The Balance Sheet of War

British Advantages

Had one of the best-trained, best-equipped, professional armies in the world.

Loyalists in America also provided resources and manpower to the British Army.

More British Advantages

Had one of the best-trained, best equipped, and biggest navies in the world.

Had a number of ways to get plenty of money to pay for a war.

American advantages

Was fighting a defensive war…didn’t have to “win” just had to “not lose.”

Familiar with the area, knew the land better than the British.

More American Advantages

Britain had 2 powerful enemies who might be willing to help the Americans (France and Spain)

George Washington

George Washington

Virginia planter. French & Indian

War Veteran. Made commander

of the Continental Army in 1775.

Not the most brilliant mind, but incredibly brave, willing to listen, and very tenacious.

American Disadvantages

No standing professional Army. Soldiers were mostly an undisciplined mob.

No Navy.

Very little money.

Few supplies.

British disadvantages

Home base was 3000 miles away.

Had to conquer and hold territory that stretched from Canada down to Florida.