The American Revolution

George Washington

Q: Why did George Washington become the commander of the Continental Army?

A: George Washington became the commander of the Continental Army, because he had military and war experience fighting in the French and Indian War. Washington always wore his military uniform, he represented the army well and those around him though him a respectful, experienced, and honorable man, ready to lead an army.

Q: What were the advantages and disadvantages that the colonists faced during the American Revolution?

A: Some advantages that the colonists had during the war are that they were familiar with the land and resources. They began to create their own weapons, and they also had George Washington that was well respected and trained in military battle. The disadvantaged included a poorly trained military. Most men served the Continental Army for one year. Washington was then expected to train new soldiers and wend them to war with very to little inexperience. They also did not have the necessary resources such as ammunition, weapons, clothing, shoes, not even blankets to keep themselves warm during the winter. Infections and disease were also a big disadvantage as many soldiers died from infection caused by their wounds.

Q: Why was the Battles of Saratoga such a crucial moment in the war, and called a “turning point” in the American Revolution?

A: Prior to the Battles of Saratoga, Americans had lost several battles and important territories such as Boston and New York.  At this point American was fighting alone and had no help from foreign countries. British General John Burgoyne had a strategy, a plan of attack, to take full control of the Hudson River Valley, cutting off New England from the other states, weakening the Americans and their hope for victory. General Burgoyne, Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger and General Howe were to all meet in Albany, New York, but each heading in a different direction with their armies, in order to surprise American soldiers, and surround New England. Months later, Burgoyne’s army was running out of supplies, due to the battles he confronted along the way. Burgoyne lost the Battle of Bennington in August of 1777, and he was also forced to retreat in October of 1777, after fighting against Benedict Arnold near Albany, New York. Burgoyne continued on his way and would eventually be defeated by the Continental Army, which fired at Burgoyne’s army night and day.

All of these conflicts and battles along the way are known as the Battles of Saratoga. These battles were important, because it not only presented the British from gaining control of New England and dividing the states, but it also showed England’s enemies that America had a chance at winning the war. The Battles of Saratoga caused England’s enemies, like France and Spain, to help America.

Q: Why did France and Spain ally themselves with the United States to fight England?

A: France helped America, because they wanted revenge against England after losing to them at the French Indian War. Spain was not friendly with England, however they had other reasons to enter the war. They wanted to gain control of more land and expand their territory and wealth.  

           

Q: How did France, Spain and other nations help the United States win the Revolution?

A: By entering the war, both France and Spain caused the British to fight in a number of places on land and sea, spreading their resources to thin. The British even fought the French in the disputed territories of the West Indies. Ultimately, the British were fighting the United States, France and Spain all at once. Although the Dutch did not help in battle, they did assist in carrying and delivering French military supplies to the Americas.

Q: What happened during the Battle of Yorktown?

A: British General Lord Cornwallis set up camp in Yorktown, located on a peninsula in the Chesapeake Bay. He thought that by setting up camp there he could easily receive supplies by ship. After Cornwallis was set up, George Washington decided to trap him on the peninsula. Washington joined forces with French General Jean Rochambeau. Together they blocked the Chesapeake Bay, preventing ships and supplied from reaching General Cornwallis. This strategy also prevented British troops from being able to escape. General Cornwallis did his best to protect his men by building forts, but Washington and Rochambeau decided to bomb Yorktown, destroying the city. Cornwallis had no way out and eventually surrendered. The Battle of Yorktown is known as the last major battle of the war. When news of Britain’s loss reached England, they declared the war over.