In 1776 America faced a series of problems that required immediate resolution. While the British forces were perfectly disciplined, armed, and organized, the Patriot army experienced a lack of skilled generals and soldiers as well as a lack of armament. The Patriots needed foreign aid, and if they wanted to gain European support, it was crucial for them to produce an impression of the army that was able to fight in a traditional European style. Moreover, apart from the foreign aid, the Patriots needed the support of those sides that had remained neutral until that time. Native Americans might support the British, so it was important to win them over to the Patriot’s side.
In addition, some Americans remained loyal to the Crown and counteracted the Patriots. The abovementioned problems were backed by atrocities that happened under the lee of war: Armed bands killed civilians and Native Americans, taking their houses and land. Afro-American slaves fled their masters, seeking freedom, but most of them were recaptured and given to soldiers as a reward for military service (Gallay, 2011). Although political and social radicalism of society threatened the wavering reputation of the Patriots among European countries, American society was nonetheless politicized because of war. People were exhausted by chaos and disorder and by the lack of laws and rules, and they demanded political reforms. African Americans wanted to be equal to whites; women wanted to acquire equal rights with men.
The reason why Patriot forces were disorganized is the lack of skilled generals and soldiers and the demoralization after the long series of failures in battles with the British troops. Many people resigned from the Continental Army, and few volunteered to join it because no one believed in the success of Americans anymore. The passionate propaganda of patriotic morale had no effect. To inspire people, Washington decided to attempt an offensive action that turned out to be the successful battle at Trenton, New Jersey (Gallay, 2011). After this small victory, the hope for independence arose again, and people started to enlist in the Continental Army. As for foreign aid, France had its reasons to support Americans in their rebellion against Britain because previously, the French army had lost their war with India over the territories that were colonized by the British Empire.
Apart from France, Spain and the Netherlands also significantly contributed to the American victory. Some tribes of Native Americans were inclined to support Americans after the British did not protect them from settlers. After all, Americans helped them to kill inimical tribes and the British, so the support of the Patriots was beneficial for the natives to some extent. The confrontation of Patriots and Loyalists resulted in the public’s exhaustion with blood and violence, and many people were willing to abandon their principles for safety reasons. American government promised security for those Loyalists that would deny their loyalty to the Crown, which helped to win many people over the Patriots’ side. The British called Afro-American slaves to flee the country and fight for the British side.
The number of slaves that escaped their masters and joined the British constantly increased. Then Washington authorized $400 compensation for masters that freed their slaves to serve in the Patriot army and promised freedom to every slave that was ready to fight for America (Gallay, 2011). Thus, the numbers of the Patriot forces increased on account of black troops. As for the question of women’s rights, after the revolution, women were provided with an education that included more substantial sciences, such as history, rhetoric, geography, etc. This allowed them to become teachers and writers, earning money and economic independence. On the whole, the Revolutionary and Civil wars caused many positive social and political changes in the lives of Americans. This may be attributed to the ability of the then governors to find wise solutions to the arising problems.
Reference
Gallay, A. (2011). Colonial and revolutionary America: Text and documents. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.