British vs. American Advantages and Disadvantages Upon Entering the American Revolution The Early Years of War

Manufacturing British-Large supply of weapons available on a consistent basis and have factories available to make more Americans-Cannot produce weapons as fast and in as large quantities as Great Britain because Americans do not have the factories set up to do so

Money British-Although still in debt from the French and Indian War, the British are more capable to raise and borrow the money needed to fight a war Great Britain has been around a lot longer than the 13 colonies and has more practice on what to do when the national government needs money Great Britain has also been collecting taxes from the 13 colonies as well as the British living in Great Britain Americans-Although there are the First and Second Continental Congresses, these are more wartime governments that have a hard time operating on a national scale in order to raise money The colonies still operate under the King of England and Parliament The 13 colonies have no formal connections with foreign powers other than Great Britain, who certainly will not loan them money to fight a war against them

Army British-Nearly 50,000 soldiers fight on behalf of the British in the American Revolution Most whom are well-trained, well-equipped and well- paid This was your job as a British soldier Hired Hessians as well Americans-Approximately 15,000-20,000 soldiers at the most fight on behalf of the Americans in the American Revolution Most whom have little military experience, are poorly equipped and are paid on a poor and irregular basis Had trouble finding recruits to join the Continental Army

Leaders British-Led by officers with military experience This is their job Americans-George Washington Gained his experience from the French and Indian War But G.W. is about it (at first)

Geography Americans-Fighting on their own soil Know the countryside Know how to fight in the wilderness Know how to endure the different seasons and climates Closer to their source of supplies British-Far from home (3,000 miles) Unfamiliar with the land Are not prepared or knowledgeable on how to fight in the wilderness and endure different seasons and climates  This resulted in using methods of fighting not suited to America Further from their source of supplies

Navy British-Have the most powerful navy in the world Could be used to move an army from one place to another Could be used to transport supplies Controlled the seas Americans-Have no navy (at first)

Student Reflection Based on the British and American advantages and disadvantages upon entering the American Revolution, how would you predict the British and American strategies differed during the early years of war?

Concluding Thoughts So you can see that upon entering the American Revolution the British have more advantages than the Americans; however, the Americans have one big advantage that I did not discuss today, motivation! American soldiers were fighting to defend their homes and their families and were willing to die for the cause of independence. While this is also true for the British, I would argue not to the same extent. My goal today was for you to understand some of the necessary components to fight a war as well as to see the advantages that the British and Americans had entering the American Revolution and why. Are there any questions on this or any information that you need repeated?