Discuss The Challenges Faced By The Continental Army

The reason that I chose this particular site was to learn more about the setbacks that the British faced during the 1777. I also picked this site specifically, because it had a ton of information about the Philadelphia campaign and how it was ultimately a setback for the British which really interested me. The reason that the setbacks of 1777 really interested me is due to the fact that these setbacks are what helped the colonies win a surprising victory and independence from the powerful British military. I was also very pleased with how much of the information extended off of what I read in the textbook. Some of the ways this site relates to the topics we are currently studying are by providing information on the campaign of 1777, the colonist’s alliance with France, and the battle of Saratoga.

In the year 1775, British troops under the British General Gage launched attacks on the towns of Lexington and Concord. These attacks, coupled with the colonists already seething rage over the many taxes and laws that had been placed on them, caused a chain of events that led to the Revolutionary War. During the beginning of the war, soldiers went around recruiting more men to fight for them. A man by the name of Joseph Martin was ecstatic to join the fights against the British, his problem was that he was a year to young to join the army. However, a year later he was old enough, so when soldiers came around looking for new recruits, Joseph was one of the first to volunteer. (Hart, pg.119) Even though the Americans were outmatched in

In 1775, thirteen colonies began a fight for their independence from Britain’s rule. Without formal training in artillery tactics or a proper armament of artillery pieces, early units had to overcome adversity and hardship. But with courage and dedication the artillery and its leadership were able to play a vital role in the success on the battlefields, and ultimately the victory resulting in America earning its freedom.

As the war began, it seemed that the British possessed a greater advantage over the unprepared American rebels. The population odds alone were about three British to every one American rebel with around 7.5 million British soldiers against around 2.5 million American colonists. When it came to wealth and military power, the British were in favor. In addition to having a much greater amount of soldiers, the British soldiers were professional trained when compared to the minute amount of poorly trained American militia. While numerous and highly trained, the British also had the necessary money to equip their soldiers with the necessary ammunition, clothes, training, etc. The American soldiers, on the other hand, suffered from lack of supplies, lack of money, no leadership, and the difficult weather conditions. Recruiting, supplying, training, equipping, and paying soldiers were monumental challenges, especially for a nation that was barely forming its first governments. Due to the lack of money, there was a lack of supplies for the soldiers who rarely received their pay

The war seemed to separate the colonists into three separate groups. Ones that were loyal to Britain, which were called “loyalists”. Most loyalists had “business ties” with Britain and saw being on Britain’s side of the war as being “defenders”. While other loyalists despised those that rebelled and assumed their reason to rebel was to obtain more money from the empire. The second group was with George Washington called the “Patriots”, who were fighting for the freedom from Britain, and the third group were people that were trying to go about their lives and not get involved in the war. Though slaves were asked to participate in the war, most went to Britain’s side in exchange for freedom. In 1775, Washington and his army win the battle at Saratoga and this ultimately wins over France as an

Against all odds, The United States’s meager volunteer army defeated the British, who were said to have been the greatest army at that time. The war began in 1775 when the Americans demanded independence from Britain. America united with the French and Spanish and the British were on their own for the most part. At the time, America wasn’t an official country which makes it even more astonishing that they beat such an enormous empire. Although the American army was at a massive disadvantage, they did have a few elements on their side. The Americans were more motivated than the british because they were fighting for their freedom. They also had better leaders that were encouraging and innovative.

Yet in early spring at Valley Forge General Nathanel Greene was appointed quartermaster. Conditions for the members of the continental army greatly improved. Food was in abundance as well as clothing and soldiers took full advantage of it. While the American soldiers were very valiant, they lacked the discipline and skills of a true army. This soon changed will the arrival of Baron Von Stueben. Von Stueben quickly turned the continental army into a true “army.” Leaving Valley Forge Washington and his men had a renewed sense of patriotism. They were now a united army with the skills to defeat the British although they had suffered great losses they had made great achievements and were now truly an army. The winter of Valley Forge exemplified the true will of General George Washington and his troops. They were united and they were ready to fight for one cause life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The British enrolled about fifty thousand American Loyalists and enlisted the services of many Indians, who though unreliable, who fair-weather fighters, inflamed long stretches of the frontier”(135). This extra help from colonists, Loyalist, hessians, and the Indians only add to the army creating a bigger advantage towards the colonists. Even though they did not win it can said that the British seemed to have a bigger lead on the colonists. Colonists presented themselves as weak and disorganized, where one would presume that they wouldn’t win at all, “Yet the American rebels were badly organized for war. From the earliest days, they had been almost fatally lacking in unity, and a new nation lurched forward uncertainly like an uncoordinated centipede”(136). Organization is important for the colonists because they are competing against a well-developed and trained army.

The American Revolution, when 13 American colonies waged war against the most powerful country in the world, Great Britain, for their independence. Soldiers who fought in the war and risked their lives to gain the freedom we have today, is just one of the many prime examples of prevailing hardships in battle. George Washington proved to be exemplary just like many others heroic patriots, like Henry Knox and Nathaniel Greene, when triumphing over the British soldiers with what little strength they had and defeating them. Their victory was more than enough proof on why they deserved independence. David McCullough’s 1776, describes and educates us about events which happened before the war and foreshadows up to the revolution. We learn about the hardships thrown at George Washington and the Continental army whose intentions switched from equal rights to complete emancipation. Battles throughout the Revolutionary War, like the Battle of Bunker Hill, are well known, but McCullough shows the reader how the Continental army continues to strive on even when victory is not in their favor.

1. Popular Support: The Patriot Army needed support from their friends, family and strangers, so that they would feel the support of the people, and know that their nation wished them success throughout the whole war, and would do whatever it took to ensure that. America was a nation in rebellion with the civilians who were passionate about the cause. Even when they could not fight formally, they found many ways to slow the British army from progressing.Some civilians known as rebel Guerillas even went as

The Continental Army’s choice of George Washington as their leader of the continental army was critical in ensuring the United States’ victory. While many in the colonies wanted freedom from Britain that was not the case for everyone. Individuals’ motives were largely location dependant. The Battle of Saratoga proved to be pivotal in ensuring the United States’ victory against British forces.

David McCullough’s 1776 is a revealing novel about the struggles and challenges America faced during the year of 1776 as the war for America’s independence was commended. This book outlined the hardships the country faced in order for us to be able to live the life of freedom we do today. The American army consisted of normal everyday citizens with no prior military experience, but they pulled out a victorious win with the leadership of George Washington. With the strong will of determination, the American people did not let opposing forces deter them.

Though it is a historical book, 1776 has many different themes waiting to be analyzed and dissected. One theme would be the theme of leadership being a major key to success. Throughout the book, McCullough seems to emphasize the fact that even though the American army was minimal, vastly outnumbered by the British, strong leadership was what truly mattered. Not only did this mean the Commander-in-Chief George Washington, but also other commanding officers such as Nathanael Greene and Henry Knox. If the American rebels did not have such strong leadership, both on the field and when inspiration was needed, victory would have been very much postponed or not existent at all. McCullough writes “ good officers were mandatory” and “officers must be better paid, better trained (pg 226).” While the army itself is very important, the commanding officers serve as a driving force that directs the firepower in a certain direction and, in turn, towards victory. Another example would be when soldiers witness their commander, George Washington, rushing onto the field despite the dangers that lay ahead and how important his life was to the cause. One soldier wrote that he would “never forget what [he] felt… When [he] saw him brave all the dangers

“Look at the poster showing all of those British soldiers firing into a helpless crowd. Did you hear that the Sons of Liberty dumped tons and tons of tea into the Boston harbor? Did you see that warship in Boston harbor? I heard that tax men are being feathered and tarred.” These are a smattering of what you might have heard if you lived in the colonies during the 1760’s and 70’s.

The Non-Fiction Historical Book 1776 By David McCullough is a historically accurate and in depth view of The American Revolution; starting from The Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Fort Washington, and ending its Analysis at the Battle of Trenton in 1776. There are many fascinating features, trends, themes, and characteristics used in 1776 that make the book a fluent and enjoyable read. Also the book gives a very detailed and informative account of the battles and military life from the Battle of Boston to the Battle of Trenton. Finally the author, David McCullough, of the book as many other works and experiences that tell the reader why and how 1776 is such a credible source