By 1778, the Revolutionary War had reached a stalemate. Britain shifted its attention to the South, expecting Loyalists, enslaved people seeking freedom, and Native American allies to help restore royal control. This lesson follows the British campaign in Georgia and South Carolina and explains how American forces adapted to reverse the momentum.
British leaders believed that the South offered important advantages. Lord George Germain, the architect of the strategy, expected Loyalist support and hoped to recruit enslaved people and Native American allies. The British began their campaign by capturing Savannah, Georgia’s capital, in December 1778.
All flashcards
What was Britain’s southern strategy?
A plan to focus the war in the South, where Britain expected Loyalist support and hoped to recruit enslaved people and Native American allies.
Why was the capture of Charleston in 1780 significant?
After a six-week siege, Benjamin Lincoln surrendered his entire force, the largest American loss of the war.
How did Nathanael Greene aim to weaken British forces?
He kept American forces active and attacked isolated British units to wear down Cornwallis’s army.
What trapped Cornwallis at Yorktown?
American and French forces surrounded him by land while the French navy blocked his escape by sea.
What did the Treaty of Paris establish?
It recognized U.S. independence, set national boundaries, granted fishing rights, and addressed the treatment of Loyalists.
Quiz questions
Why did British leaders shift their attention to the southern colonies?Answer: They expected Loyalist support and hoped to recruit enslaved people seeking freedom and Native American allies.
How did American and French forces prevent Cornwallis from escaping Yorktown?Answer: Land forces surrounded his army while the French navy blocked his route through Chesapeake Bay.
Why did the British battlefield victory at Guilford Courthouse weaken their campaign?Answer: British forces suffered extensive losses that reduced their ability to continue the campaign.
What did the Treaty of Paris encourage individual states to do regarding Loyalists?Answer: Avoid persecuting them and return property that had been confiscated.
When did Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown?Answer: October 19, 1781
Based on U.S. History by P. Scott Corbett, Volker Janssen, John M. Lund, Todd Pfannestiel, Sylvie Waskiewicz, Paul Vickery (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.