Was military strategy or policitcs(domestic & diplomatic), key to american victory in the revolutionary war?

Answer 1

I think it is clear that the key was the fact the British and French were at war, so the French joined us.

The real turning point was the victory at Cowpens, where an American Army, using the same tactics as the British defeated a british army in the field. So tatics weren't a big factor.

That was followed up by the surrender at Yorktown. Where a French fleet prevented an English retreat by sea and thousands of French troops helped to secure the seige. American troops did most of the fighting but the presence of the French troops insured the surrender.

After all at the time the British were the worlds greatest Military power.

Even during the war of 1812 the British could not focus on their battle with the Americans with Napleon running amuck in Europe.

Answer 2

The key to victory during the revolutionary war was political moves by Franklin to get France to support us. Washington was not the heroic general that history seems to paint him. Luck has much to do with the few victories and poor military leadership by the British did more for the revolution than Washington.

Answer 3

Roadkill and rhsaunder... are right on point. Also don't forget, many of the earlier battles were fought by our version of terrorists...the Minutemen. Against overwhelming odds, the British troops, our Minutemen didn't fight fair, according to British standards.

Our Minutemen actually hid behind things, like trees, rather than stand in a line like sitting ducks, which is what the Brits tried to do. Oh, and our Minutemen wore clothes that blended in with the surroundings, unlike the red jackets the Brits wore. Finally, when the battles were over, the Minutemen disappeared back to their homes to blend in with loyalists who were their neighbors.

History is filled with examples of underdog minorities using terrorist tactics (IEDs, sabotage, small but quick raids, etc.) to eventually win over against government forces. This is especially true of the earlier periods of conflict, before the underdogs gain popularity with the masses and eventually become the overwhelming force. The Chinese revolution under Mao Tse Tung is a prime example; our American revolution is another.

Answer 4

The military strategy was definitely of mixed quality. The battles for New York show US generalship at its worst: battles that should have been won were lost, and thousands of prisoners were taken. Only the crossing of the Delaware kept the year from becoming a total disaster. The French influence was definitely helpful, as it led to the defeat of Cornwallis and the ultimate British capitulation.

Answer 5

No lack of british troops was key to victory.