American Revolution, The Fighting Begins

BRITISH

• British use 7000 German mercenaries (Hessians)
• They have a "savage" reputation as fighters
• British did not "respect" the Colonial Army or Washington
• British Held NYC, Colonials did not possess a Navy...NYC is an island

COLONIALS

• Colonial Army consists of soldiers from various states...this is the first time many of these different peoples meet one another...like those from other countries

• 1776 America is not ONE or a nation – they are separate states with separate perspectives & cultures

• 100 yards away...muskets & musket balls could not be "aimed" and shot with a consistent targeted hit
• So, clump men together & blast away....shoot in volleys

BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND

• British (Euro style) one big decisive battle determines outcome
• Colonials hold some high ground on Long Island, but are cut off when part of the British Army sneaks around them and traps them from the front & from behind
• The Whole Colonial Army is trapped
• They retreat in disorder (no training) – run for your life through the swamps
• In European War, one losing well is better respected than winning badly
• After the retreat, British allow Washington a few days to gather himself for the surrender, it’s Gentlemanly
• Washington has his troops leave the night fires burning while they ferry across the river undercover of darkness
• British are stunned (Washington is the last to leave)
• In NYC, the Tories & loyalists are supportive of the British Army

• Foolish to fight a European Style War
• Colonists have no training
• Hit & Run tactics...attack & retreat – preserve the army
• Congress has no real power, power lies in states
• How to get reinforcements??? How to entice soldiers??? How to raise an army???
• Enlistments are up DECEMBER 31, 1776
• Winter stops fighting (European Civility & Practicality)
• Washington is rumored to be relieved of duty....
• Washington crosses the Delaware River...battle of Trenton....
• December 23: all or nothing "Victory or Death"
• Attacks Hessians, drunk and sleeping from Christmas....success
• Onto Princeton, where the Colonials defeat the British in a small skirmish...
• Washington is a hero