comparing military strength during the revolutionary war by karen balke and helen smith

Comparing Military Strength during the Revolutionary War

By Karen Balke and Helen Smith

The British Army 1776STRENGTHS OR ADVANTAGES

• A powerful nation with a well-established government

• 9 million citizens• The most powerful navy in the world• A large, well-trained army and military leaders

with experience in fighting a war (45,000 British & 30,000 Hessians)

• A rich country with many factories to produce war supplies

• Native Americans and Loyalists fought for the British.

The Continental Army 1776WEAKNESSES OR DISDVANTAGES

• A new, weak nation that cannot raise money for war

• Less than 3 million citizens, of which on-third are not loyal to the government

• small navy• A small, poorly trained volunteer army and

military leaders who lack experience in fighting a war (15,000 men initially)

• Few factories to produce war supplies• Most Native Americans and Loyalists against

them

Based on the information in the previous slides,which country do you think had a better chance of winning the Revolutionary War? Why?

The British ArmyWEAKNESSES OR DISADVANTAGES

• Long way from home (3,000 miles)• Difficult to get supplies ashore (American

Privateers would attack British ships.)• The British had to fight in a country that

they didn’t know well.• No help from colonists• Less motivation to win

The Continental ArmySTRENGTHS OR ADVANTAGES

• Fighting in their home country • Get supplies easily• Support of women• Stronger motivation to win• Did not give up during hardships• General George Washington• Help from European countries

Why do you think the Americans were able to win the war?What advantages or strengths do you think were the most Important to the Continental Army?

The Continental Army and Navy were far weaker than those of the British. But unlike the British, Continentals were fighting close to home. They also had a stronger motivation to win. The British had to try to control large amounts of territory and destroy the Continental Army. America won itsindependence!