Chapter 5: A Kind of Revolution

Chapter 5: A Kind of Revolution

1. Incentives for joining the Revolution

   • Money, both from looted British supplies and from the new government.
   • Greater social status.
   • Freedom from British rule
   • Not being arrested for fleeing the draft.
   • Land (mostly taken from Loyalists)

2. Loyalists versus Revolutionaries

   • Many blacks, slaves, and friendly Indians supported the Loyalists, for the poor treatment given to them by the Revolutionaries.
   • Loyalists kept much of the land and money. This made the conflict between them rather class-based.
   • Most Loyalists didn't want to anger the significantly more powerful British Empire.
   • Loyalists were jailed, and their land was taken for the Revolutionaries' use.
   • The Loyalist/Revolutionary conflict was the main source of America's problems, before the British themselves.

3. American Revolutionaries

   • Grievous losses caused mutinies among American soldiers.
   • Ambushes, realpolitik, terrorism, and other underhanded tactics were used.
   • Soldiers were mostly drafted, and received basic training and equipment.
   • Towards the end of the war, almost anyone was accepted into the army.
   • Free white landowners only, at first. After a while, vagrants were allowed.

4. Results of the Revolution

   • Wealth and land redistributed to Revolutionaries. Slaves were given to new masters.
   • A new Constitution was written up, that was largely similar to the ones already in use.
   • The United States of America was founded, and promptly began starting conflicts with foreign countries.
   • Without a major financial incentive to provide money for England, there was less economic pressure to use slaves. This would eventually result in the abolition of slavery in the States.
   • The Americans were now free to expand as they wanted, without being restricted by England's land laws. This brought them into further conflict with Native Americans.

5. French Army

   • Benjamin Franklin was the main instigator behind France's involvement.
   • The leading cause of America's victories. Through superior force and technology, the French dealt massive blows to the British Empire.
   • Had it not been for France's assistance, the Americans most likely wouldn't have won.
   • Participated in the war to destabilize England's power base.
   • The Revolutionary War was largely fought through mercenaries and proxy armies. The French Army's assistance was no exception.

6. The American Revolution.