What does 'realistic position' mean?

Question

i have to answer a question about the British in 1775 but i dont know what 'realistic position' means. any help?

the question is "what would have been a more realistic position for the British o have taken in 1775?" it is about the American revolution

thx a lot for the help, now im off to write my essay :(

Answer 1

Well this question is being asked by a teacher who is obviously attempting to teach you that going to war was a bad choice for the British to have taken over the revolt in the American colonies. The teacher is asking what a more "realistic position" for the British to have taken, i.e. diplomacy, trade talks, etc. The position the British did take was to go to war, which led to the American colonies declaring independence, which is sort of why the teacher is free today to ask you such a question. The way the question is worded makes it sound as if the position they did take was the wrong one, and while the option the British did take wasn't the best it was the position they took (obviously there were several ways for us to have 'won' our independence). The teacher is trying to draw a parallel between the position the Bush administration is handling the war in Iraq and the British in the Revolutionary War, which is nearly impossible other than simple speculation. There are several ways that you can answer this question, you are free to choose your method.

Answer 2

It means what should the british have done instead of the stupid thing they done.
Or what position should they have adopted instead of the stupid position they adopted.

Answer 3

You need to put your question into context in order for it to be answered.

Please provide some additional information and I'll try to reply.

Thx