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At the onset of the war, Colonial Forces had belief in the cause, help from European allies, while British Forces had training and a powerful Navy. Were most Americans in support of the war? Explore this cartoon and the roles of African Americans and women in the war effort.
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Who do you think had the advantage at the start of the war? Why?
What is this cartoon All about? • 1. What is this a picture of? • A. Snake/serpent • 2. What makes up the snake/serpent? • A. segments or states • Which states are mentioned? • A. South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, New England • 3. What is the purpose of this cartoon? • A. Rally support for revolt/breaking free from Great Britain • A. Present a unified from against the British
Colonial Forces • 230,000 soldiers served in the Continental Army • 145,000 enlisted in local militias • Poorly paid • Young (<16) • Harsh conditions • Keeping soldiers dedicated and motivated
Colonial ForcesAdvantages • Fought for a cause they believed in • Lives, property and dream of liberty • Got help from European nations • Loans and military aid • Understanding of the landscape • Leadership that learned from their mistakes
Colonial ForcesDisadvantages • Untrained soldiers • Poorly equipped soldiers (lack of supplies) • Small navy • Low pay • Many soldiers < 16 (inexperienced) • Keeping dedicated soldiers
British Forces • 60,000 British and German (Hessian) troops • 10,000 Loyalists • Professional Army • Experienced • Motivation?
British ForcesAdvantages • Well-trained soldiers • Well-equipped soldiers • Large, powerful Navy • Ability to control the coast
British ForcesDisadvantages • Atlantic Ocean • Mercenaries as soldiers (costs $ and lack of motivation) • Overconfident/arrogant leadership • Unable to survey the geography (lack of knowledge for the landscape)
Who are these men? What is interesting about this picture?
African Americansin War • Fought on both sides • Slaves with guns? • Worried slave owners (possible revolts) • Few states allowed African Americans to join state militias
African Americansin War • Freedom? • British governor offered freedom to any slave joining the Redcoats • Slaves fled their station to join the British • Continental Army opened up its ranks to African Americans • 5,000 served in the Continental Army hoping for independence and greater equality
A Woman’s Role? • Home • Making bullets, clothes, blankets • Raising money for supplies • Spying • Protected their homes w/ pitchforks and muskets • Front lines • Recruit soldiers • Warn of British movements or attacks • “Molly Pitcher”