HIST205 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Desertion
Document Summary
Britain saw the colonists as rebellious traders. Wanted to crush them and bring them back into the british empire. Americans are up against the most powerful army. 200,000 men served in the continental army or militias. Allowed merchants who owned ships to attack british vessels (navy) Would bring british ships into shore and sell them. Americans knew they had to be ready to act any minute. Many americans already fought in this war, so they had some experience. Americans knew they only had to bring what was necessary. British had local merchants to provision the british army in the previous war, but they were gone now. Fighting on their own soil with very high stakes. British realized the conquest of 13 colonies was an expensive endeavor. Wanted to see the balance of power shift. Didn"t want britain to be a superior power. Both sides wanted to have time to gain international support.
