MILH510 W2 Dis

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School

American Military University *

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Course

510

Subject

History

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

2

Uploaded by SuperHumanHorsePerson188

The Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was a conflict influenced by various factors. Evaluating the outcome as either America winning or Great Britain losing requires considering several factors, including military capabilities, leadership, and external factors. 1. Military capabilities: - Great Britain: At the beginning of the war, Britain possessed a formidable military force, well-trained and disciplined troops, an established navy, and access to substantial resources. They had the advantage of a professional army and an extensive support network. - America: The American colonists faced significant challenges. They needed a standing army, experienced shortages of resources and weapons, and had a relatively small and fragmented population. However, they had the advantage of fighting on familiar terrain, which enabled them to employ guerrilla tactics and engage in hit-and- run warfare. 2. Leadership: - Great Britain: The British had experienced military leaders, such as General William Howe and General Charles Cornwallis. However, the leadership suffered from strategic indecision and a lack of understanding of their unique challenges in fighting a protracted war on unfamiliar land. - America: The American side had notable leaders like George Washington, who maintained morale and kept the Continental Army together. Washington's strategic choices, such as the decision to engage in a war of attrition and avoid direct confrontation, proved effective in wearing down the British forces. 3. "Outside" factors: - France's involvement: France's support was instrumental in the American victory. The French provided military aid, supplies, and crucial naval support, which played a significant role in the decisive American victories at Saratoga and Yorktown. - Geography and logistics: The vast distance between Great Britain and the American colonies made it challenging for the British to maintain a sustained military presence. The American colonies also benefited from local support, which hindered British control and supply lines. Considering these factors, it is reasonable to argue that the American victory in the Revolutionary War was a combination of both America's successful resistance and Great Britain's failure to end the rebellion. While Great Britain had a more robust military and initial advantages, the colonists utilized their knowledge of the terrain, employed effective guerrilla tactics, and received substantial support from France. The strategic decisions made by American leaders, along with external factors, tipped the scales in favor of the American cause.
Millet, Allan R., Peter Maslowski, and William B. Feis (2012). For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America . Completely Revised and Expanded. New York: Free Press. less
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