Strengths & Weaknesses

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British Soldier

When the Revolutionary War began, the Americans were already in a weak position. Their weaknesses were many and their strengths were few. And while the British Army had many strengths on their side, what few weaknesses they had were quite daunting.

Continental Army Soldier

British Strengths

The British army totaled an amazing 50,000 regular troops along with 30,000 mercenaries (hired soldiers). Additionally, many African Americans were lured away to fight for the British Army when they were offered their freedom in exchange for military service. On top of that, the British Navy dominated the seas. All in all, the British forces greatly outnumbered the Continental Army.

The British Army was better armed as well, with the latest weapons of the time-- and plenty of them. The soldiers never lacked for rifle, shot, powder, or even food while in His Majesty's service.

Since Britain’s army had been around for hundreds of years its troops were well-trained, they excelled in large battles, and they had far more experience than their American counterparts.

american Strengths

One of the greatest strengths of Colonial soldiers was their sense of Patriotism -- of fighting for a cause of liberty for all colonists, not just themselves. Their belief in what they were doing was a great motivating factor.

Another big advantage the Continental Army had over the British was "home field advantage." These soldiers knew this land, its people, the climate and how to live in it. When the war moved to the Southern Colonies, this had a big impact on victories for the Continental Army.

Foreign aid eventually came to the Americans after the Battle of Saratoga, with French and Spain sending aid. Without that aid, the colonists struggle would have been even worse.

Finally, the greatest advantage that the Continental Army had was in its leader -- George Washington. As a British general during the French and Indian War, Washington not only understood how to command his army but he had knowledge of how the British would command theirs. Washington inspired courage, hope, and confidence in his men. It was his determination that would lead the Continental Army to victory.

British Weaknesses

Fighting a war in the colonies, was going to prove difficult for the British. First, the distance between Britain and America presented a problem for timely shipments. Sending troops and supplies was very slow. Too, this travel was very expensive.

On top of that, it was very hard to convince the British public to finance the war. Many members of Parliament sympathized with the colonists as well.

Third, being in a far-away, foreign land presented a problem to the British. Generals were unsure of strategic locations. Soldiers who hadn’t spent time in the colonies were unaware of town layouts. Simple things like hills, valleys, and coves in the American landscape seemed like foreign obstacles to the British. Most soldiers who fought had never set foot in the colonies before the war began. They were fighting in their enemies backyard - and their enemy would take advantage of that!

American Weaknesses

A major weakness for the Continental Army was manpower; they were always short of qualified and capable men. General George Washington routinely had no more than 20,000 troops at one time and place. It seemed each time the soldiers made progress as a military unit, they would pick up their muskets and go home to tend to their farms.

Very few Americans were trained well enough to survive in battle. Many could shoot well enough behind protection, such as a tree, wall, or brush. However, when faced with a wall of well-disciplined (and well-prepared) British soldiers, most colonists would likely turn and run. Aside from a shortage of men, the army also experienced a shortage of supplies. Guns were scarce and gunpowder was even more so. In fact, Benjamin Franklin suggested that it would be wise to arm the soldiers with bows, arrows, hatchets, and knives. Food shortages forced many to simply leave the force altogether. Like food, uniforms and adequate clothing were just as rare. In winter months, one could easily track the Continental Army by the bloody footprints left in the snow.

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