American Revolutionary War

American Revolutionary War

The objective of this study is to write on the causes and major outcomes of the American Revolutionary War.

Until the finalization of the Seven Years' War, there were only very few British North America colonists that had objections to their situation in the British Empire and British American Colonists had realized a great many benefits reported from the system of the British imperialists and furthermore paid little in the way of costs for those reported benefits. In fact, the British did not bother the American colonies until the earlier part of the 1760s. However, the 'Seven Years' War" brought about changes with Britain realizing victory over France and their allies at a great cost.

The War

The Seven-Year's War also known as the French and Indian War brought many changes. According to reports "A staggering war debt influenced many British policies over the next decade. Attempts to raise money by reforming colonial administration, enforcing tax laws, and placing troops in America led directly to conflict with colonists. By the mid-1770s, relations between Americans and the British administration had become strained and acrimonious." (Library of Congress, 2014, p. 1) It is reported that the war for independence in America began in April 1775 when the first shots were fired and that "For some months before that clash at Lexington and Concord, patriots had been gathering arms and powder and had been training to fight the British if that became necessary. General Thomas Gage, commander of British forces around Boston, had been cautious; he did not wish to provoke the Americans." (Library of Congress, 2014, p. 1)

However, in April, it is reported that General Thomas Gage was given orders to "arrest several patriot leaders, rumored to be around Lexington. Gage sent his troops out on the night of April 18, hoping to catch the colonists by surprise and thus to avoid bloodshed. When the British arrived in Lexington, however, colonial militia awaited them." (Library of Congress, 2014., p. 1)

A fight took place and while it was not certain that this would lead to war, there was a difference of opinion on the part of Americans. While some desired to make a declaration of independence immediately, others desired to reconcile their difference. (Library of Congress, 2014, paraphrased)

II. Creation of The Continental Congress

According to reports the Continental Congress was created in June 1775 and this included the creation of a Continental Army with George Washington appointed as its commander. The first assignment of George Washington was the creation of an army. Problems presenting included "recruitment, retention, training and discipline, supply, and payment for soldiers' services." (Library of Congress, 2014, p. 1)

III. The War

According to reports, the first two-year of the war included "fighting between the patriots and British" which occurred in the North. (Library of Congress, 2014, p. 1) Specifically reported is that at first "the British generally had their way because of their far superior sea power. Despite Washington's daring victories at Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey, in late 1776 and early 1777, the British still retained the initiative. Indeed, had British efforts been better coordinated, they probably could have put down the rebellion in 1777. But such was not to be. Patriot forces, commanded by General Horatio Gates, achieved a significant victory at Saratoga, New York, in October 1777. Within months, this victory induced France to sign treaties of alliance and commerce with the United States. In retrospect, French involvement was the turning point of the war, although that was not obvious at the time." (Library of Congress, 2014, p. 1)

Reports also stated that British military operations between the years of 1778 and 1781, "focused on the south because the British assumed a large percentage of Southerners were loyalists who could help them subdue the patriots. The British were successful in most conventional battles fought in that region, especially in areas close to their points of supply on the Atlantic coast. Even so, American generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan turned to guerrilla and hit-and-run warfare that eventually stymied the British. By 1781, British General Lord Charles Cornwallis was ordered to march into Virginia to await resupply near Chesapeake Bay. The Americans and their French allies pounced on Cornwallis and forced his surrender." (Library of Congress, 2014, p. 1)