The Revolutionary War in Broad Strokes

• british were stronger, but their power had limits:

  • army too big to be defeated outright

  • too small to suppress rebellion everywhere

  • lukewarm public support in britain

  • french entry in 1778 (after battle of Saratoga) tied up resources elsewhere

• british controlled large cities for much of the war

  • new york, boston, charles town

  • but, 90% of colonists were rural

• patriot power strong in the countryside

• two broad types of violence:

  • formal campaigns between british and continental regular armies

    • continentals fought war of attrition to wear down british

  • localized partisan civil war and insurgency

Filling the Ranks of a “Respectable Army”

• high militia turnout faded fast

  • militia remained important in some places, especially southern and western guerilla warfares

• winning required a professional army

  • colonists mistrusted professional militaries

  • few willing to enlist long term

  • most continental regulars were poor/marginal

    • immigrants, unemployed, etc.

    • drafts/ conscription in some places

    • wealthy colonists hired substitutes

  • continental army later joined the british in recruiting black americans