Dark Hours for the Revolution Chapter 7.3

Comparing the Strengths and Weaknesses Great Britain’s Advantages More money and resources than the colonies Well-trained army and largest navy in the world; colonies had poorly-trained militias and no navy at all.

Comparing the Strengths and Weaknesses The Colonies’ Advantages Many Americans supported the revolutionary cause Fighting on home ground; Britain had to ship supplies across the Atlantic Fighting for a cause in which they believed; Britain’s army included some mercenaries, or hired foreign soldiers, not dedicated to the British cause

A Call to Arms American Soldiers More than 230,000 soldiers served in the Continental Army during the war. Some 145,000 American volunteers served in local militias.

A Call to Arms African Americans at War Because of southern opposition, General Washington initially banned African Americans from joining the Continental Army. In 1775 Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, issued Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation, promising freedom to any slave who fought for the British. The Continental Army then allowed free African Americans to enlist; some 5,000 African Americans went on to serve in the army.

Other Sources of Help American Indians Mohawk leader Thayendanegea, also known as Joseph Brant, allied with the British and persuaded many Iroquois to join him. Patriots worked to keep American Indians neutral.

Other Sources of Help Women Women ran farms and businesses while men fought. Some women raised money for supplies or sewed uniforms. Others served as messengers, nurses, or spies. Mary Ludwig Hays, known as Molly Pitcher because she brought water to Patriot troops, took her wounded husband’s place loading cannons.

British Victories Canada Patriots captured St. John’s and Montreal. British then won a major victory when Patriots attacked Quebec.

British Victories New York British force, led by General William Howe, drove Patriots off of Long Island. After retreating over several months, Continental Army abandoned New York.