Why the British lost the war of independence
What was the main reason why Britain lost the American War of Independence?
In 1775 the War of Independence began and continued until 1782. One obvious advantage was that America knew the inhospitable terrain in which they were fighting in whereas Britain did not. This was a large contributing factor to the outcome of the war. Consequently Britain suffered significant losses during the harsh winters in August – October 1777. Britain had only ever really fought major wars in Europe and never had to face treacherous weather conditions such as these. The American’s knowledge of the area was also a significant advantage. Moreover, America were well equipped for this and really penalised the British for their lack of preparation.
One other reason for Britain losing the War of Independence was that as the war was the geographical disadvantage that Britain had. This meant that not only were supplies very costly, but it made it even more economically crippling to send them to America. It also meant that the British soldiers fighting lacked support from back home they needed. However, America thrived with the support they gained from being on home soil and managed to keep up morale throughout this long war. America’s strengths were also a main contributor to the outcome of the war. The fact that most of America were behind the war effort made it easy for soldiers to stay motivated. The close knit militia units of America meant their armies worked hard and the fact that they elected their own officers meant decisions made were often popular and all the soldiers got behind it. This is quite the opposite to Britain’s poor leadership. An example of this is when Burgoyne’s march was postponed and this resulted in a lowering of British morale. The march was also an example of poor leadership. General John Burgoyne's plan was to march from Canada, down the Hudson river, and to capture Albany. The lack of control with which Britain operated made life very difficult for soldiers.
In 1775 the War of Independence began and continued until 1782. One obvious advantage was that America knew the inhospitable terrain in which they were fighting in whereas Britain did not. This was a large contributing factor to the outcome of the war. Consequently Britain suffered significant losses during the harsh winters in August – October 1777. Britain had only ever really fought major wars in Europe and never had to face treacherous weather conditions such as these. The American’s knowledge of the area was also a significant advantage. Moreover, America were well equipped for this and really penalised the British for their lack of preparation.
One other reason for Britain losing the War of Independence was that as the war was the geographical disadvantage that Britain had. This meant that not only were supplies very costly, but it made it even more economically crippling to send them to America. It also meant that the British soldiers fighting lacked support from back home they needed. However, America thrived with the support they gained from being on home soil and managed to keep up morale throughout this long war. America’s strengths were also a main contributor to the outcome of the war. The fact that most of America were behind the war effort made it easy for soldiers to stay motivated. The close knit militia units of America meant their armies worked hard and the fact that they elected their own officers meant decisions made were often popular and all the soldiers got behind it. This is quite the opposite to Britain’s poor leadership. An example of this is when Burgoyne’s march was postponed and this resulted in a lowering of British morale. The march was also an example of poor leadership. General John Burgoyne's plan was to march from Canada, down the Hudson river, and to capture Albany. The lack of control with which Britain operated made life very difficult for soldiers.