Revolutionary War: The Turning Point, 1776-1777
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
In 1777, the British were still in excellent position to quell the rebellion. Had it not been for
a variety of mistakes, they probably could have won the war.
During early 1777, British officials considered a number of plans for their upcoming
campaign. One they apparently decided upon was to campaign through the Hudson River Valley
and thereby cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe was to
drive north from New York City while General John Burgoyne was to drive south from Canada.
Meanwhile, British General Barry St. Leger would drive down the Mohawk Valley in upstate
New York. The major problem was not with the plan but with its execution. Historians continue
to debate whether Howe was ill-informed or simply acted on his own. Whatever the reasons,
Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress, rather than to work
in concert with Burgoyne and St. Leger.
Howe hoped that by seizing Philadelphia, he would rally the Loyalists in Pennsylvania,
discourage the rebels by capturing their capital, and bring the war to a speedy conclusion.
Washington tried to thwart Howe's plan, but Howe out-maneuvered him at Brandywine Creek
and then at Germantown. While Howe's forces settled into winter quarters in Philadelphia, the
Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. There, the army faced deprivation
in the extreme.
Meanwhile to the north, Burgoyne and St. Leger suffered significant defeats at Oriskany,
New York; Bennington, Vermont; and finally at Saratoga, New York. These American victories
were critical for they helped convince France to recognize American independence and brought
the French directly into the war as military allies. The French Treaty was also a result of a new
British peace proposal, announced by Lord North in late 1777. The French were concerned that
the Americans would agree to North's proposal since it offered them virtual autonomy within the
British Empire. The French Alliance changed the face of the war for the British; the American
war for independence was now in essence a world war. Even so, as many of the documents listed
to the right suggest, winning the war even after the French Treaty was still not a certainty.
Revolutionary War: Southern Phase, 1778-1781
The Continental victory at Saratoga in 1777 and the Treaty with the French in 1778
transformed the war, especially for the British. Increased French aid to the Continentals was very
slow in coming; coordinated military activity between the two new allies was even slower to
happen. Meanwhile, the British were immediately faced with a global conflict with France. As a
result, the British changed their strategy yet again in 1778. Rather than mounting a full-scale
military campaign against the Continental Army, the British decided to focus their efforts on the
loyalists, who they still believed were the majority of the American population.
Believing the loyalists were strongest in the South and hoping to enlist the slaves in their
cause--an objective that seems incompatible with a focus on Southern loyalists--the British
turned their efforts to the South. In fact, the British had some important military successes in the
South. They occupied Savannah, Georgia, in late 1778 and Charleston, South Carolina, in May
1779. They also struck a disastrous blow on General Horatio Gates' forces at Camden, South
Carolina, in August 1780.
Although the British were successful in most conventional battles, the fighting in the South,
under the leadership of Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, turned toward guerrilla
and hit-and-run warfare. Moreover, the British had overestimated loyalist sentiment in the South;
their presence actually forced many, who had been sitting out the war, to take sides, most in
favor of the Patriots. At the same time, the British underestimated the logistical problems they
would encounter, especially when their army was in the interior away from the supplies offered
by their fleet. Patriot forces, on the other hand, were supplied and could hide among the local
population. As a result, the British southern strategy was a dismal failure.
