Strengths and Weaknesses Revolution

• ​The American Revolution was a war fought between Great Britain and the Americans (previously known as the British colonists) from 1775 until 1783 

• ​While Lexington and Concord are considered the first battles, in 1775 the war wasn't official until the Declaration of Independence was created in 1776

The British government was fighting to put down the colonists rebellion. They didn’t think this would turn into a full scale war that would last years. They thought they would be able to crush the colonists and get them in line within a few months 

The Americans were fighting for their independence from Great Britain. They wanted to be recognized as an independent country.

A war is a long period of conflict that usually lasts several years. The soldiers do not fight every day. A war ends with a treaty and often one side is clearly the winner and gains something. The times when they are in direct combat are called battles.

​

A battle is direct fighting that takes place from an hour to a few days.  The same soldiers are not fighting at all times (think of it like a sports game; battles are like the innings/quarters/rounds etc. and the same people aren't playing/fighting the whole time)

A battle is won by the side that does not give up and retreat (leave first.) Therefore, having more casualties (dead & injured) does not always mean you lost a battle. 

British side

Red Coats

Royal Army and Navy

​

​

​Colonists side

​Militia /minutemen 

Continental Army 

Rebels

Patriots

Americans

​

​Each colony also had a militia that fought only in their colony.

​

The militias fought in some battles and the Continental Army fought in other battles.

​you won't lose points for a prediction; just make your best guess!

​In 1776 when the war became official the British had 32,000 troops stationed in the colonies and the Americans only had 20,000 troops

The British army was one of the best militaries in the world. The Americans didn't have their own army and were starting one from scratch

All of the battles of the American Revolution took place in the 13 colonies. Colonists knew their own land better than the British. However, loyalists often helped the British to better understand the colonies

Even though the British were in debt, they were an established country that could easily borrow money from other countries or tax its citizens. America was a brand new country that no other country had acknowledged yet. In addition the 2nd Continental Congress didn't want to tax the American people because a major reason they were fighting the British was because of taxes.

​British currency

​American currency

Americans were fighting for freedom and rights. American soldiers fought because they chose to (they were usually unpaid volunteers)

​

​The British were fighting to put down the American rebellion. British soldiers fought because it was their job

The British didn't send their best generals because they underestimated the Americans. They thought they could win with their B team

​

​The militia leaders were ruthless and creative and the Continental Army who had George Washington who was very smart and dedicated