had some rudimentary basic knowledge of the art of warfare. So among the Americans the moral was high. The British were over confident and over sure of themselves.

Above: British army attacking at a disadvantage position

The topography of the rugged North American terrain put the British at a disadvantage. To the latter it was unknown territory - rocky and rough. Winters were unbearably cold while summers in the south were boggy and humid. The muddy roads made it almost impenetrable to negotiate the forests and move westwards. A concerted attack could not be mounted because American settlements were vastly spaced out - sprawling and wide. Transporting men and supplies became a Herculean task. Last but not least point of disadvantage for the British was that their headquarter was flung far across the Atlantic which meant an all round strain on resources and mobility.

Above: Maps showing American and British force movements during the Battle of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga was the culmination point after a number of small skirmishes. Saratoga was near New York. The American victory persuaded the French to strike up an alliance in 1778. In 1779 Spain too joined. France and Spain had selfish interests in mind - they wanted to drive out the British from America. In fact even before officially joining the pact, Spain had been supplying ammunitions and supplies to the Americans.

The entry of these two countries opened up new fronts. Britain had to divert her forces to fight the new enemies. Netherlands also joined in the anti-British war in 1780. Consequently the pressure lessened on America.

Above: British army shooting American militia

However the war dragged on but it continued to be popular with the ordinary Americans - not only with the politicians and military personnel. Their feelings of patriotism never flagged. Some scholars opine that ultimately it was this lasting popular steady support that was the main reason for America never giving in to British pressure.

With the passage of time and the war dragging on support in England favoring the war began to wane. The Whigs in Parliament represented religious nonconformists, industrialists and reformists. They spoke up against the war as being unjust. This together with eight years of strain on the morale and exchequer began to tell on Britain. To crown it all there was not a single decisive victory to crow about. Britain’s fatigue was one of the main causes of bringing about an end to the war.

Above: Picture of Lord Charles Cornwallis

Strengthened by support from France, Spain and the Netherlands, America continued to put up a steady stiff resistance to Britain. In 1781 America seized a large British encampment under Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. Till 1783 skirmishes continued but the British were tired of this no-win-no-lose situation. Britain sought for peace.

Above: British accepting American’s demand for independence by signing the documents of the Treaty of Paris.

By the Peace of Paris in September 1783, Britain, USA, France and Spain put the official seal to the peace process in Paris. Huge tracts of land in the west were awarded to America and recognition to United States was given as a new independent country. In November 1783 the last British forces left New York.

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