Early Challenges of War
Triple:What was a major weakness of the Continental Army at the start of the war?
Supply shortages
What helped the Continental Army win the Battle of Trenton?
Surprise attack and unprepared Hessian soldiers
Quadripple:What military strategy did George Washington use after early 1777?
Fighting a defensive war to wear down the British
Why did some African Americans join the Continental Army?
They hoped independence would lead to an end to slavery
How were the British defeated at the Battle of Yorktown?
American and French forces surrounded them by land and sea
What was a weakness of the British troops at the beginning of the war?
Far from home and had long supply line
Prize Bin:What caused the American defeat at the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776?
Inexperienced American soldiers
What did Thomas Paine mean by “summer soldiers and sunshine patriots”?
People who quit when things became difficult
What change regarding slavery began during the Revolutionary period?
Several colonies began taking steps to end slavery
Prize Bin:In which colonial region did the Battle of Yorktown take place?
Southern Colonies
Why did many British citizens not support the war?
The cost to taxpayers was too high
Why was the American victory at Saratoga a turning point in the war?
It convinced European nations to support the Americans
Why was General Burgoyne at a disadvantage during the Saratoga campaign? (Name one)
Insufficient supplies / poor communication / unfamiliar territory
A French ally and close friend of Washington who supported the American cause
Marquis de Lafayette
What did the Treaty of Paris give the United States besides independence?
Land East of the Mississippi
Switch a seat:Why were many American soldiers inexperienced early in the war?
They were mostly farmers and civilians with little formal military training
What European country became an American ally after Saratoga?
France
What type of troops helped prevent a British victory in the South?
Guerrilla troops
Double or nothing:How did Lafayette personally show his support to the Continental Army?
he gave his own money to aid the army
How did the American Revolution impact other parts of the world?
It encouraged other nations to fight for independence
What disadvantage did fighting far from Britain create for British forces?
Slow communication and difficulty supplying troops
What role did surprise play in early American victories like Trenton?
It helped compensate for weaker training and supplies
How did American military skills change over time during the war?
They improved through experience and training
What famous spy said, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country”?
Nathan Hale
Name three factors that helped the Continental Army win the war.
Answer (any three):
Strong leadership (Washington)
French assistance
Improved military training
British supply problems
Determination of American soldiers