American Revolution and Independence

American Revolutionary War Challenges

• The American Revolutionary War started more than a year before the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
• Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence, knowing that if the revolution failed, they would likely be executed by the British monarchy.

Loyalists and British Army Advantages

• About 50,000 Loyalists fought against the Continental Army, and many moved to Great Britain or Canada after the war.
• The British army had more trained soldiers, with a total of 50,000 Loyalist soldiers and 30,000 hired mercenaries.
• The British army was five times larger than the Continental Army and had well-trained, long-term soldiers.

Continental Army Challenges

• The Continental Army, led by George Washington, had to build an army from scratch with mainly farmer volunteers.
• Most soldiers volunteered for short terms, and some left to tend to their farms during planting and harvesting seasons.
• The Continental Army lacked supplies, including cannons, gunpowder, food, and uniforms, and often fought in their own clothes.

American Advantages

• The Americans fought on their own land, allowing for easier access to fresh soldiers and supplies.
• American soldiers fought to defend their homes, families, and freedom, which motivated them more than the British mercenaries.
• The large size of the country allowed American armies to move to other areas if the British won in one part.

Key Figures

• Benjamin Franklin emphasized the need for the new states to work together, saying "we must all hang together, or else we shall all hang separately."
• Thomas Paine wrote about the American plan to defend their country.
• George Washington led the Continental Army and struggled with a lack of supplies and short-term volunteers.