America: The Story of Us Episode: 2“Revolution”

DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions.

1. Who was the commander of the American rebel army?
It was George Washington.
2. When was the Declaration of Independence ratified? (month, day and year)
It was ratified on July 4, 1776.
3. How many American P.O.W.s (Prisoners of War) died while on board prison
ships?
More than 12,000 people died aboard the ships, which were moored in Wallabout
Bay, a small inlet that lies adjacent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and nearby. Patriot
American prisoners died like rats, of disease and hunger.
4. List 3 things that the British Army (the Redcoats) travel with while following
the Hudson River?
Servents, powder and shot, silverware.
5. Who was Daniel Morgan, and what role did he play in the American
Revolution?
Daniel Morgan was frontiersman was chosen to put together a militia who used
new tactics to fight the British. He was one of the Continental Army's most
valuable tacticians and commander of several of the most successful rifle corps of
the war.
6. What was the difference between the methods of fighting of British soldiers and
“The Rifleman”? Describe their weapons and tactics.
The fighting methods of British soldiers and the specialized unit known as "The
Rifleman" during the early 19th century, especially during the Napoleonic Wars
and the Peninsular War, differed significantly in terms of weapons and tactics.
British Soldiers (Line Infantry)
Weapons:
 Musket (Brown Bess): The standard weapon for British line infantry was the
Brown Bess musket. It was a smoothbore, flintlock musket with a caliber of .75
inches. It had an effective range of about 50-100 yards but was not very accurate
beyond that. The musket could be fitted with a bayonet for close combat.
 Bayonet: A long, blade-like weapon that could be attached to the musket for hand-
to-hand combat.
Tactics:
 Line Formation: British soldiers fought in tight, linear formations. The line
usually consisted of two or three ranks of soldiers. The front rank would kneel, and
the rear ranks would fire over their heads, allowing for a continuous volley of fire.
 Volley Fire: Soldiers would fire in volleys, coordinated by their officers, to
maximize the impact of their musket fire. This method compensated for the
inaccuracy of the muskets.
 Discipline and Drill: British line infantry relied heavily on discipline and drill to
maintain their formations under fire. They were trained to reload and fire rapidly,
up to three shots per minute under ideal conditions.
 Bayonet Charge: After weakening the enemy with volleys, British troops would
often charge with bayonets to engage in close combat and break enemy lines.
The Rifleman
Weapons:
 Rifle (Baker Rifle): The Rifleman was equipped with the Baker rifle, a rifled
firearm with a smaller caliber (.625 inches) compared to the Brown Bess. The
rifling (spiral grooves inside the barrel) gave the Baker rifle much greater accuracy
and an effective range of up to 200-300 yards.
 Sword Bayonet: The Baker rifle could also be fitted with a longer, sword-like
bayonet for close combat.
Tactics:
 Skirmishing: Riflemen operated in loose formations, often ahead of the main line
of infantry. They acted as skirmishers, using cover and concealment to harass and
snipe at the enemy, disrupt formations, and target officers and artillery crews.
 Individual Marksmanship: Unlike line infantry, Riflemen were trained to aim
carefully and pick off specific targets rather than firing in volleys. This required a
higher degree of marksmanship and individual initiative.
 Mobility and Flexibility: Riflemen needed to be more mobile and adaptable. They
moved quickly across the battlefield, taking advantage of terrain and using hit-and-
run tactics.
 Independent Operations: Often working in smaller groups or pairs, Riflemen had
to be more self-reliant and capable of making tactical decisions on their own or
with minimal orders from officers.
7. What change in the construction of rifles helped the Americans during the
Revolutionary War?
The long rifle was invented. The barrel was longer than a musket and with groves
inside the barrel improving accuracy. Bayonets were also introduced that helped in
hand-to-hand combat.
8. Why was it important for the Americans to win the support of France during the
Revolution?
France was a rival of the British. They helped the Continental Army defeat the
British at Yorktown. The British then surrendered.
9. What disease struck Americans during the war ?
It was small pox.
10. What were some of the innovative ways Americans fought disease during the
Revolution? What were the risks and potential rewards of these methods?
They had a break out of Small pox. They would make the people that didn't have
small pox come into contact with the ones who did and would put puss into the
open cuts.
11.General Washington takes two big gambles while staying at Valley Forge:
What are they?
The 2 big gambles that General Washington took while staying at Valley Forge
were no houses and the spread of diseases into open cuts. General Washington
inoculated his healthy soldiers with pus from infected soldiers.
12. List 3 ways General Von Steuben changed the soldiers/camp at Valley Forge?
General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben transformed the soldiers' camp at Valley
Forge by implementing a rigorous training course, creating an influential drill
manual, and massively boosting morale of the troops.
13. Where did American troops fight the final battle of the war In 1781, six years
into the American Revolution ?
Virginia: Sep 28 - Oct 19, 1781. The Battle of Yorktown proved to be the decisive
engagement of the American Revolution. The British surrender forecast the end of
British rule in the colonies and the birth of a new nation - the United States of
America.
14. What are three major reasons the Americans won the Revolutionary War? Give
some specific examples from this program or from your own reading.
The Americans won the Revolutionary War due to foreign aid, beneficial
geography, and inspirational leadership.
Explanation:
There were several major reasons why the Americans won the Revolutionary War.
The first key factor was foreign aid, particularly from France. France provided
essential military support, including troops, navy, and funding. Without this,
America could likely not have prevailed. Secondly, the geography of America
played a significant role. The vast, diverse terrain was a challenge for the British
invaded unfamiliar territory. The third reason was the inspirational leadership of
individuals like George Washington, who led the Continental Army. Washington's
tactical maneuvers, such as the successful surprise attack on Trenton, are major
examples of this leadership.
15. When was George Washington inaugurated as the first President of the USA?
(month, day and year)
The first inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United
States was held on Thursday, April 30, 1789, on the balcony of Federal Hall in
New York City, New York.