the balance sheet of war: american revolution
TRANSCRIPT
The Balance Sheet of War
British Advantages
Had one of the best-trained, best-equipped, professional armies in the world.
Loyalists in America also provided resources and manpower to the British Army.
More British Advantages
Had one of the best-trained, best equipped, and biggest navies in the world.
Had a number of ways to get plenty of money to pay for a war.
American advantages
Was fighting a defensive war…didn’t have to “win” just had to “not lose.”
Familiar with the area, knew the land better than the British.
More American Advantages
Britain had 2 powerful enemies who might be willing to help the Americans (France and Spain)
George Washington
George Washington
Virginia planter. French & Indian
War Veteran. Made commander
of the Continental Army in 1775.
Not the most brilliant mind, but incredibly brave, willing to listen, and very tenacious.
American Disadvantages
No standing professional Army. Soldiers were mostly an undisciplined mob.
No Navy.
Very little money.
Few supplies.
British disadvantages
Home base was 3000 miles away.
Had to conquer and hold territory that stretched from Canada down to Florida.