Did the british consider revolutionary soldiers terrorists because they didn't line up in formation to fight,.

Question

They hide behind trees and sneak attacked.

Answer 1

With few exceptions they did line up in formations.

Answer 2

I don't think the word terrorist was in common use back then, it would have been considered unsporting, by the Officers of the British Army, but, after a while the British started to use the same tactics, hence the use of British Light Regiments.

For the ignorant; despite the claims that the Officers were the linchpin on the field of battle it was the senior N.C.O's, with years of campaigning, who had the most control over the action. Knocking off British Officers was not a surefire way to win.

Answer 3

The term terrorist did not exist at that time. Though the thought of being "ungentlemanly" did. It was thought that the officers should be spared harm during the battle so as to maintain order and control on the battlefield. The colonists realized that without the officers, the British troops would be unable to fight an organized battle.

Until the "civilized" world learns the lessons of the past they will be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Answer 4

Probably had worse names for us than that. Those Brits have a 'colorful' language as our kids are finding out with global communication.

How about we call 'terrorists' Radical Islamic Fighters. Would that make all the people losing sleep over semantics feel better?

Answer 5

I think the British called the American soldiers rebels or revolutionaries.

Answer 6

I believe they were more Militias than an Army Washington wanted an Army the Militias were unruly to command, I think they were thought of as "Rebels"

Answer 7

I'm sure when they said militia they meant terrorist, you know the Brits, so polite.

Answer 8

they wernt terrorizing