Ch 6 Sec 1

Short war? British thought they’d crush the Americans quickly. Americans thought the British would get tired of it and go home. John Adams: We shall have a long… and bloody war to go through. British General William Howe hoped the sheer size of his army would convince Patriots to give up.

British Advantages Strongest navy in the world Experienced, well-trained army Wealth of a world-wide empire 8 million people Summer of 76 32,000 troops sent to NY

Colonial disadvantages Lacked a regular army/strong navy Weapons/ammunition in short supply Volunteered for short periods of time Lack of support (1/3-1/5 were Loyalists/Tories) Quakers opposed all armed conflict

Reasons for being Loyalist (Tory) Anglican church British jobs Feared potential disorder of change Did not understand the need

Lord Dunmore Royal Gov of Virginia Offered freedom to any slave that enlisted with the Brits

Patriot Advantages Fighting on own ground Fighting for their own freedom Leadership of George Washington

Hessians German mercenaries From Hesse in Germany

Difficulties for Continental Army 13 colonies had own militias Soldiers signed up for 1 year Enlistments eventually extended Difficult to recruit officers Lack of funds – army life difficult

Women and their roles Margaret Corbin – fought after husband died Molly Pitcher – “Moll of the pitcher” Deborah Sampson – disguised herself as a boy and enlisted

Nathan Hale Teacher from Conn. Spied on British troops on Long Island Disguised as Dutch schoolteacher Caught and hanged “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

British Plan of 1777 Take Albany, NY Gain control of Hudson River Separate New England from Mid Col. General John Burgoyne south from Canada LC Barry St. Leger east from Lake Ontario General William Howe north from NYC

General Burgoyne Traveled with 30 wagons of luxury Daniel Morgan’s men slowed their march Picked off scouts and then officers Lost the Battle of Saratoga

Bunker Hill American leaderColonel William Prescott “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” British leaderMajor General William Howe and Brigadier General Robert Pigot Winner?British Details2,200 British vs. 1,200 Americans Brit casualties = 1,000 Americans casualties = 450 Actually fought on Breed’s Hill – Bunker Hill was the goal *Pyrrhic victory – immediate gain was modest and the loss was significant

Long Island American leaderGeneral George Washington British leaderGeneral William Howe WinnerBritish DetailsAugust ‘76 First major battle after Declaration signed 1,000 American POWs put on prison ships

Trenton, NJ American leaderGeorge Washington British leaderGerman – Johann Rall Winner?Americans DetailsXmas night ,400 American troops crossed icy Delaware River Surprised British in the morning Washington’s troops gained confidence Continental Army was badly needed supplies New enlistments and reenlistments rose Nearly the entire Hessian force was captured

Philadelphia American leaderGeorge Washington British leaderWilliam Howe Winner?Brits DetailsHowe chose to stay in Philly instead of heading north to help Burgoyne. General Howe resigned during the occupation of Philly General Henry Clinton took over the British command

Saratoga American leaderGeneral Horatio Gates British leaderBurgoyne WinnerAmericans DetailsSurrendered Oct 17, 1777 Burgoyne was waiting for reinforcements that never arrived