Continental Army
The continental army was designed as a defense not long after the American Revolutionary War1. As well the army is gonna be needed as this army was established in 1775, just a little over a year from when the nation became what is known as The United States of America1. This army was led and commanded by General George Washington2. But How did this army compare to the British army? The continental army was on the lower side of the hill when it came down to comparison. The army was not well-fed, not well trained, and all around not really an army often fighting with each other2. The Army had many struggles that ranged from malnourishment all the way to not having enough people to fight7. The Continental Congress had been in control of this army since 1775 but one issue they had since day one was the lack of funds need to feed, clothe and arm the army that would later win the war and help declare independence of America7. Off an enlistment from dated June 1776 were these expectations “a good effective Firearm . . . Bayonet . . . [or] Haches [hatchet] or Tomahawk, a Cartridge Box and Blanket.”7. This
From a basic standpoint you see that the british have defeated many different armies, giving them an appearance of being invincible. They were organized and fought well, fought as an army not an every man for themselves kind of army. So how did the unorganized army of america defeat the invincible forces of the British? Both sides had strengths, but with every strength there’s a weakness. For example a weakness to the powerful British was, they were not at home supplies took months to reach them so they had to be careful of what they used6. But the strength of the Americans were they were at home so supplies were a bit more swift in arrival, and they were fighting for a great cause, and that cause was their independence, their ability to be free and not have to take commands from the
The life of a common soldier fighting on behalf of colonial independence during the American Revolution was a difficult one. Recruiters for the Continental Army targeted young and less wealthy men, including apprentices or laborers. Some (like Martin) enlisted voluntarily, while others were drafted. Among the discomforts Continental soldiers suffered were shortages of food or other supplies, long periods away from home, sinking morale and the constant threat of death.
In 1776, David McCullough gives a vivid portrayal of the Continental Army from October 1775 through January 1777, with sharp focus on the leadership of America’s greatest hero, George Washington. McCullough’s thesis is that had not the right man (George Washington) been leading the Continental Army in 1776, the American Revolution would have resulted in a vastly different outcome. He supports his argument with a critical analysis of Washington’s leadership during the period from the Siege of Boston, through the disastrous defense of New York City, the desperate yet, well ordered retreat through New Jersey against overwhelming odds, and concludes with the inspiring victories of Trenton and Princeton. By keeping his army intact and persevering through 1776, Washington demonstrated to the British Army that the Continental Army was not simply a gang of rabble, but a viable fighting force. Additionally, Mr. McCullough supports his premise that the key to the survival of the American Revolution was not in the defense of Boston, New York City, or any other vital terrain, but rather the survival of the Continental Army itself. A masterful piece of history, 1776 is not a dry retelling of the Revolutionary War, but a compelling character study of George Washington, as well as his key lieutenants, and his British adversaries, the most powerful Army in the 18th Century world. When I read this book, I went from a casual understanding of the hero George Washington to a more specific understanding of why Washington was quite literally the exact right man at the exact right place and time to enable the birth of the United States.
...e gun, it seemed, the greater the owner‘s pride in it.” (McCullough 33) The Continental army certainly did not look like an army yet these people were brought together in this fight for freedom and prevailed even winning the support of Americans who had no hope the British would be defeated.” Merchant Erving had sided with the Loyalists primarily because he thought the rebellion would fail. But the success of Washington‘s army at Boston had changed his mind as it had for many” (McCullough 108). The reader must comprehend the power of this accomplishment for the rag-tag army. “Especially for those who had been with Washington and who knew what a close call it was at the beginning-how often circumstance, storms, contrary winds, the oddities or strengths of individual character had made the difference- the outcome seemed little short of a miracle.” (McCullough 294).
In the years 1777 to 1778, while General George Washington was settled in Valley Forge with his forces, the Continental Army was falling apart. It became difficult for Washington to keep leading when his soldiers kept retreating. My position is a soldier in the army who will be allowed to leave in one month, but I will not leave. The soldiers at Valley Forge in 1777 and 1778 should have stayed. The Continental Army needed everyone they could keep, the death toll was low, and George Washington was a fantastic leader.
Washington's selection to be the leader of the Continental Army was the wisest choice that the newly formed Continental Congress could have made. Washington's selection as Commander of the Continental Army did more to win the Revolutionary war than any other decision made during the conflict. His personal character epitomizes perfectly the five traits required in a successful general: wisdom, sincerity, humanity, courage, and strictness. (Sun Tzu p. 65) These five crucial traits will become apparent and Washington's strategy to win the War of Independence is elaborated on further
Americans went through a long and difficult journey before they were truly able to be free from England. Colonists in America fought in the American Revolution to terminate British rule; the battle for independence continued with the War of 1812. Although all the odds were against the Americans, they managed to be victorious in both wars by rebelling, standing up to British threat, and strategizing.
Even though the British army was larger, the American army proved to have talented fighters. The Continental Army and the state militias were essentially the two military organizations of the Americans. Throughout the war, the Americans employed only 231,771 men, which meant that the American forces rarely numbered over 20,000. Compared to the British, the American army was small, but their military tactics and skills were excellent. From a distance of 200 yards, an American rifleman could easily kill a British soldier. Many men observed that the British plainly fired in the general direction of the Americans, while the Americans aimed for the heads of the British.
When the colonists rebelled against Britain, they raised an Army of volunteers to fight under the leadership of General George Washington. Following the war and the forming of the United States, the US Constitution authorizes Congress to raise an Army for the national defense.
...t Washington paid the troops with $10 in coins, so many of the troops didn’t quit after they were paid handsomely and they stayed and trained, so they may have the freedom they deserve. The british will now taste the colonists bullets and be defeated. The troops had the toughest times in their lives, they had not meat, no clothes, and rotting skin. But they still had their spirits, even when they were sick they had fought a massive winter for their lives. They thought that their independence for every colonist was more significant than their lives, in other words they put the innocents lives first, because without sacrifice there is no victory. 6 months we were at valley forge and we made it out, with many troops and about to give the british a war they’ll never forget. This war is will determine which side gets their desire, total control or freedom to all colonist.
In the 1770’s the British army was well known for its monetary wealth and professional well trained militia. American colonists were slowly getting more and more fed up with the inequality and taxation under British rule so they took a stand. Americans known as Rebels or Patriots fought in the Revolutionary War to gain independence from Britain. Some colonists also known as loyalists, thought that the Patriots had no chance against the professional militia so they stayed loyal to the crown. Although improbable at the start of the American Revolution, the colonists were able to defeat the British army and formally gain independence because they had great leadership from George Washington, similar goals that created high morale, and aided from
In the summer of 1775, The Americans prepared to attack the British in Boston. But Washington was informed that they were shorthanded on gunpowder. The Americans had fewer than 10,000 pounds, roughly nine rounds per man. The situation was not expected to improve soon. During the night of March 4th, 1776 in Boston. Washington pulled the unthinkable and surprised the British by placing his army up the undefended Dorchester Heights. The British had ships anchored in the Boston Harbor, which were within range of American cannons. The British army woke up the next morning and was amazed to see how much hard work took place that night by the American army. Since the British army was surrounded they had no ot...
Powell had documented that,” The committee of five congressmen stayed several weeks and was helping in getting more food.” This relates because, the Congressmen didn’t trust George Washington and then ended up helping us throughout the war. ‘The Congressmen didn’t trust him because, “George Washington's position was uncertain and so the Congressmen were unsure if they could trust him (Powell 149). The Summer soldier and the Sunshine patriot will, in the crisis, shrink from the service of their country (Paine 153). Busch had also documented,”from December 1777 to February 1778 over 4,000 soldiers had either left or died.” Tyranny, is like heck or under the ground and is not easily conquered. This is why we need more soldiers so we can fight for freedom. Fighting is extremely hard and you will lose many friends, but you will feel joy, if the right thing has happened. This reason is causing me to re-enlist because I still trust my army to fight with them, I will stay because I want freedom for me and
At the start of the war, the Continental Army lacked training and organization. While the scattered guerilla tactics seemed to waste time and resources, they helped Americans stay alive. In addition, the colonists had the advantage of perseverance; they had to fight for their freedom as a nation. Another facet that helped survival was the leadership of George Washington. His knowledge and expertise was critical in making sure his soldiers stayed alive; having the home field advantage boosted his effectiveness as well. All of these assets culminated into a powerful force against the British
The American Revolution: the war for our independence. This revolution opened the door to our liberty, freedom, and basically what America is now. Most Americans have heard the stories of famous battles, important people (George Washington for instance), and everything in between. However, this was only for our side of the American Revolution and a small fraction of people have been told of Britain’s campaign of the revolution. The only thing people have been told was the Britain lost the war. What of Britain’s triumphs, strategies, and everything that happened in the span of a few years? Not many people know it, but the British struck a major blow against the Patriots in the last few years of the war. Even though the United States won the American Revolution, Britain struck a major blow against the colonists when the British successfully and brutally took the town of Charleston, South Carolina.
The Patriots had many strengths throughout the war. But I think the main three are Motivation, Popular Support, and Foreign Allies. I think Motivation because they had awful times. For example Valley Forge and still came out strong after. They were fighting in their own backyards. Next I think popular support. I think this because most of the army was citizens of the colonies. Except for the French and Spanish. If the army did not have these normal day-to-day citizens it would not have been a war. Also due to the Popular Support it attracted foreign allies. Which is my next strength. It is their strength because France and Spain sent over thousands of troops to the colonies and also had phenomenal generals. I think that the Patriots strengths