American Revolution Naval Forces

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Questions and Answers

What type of documents are included in the volumes discussed?

Only military orders and reports

Articles written by historians

Diaries, letters, and ship logs (correct)

Official government reports only

Which president's foreword is included in the first volume of the collection?

John F. Kennedy (correct)

Lyndon Johnson

Richard Nixon

Gerald Ford

Who succeeded Dr. William Dudley as editor of the series?

Dr. William J. Morgan

Dr. Michael J. Crawford (correct)

William B. Clark

Gerald Ford

Which volume was produced by the NHHC in 2019?

Volume 13 Signup and view all the answers

What perspective does the collection NOT represent?

Exclusively military officers Signup and view all the answers

What was established by the Continental Congress on 13 October 1775?

Continental Navy Signup and view all the answers

Which battle is noted as one of the longest and bloodiest during the American Revolution?

Battle of Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis Signup and view all the answers

What issue did American naval commanders often face during the Revolutionary War?

Lack of trained and disciplined sailors Signup and view all the answers

Which ship was captured by John Paul Jones while commanding Ranger?

HMS Drake Signup and view all the answers

How many warships did the colonies have by 1776?

27 Signup and view all the answers

What role did American privateers play during the naval conflict of the American Revolution?

Attacking British shipping Signup and view all the answers

Who led the fleet that attacked a British colony in the Bahamas on 17 February 1776?

Esek Hopkins Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant challenge for the American colonies in building their naval power?

Overwhelming British naval superiority Signup and view all the answers

Which notable ship served under John Paul Jones during the Revolutionary War?

Bonhomme Richard Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following was not associated with the Continental Navy during its formative years?

John Adams Signup and view all the answers

What significant resolution did the Continental Congress pass on November 25, 1775?

Establishment of the Continental Navy Signup and view all the answers

Which person is recognized as one of the first commissioned officers in the Continental Navy?

John Barry Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable artifact presented as part of the naval history during the American Revolution?

Commemorative Medal for John Paul Jones Signup and view all the answers

What strategic advantage did Britain maintain during 1779 and 1780?

Naval superiority on the North American seaboard Signup and view all the answers

Who commanded the French fleet that landed in Newport, Rhode Island?

General Marshal Jean-Baptiste Rochambeau Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of Virginia Capes?

It helped the French maintain control over sea lanes Signup and view all the answers

What role did privately armed vessels play during the war?

They carried over 18,000 guns and contributed significantly to naval pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What mistake did Admiral Rodney make while in the West Indies?

Allowing his fleet to be tied down for too long Signup and view all the answers

How many British vessels were seized by American ships by the end of the war?

More than 1,500 Signup and view all the answers

What were the preliminary articles of peace signed on 30 November 1782 related to?

Recognition of U.S. independence by Great Britain Signup and view all the answers

Which battle did Benedict Arnold lead in an attempt to challenge the British naval forces?

Battle of Lake Champlain Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Benedict Arnold's battles on British naval strategy?

It delayed their attack on Fort Ticonderoga. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant consequence of the French assistance at the Battle of Yorktown?

It facilitated the American victory and independence Signup and view all the answers

What did Britain cede to Spain as part of the Peace of Paris?

Florida Signup and view all the answers

How did the entrance of France and Spain into the war change the naval conflict?

They distracted British naval forces, tying them down in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the British general defeated at Yorktown?

General Lord Charles Cornwallis Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of increasing British marine insurance rates during the war?

It led to a fear of invasions among British coastal populations. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the British face regarding blockading American ports?

Their naval capacity was stretched due to various commitments. Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall impact of American naval actions on British merchants by 1781?

Appeals from merchants to end hostilities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

American Revolution (1775-1783)

The initial American navy comprised merchant vessels experienced in seafaring and warfare, countered by the powerful British Royal Navy.
The Continental Congress established the Continental Navy in 1775.
By 1776, the colonies had 27 warships, compared to the British Royal Navy's roughly 270 warships.
Colonial naval commanders faced challenges in training and discipline among their sailors and Marines.
The Continental Navy achieved some victories, notably, John Paul Jones's capturing of British ships.
American privateers played a significant role, attacking British shipping.
An estimated 2,000 privately armed vessels, carrying over 18,000 guns and 70,000 men, operated during the war.
State navies also participated in disrupting British trade.
American naval forces captured more than 500 British vessels by 1777 and approximately 1,500 by the war's end.
The British navy's struggles included issues with blockading American ports.
The British experienced increased insurance costs and greater fear of American and allied invasions.
Most naval engagements took place on the open sea, with exceptions like Benedict Arnold's battles on Lake Champlain.
Arnold's efforts delayed the British attack on Fort Ticonderoga and impacted the 1777 Battle of Saratoga.
The entry of France, Spain, and the Netherlands into the war in 1779-80 significantly altered the naval landscape, stretching British resources.
Though not highly active, these nations kept British naval forces occupied in Europe, disrupting British plans.
Despite some French and Spanish dominance in European waters, the British maintained naval superiority along the North American coast.
The 1781 Battle of the Chesapeake (also known as the Battle of Virginia Capes) prevented British reinforcement or evacuation of Yorktown.
The French fleet supported the Franco-American army, leading to the decisive defeat of British forces at Yorktown.
The American victory at Yorktown played a key role in securing independence.
Preliminary peace agreements were reached in November 1782, with the official Treaty of Paris in September 1783 ending the revolution.

Naval Documents of the American Revolution Series

The series comprises 13 volumes of authentic documents, letters, and records from the American Revolution.
The documents offer diverse perspectives, encompassing those of American, British, French, and Spanish participants.
They include ship logs, muster rolls, orders, official reports, newspaper accounts, and first-hand accounts.

Artifacts

The National Museum of the U.S. Navy features exhibits on the American Revolution and the Franco-American alliance.
There are artifacts related to the revolution, including records of notable ships or individuals involved.

Notable American Ships

Multiple American ships are mentioned, including the Alfred, Bonhomme Richard, and Saratoga.

Notable People

Key figures like John Barry, Gustavus Conyngham, Esek Hopkins, John Paul Jones, and Lambert Wickes are listed.

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Description

Explore the naval battles of the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783. Learn about the establishment of the Continental Navy, the roles of privateers, and the challenges faced by American maritime commanders. This quiz will test your knowledge of naval strategies and key figures during this pivotal period in history.