The British seemed unbeatable. During the previous 100 years, the British had enjoyed triumph after triumph over nations as powerful as France and Spain. At first glance, the odds were clearly against the Americans. A closer look provides insight into how the underdogs emerged victorious.
Britain's military was the best in the world. Their soldiers were well equipped, well disciplined, well paid, and well fed. The British navy dominated the seas. Funds were much more easily raised by the Empire than by the Continental Congress.
Some of those funds were used to hire Hessian mercenaries to fight the Americans.
On the other hand, the Americans had many intangible advantages.
The British fought a war far from home. Military orders, troops, and supplies sometimes took months to reach their destinations. The British had an extremely difficult objective. They had to persuade the Americans to give up their claims of independence. As long as the war continued, the colonists' claim continued to gain validity. The geographic vastness of the colonies proved a hindrance to the British effort. Despite occupying every major city, the British remained as at a disadvantage.
Americans had a grand cause: fighting for their rights, their independence and their liberty. This cause is much more just than waging a war to deny independence. American military and political leaders were inexperienced, but proved surprisingly competent.
The war was expensive and the British population debated its necessity. In Parliament, there were many American sympathizers. Finally, the alliance with the French gave Americans courage and a tangible threat that tipped the scales in America's favor.
American Revolution gave birth to many songs, but none gained the widespread notoriety that "Yankee Doodle" did. Originally composed by the British to mock the colonial forces, the song became popular with Americans after their victory — the ultimate tongue-out, thumbs-in-ears-with-fingers-waving anthem for a proud, young nation. Read about the song's history at this site, part of PBS's online companion to "Liberty! The American Revolution."
The Continental Army
PBS also offers a brief description of the Continental Army. Records of the American Revolution are often difficult to come by, as this website explains, so historians try to piece information together. What information have they been able to gather on them.
Sons of the Revolution in California
Spend some quality time at this Sons of the Revolution in California website and uncover some interesting facts and figures of the American Revolution. Although it doesn't reveal the strengths and weaknesses of either side, the site does go into great detail on many other aspects of the war. The best place to start is the "Battles" link. Clicking on any year in the chronology brings up a complete list of the battles of that year and the dates they took place. The "Casualties of the Revolutionary War" link (also under the "Battles" link) provides a detailed list of the dead and wounded from both the American and British forces. And all this is only one link! Other links include "Flag History" and "Colonial Uniforms."
Uniforms of the American Revolution
Forget about strengths and weaknesses! Which side was the best dressed?
Are you a jaunty or a daddy? Do you sit in the cad's corner and dodge Pompey? Read more about British naval slang and terms in 1775 to find out.
The Continental Navy had only 31 ships when the Colonies declared their independence from Britain in 1776.
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