Revolutionary War
In the American Revolution two totally different armies from two totally different countries and cultures collided in a war to settle the freedom of a nation in the making. This setting made for some sloppy warfare, but more importantly it showcased the advantages and disadvantages for each side. The British army's main weakness was its leadership, not a lack of leadership or even a lack of leaders, just the wrong guys in the wrong place. Advancement in the military was based on connections, money, and seniority. This allowed people of no experience or skill to buy their way into positions of great power. This is evident with leaders such as Germain, and Montagu, who were
They profited from having the advantage of being the host of the war on the defensive. These types of tactics, combined with the surroundings and intense magnetic leadership of Generals George Washington, Anthony Wayne, and Benedict Arnold, and foreign assistance from the skilled and knowledgeable French, Poles and Prussian leaders, eventually won the war for the Americans. On the American side of the fighting things weren't much better. Then there were other generals who were very able but due to their enormous egos ended up failing in important situations. The only very effective general on a constant basis was Cornwallis, and even he couldn't deliver when it counted. The infantry and cavalry was the best trained and finely tuned organizations of military in the world at that time. either incompetent and inexperienced or corrupt and unmotivated. This was a terrific advantage when they actually got into traditional battles with the American's poorly trained and inexperienced fighters. Many of the generals in the colonies were weak and poorly suited to do battle. They could have faster and more abundant supplies and resources from the surrounding land. American leadership was mostly self-taught generals who were desperately inexperienced and un-skilled, but knew how to motivate their soldiers to fight for their freedom and their country. Contrary to popular belief George III was able to command and lead his country but had very little decision making power. On the other hand as you go down the ranks of the British military the ability of the soldiers got better. This type of inspirational leadership allowed generals like "Mad" Anthony Wayne to impact the war in such a manner that won it for the Americans.
Common topics in this essay:
Gage Howe,
American Revolution,
Anthony Wayne,
George III,
Germain Montagu,
Poles Prussian,
Benedict Arnold,
leadership lack,
anthony wayne,
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