George Washington's Continental Army - Essay Example

Running Head: Continental Army Continental Army of Continental Army Introduction The American Revolution saw theindependence of thirteen colonies from Britain. George Washington was in charge of military operations of the Continental Army. Two weeks later, on July 3, Washington halted his horse under an elm on the common in Cambridge, drew his sword, and took command of the ragged band of men, which made up the continental army. Washington would prove to be an excellent military commander and leader. However, he was human. He made mistakes, but he kept fighting. Despite his flaws, he proved to be a very good choice to lead our young nation to freedom from British oppression. The decision by the Continental Congress to allow George Washington to lead the continental army was largely made possible by John Adams. One reason he was selected was because of his proven competence as a military commander. In the French and Indian War, he showed his aggressiveness, as well as his uncanny ability to adapt his strategies to the terrain1. Another reason he was selected was because of the fact he was Virginian. Congress thought that this would unite the southern colonies, and convince them to support a rebellion, which was, for the time being, taking place in the North. Washington’s performance as the commanding general of the Continental Army was, given the circumstances, exceptional. He managed to win given the small number of troops and limited resources he was given. One of his greatest assets was to know when to not fight. At the Battle of Long Island, his army looked across Brooklyn Heights at almost certain defeat. Washington somehow managed to withdraw to Manhattan, and later New Jersey, minimizing losses2. Also, Washington managed to hold his army together, when it was on the verge of collapsing. When the majority of his troop’s enlistments were about to expire and they were going to go home, it took some fiery oratory from Washington, as well as some money out of his own pocket to hold the army together. There was no doubt he had the support of his troops. Washington was no tactical genius, but he did show some prowess at commanding his troops on several occasions, as is illustrated by the battle of Trenton. On Christmas night of 1776, he launched a brilliant maneuver across the Delaware and crushed the Hessian mercenaries at Trenton. His victory was nearly flawless, as he lost only 3 men. Another of Washington’s assets was the ability to adapt to the conditions given, and learn from his mistakes. He was constantly modifying his strategy, and learning new techniques. He also had no problem with facing adversity. When the war wasn’t going his way, and much of the country called for his removal and replacement by Horatio Gates, Washington kept fighting, and eventually turned things around. The Continental Army became the armed forces of the thirteen colonies that had declared their independence from Britain. The army was created on June 1775. It worked together with the local militias and troops under the control of the colonies. George Washington was in charge of military operations of the Continental Army. Creation Initially the colonists did not have an army. They had militias which consisted of part time citizen soldiers. As the conflict with Britain escalated, they began reforms of the militia to prepare for a potential conflict. Some colonists proposed the idea of a national militia force but it was rejected at that time. The Second Continental Congress established the creation of a Continental Army that would fight for common defense3. George Washington was in charge of military operations of the Continental Army. Other senior generals were also appointed by the Continental Congress to direct the war effort against Britain. Initially the Continental Army was hampered by a lack of money and disciplined soldiers. Most of the initial recruits were handicapped people, invalids and blind men. However they still had the spirit of fighting for their freedom. The army was supplied by stolen supplies from Britain. George Washington criticized the army for its lack of discipline or fighting abilities. The progress of the war would eventually see the evolution of the Continental Army into a professional fighting force. This force combined its determination, frontier knowledge and European military tactics to defeat the most powerful army of that time. Washington’s strategy was to preserve the army and take advantage of favorable opportunities. They sought to defeat the enemy by piecemeal. Most of the initial soldiers recruited had no combat experience fighting in a European style army. The training of militiamen would eventually lead to the formation of a professional fighting force. Organization The role of the Continental Army was subject to debate by the Continental Congress. The conflict with the British required a standing army with the organization and discipline of a modern military. The Continental Army began its organization and training through many phases. The soldiers who fought in the Continental Army were citizens who were paid for military service. The army had a total strength of seventeen thousand men4. The army was divided into three divisions. In 1776 the army reorganized itself as it attempted to broaden its support base in New England. During 1777 till 1780, the army went through several reforms and decisions in response to the massive influx of British forces. Each state was to contribute forces according to the size of the population. An additional fifteen battalions were raised and military service was extended to three years. The year 1781 saw the lack of funds to maintain the army. Popular support for the war was also low. Several mutinies were crushed by Washington. Despite this Washington scored several strategic victories. The years 1783 till 1784 saw peace with the British and most regiments were disbanded. Local militia units also supported the Continental Army during operations against the British. These militias operated both independently and in coordination with the Continental Army. The states provided money, food, shelter, arms and other supplies to the Continental Army. There was constant conflict over funding and supplies as the war continued. George Washington however overcame these difficulties and transformed the Continental Army into a fighting force. Combat history The formation of the Continental Army, became the major force for the, American troops, with George Washington as their commander in chief, they were however a dominate group. It operated in three main departments: the middle states, where the centre force was largely controlled by Washington, the Northern Army in Northern New York, and the Southern Army in the Carolinas and Georgia. It was a systematic structure where Congress prescribed its size and composition, chose its generals, and governed the system for its administration5. The Continental Army however became the main power of power force of the rebels side. Although the Continental Army had now become the elite force for the colonists, other rebel troops played a part in the Revolution, such as the militia. The militia, a structured force, was well trained and organized, under uniform in all states and could be called into national service. They played a key role in the military, due to their experience in combat, which made them more disciplined in tactical operations. A South Carolina loyalist, James Simpson, had expressed that the militias greatest contribution to the rebel cause was in helping to erect and sustain civil governments. At Concord, the rebels displayed great warfare techniques, such as, they hid behind trees, barns, fences, whatever and shot directly into the retreating column of the British, as well as attacking all sides. The British however, found it difficult to retreat from a battle, trying to defend themselves from guerrilla warfare. The American troops had used small squad tactics and flanking maneuvers to attack the British which forced them to retreat. This type of warfare was unheard of to the British troops, which they were not prepared for. This unconventional guerrilla fighting had become a huge impact in the Northern Department, as it led to their victory at Saratoga, where the Army of Major General Burgoyne had surrendered in 1777. However, the irregular troops of the rebels had helped play a part in this battle, as well as well as their style of warfare, which was evident6. Other forms of warfare was also being used, as conventional and unconventional tactics had been combined to weaken the troops of Major General Cornwallis, which were performed in the Southern Department, by General Nathanael Greene. His strategy of dispersal of forces created the basis for the partisan warfare campaign. He had also used guerilla troops to harass flanks, cut off supplies, attack posts and put down loyalist aid. However, it was the structure of the American rebels that worked as an advantage, where strategies were used for different levels; as expertise were divided in order to form a great military system, that the colonists could benefit from. Such strategies were, employing backwoods riflemen, light infantry as well as interrupting communication and supply routes, and raiding isolated posts. These tactics would have not been useful if a massive guerrilla war had not taken place. This provided advantages, as well as pursing successful winter campaigns and night attacks. The guerrilla warfare was indeed a revolutionary tactic, where it stressed deception and ambush, while accomplishing in battle, where there was irregular and rugged terrain. The British and the loyalist troops who were used to confrontation in battles were confused when the rebels used guerrilla tactics against them. Despite the British efforts to control the waters, it was the inland areas that were difficult to maintain. Due to, an armed population being present and open to resources, it made it difficult for the British to maintain control. The British relied on the shipping supplies being sent to them, it was however a disadvantage because it was time consuming. Also their supplies were heavy, leading mobilization to be restricted, mostly when the British retreated. However, due to the guerrilla warfare, it made it hard for the British to anticipate their moves, because the rebels would attack, then retreat and again, they would attack7. Britains lack of strategy was that the British generals were not trained in strategic thinking. Although the military force were adapting to a different style of warfare, so were their use in artillery. This however, allowed guerrilla warfare to be useful. Strategic weaponry such as the rifle was a benefit; due to the increased range, and improved accuracy, which made linear tactics difficult. Also, bayonets were mounted on rifles. Another tactic which was used, was for reloading to be fast, so small musket balls were used. Despite the advantages of the rebels side, there were however disadvantages as well. Such disadvantages, were, being outnumbered by the British and many rebels were part-time soldiers, as well as workers. Some rebels had served for a short period of time, while many had deserted the troops. But, they suffered most from the lack of supplies, which caused many retreats and losses. Although the rebels had lost some major battles, such as, Lexington, Bunker Hill and Long Island; they had won, the battles of Ticonderoga, Saratoga, and Yorktown, which led their victory of independence. Demobilization The Continental Congress created the United States Army on June 1784. The transition of the Continental Army to a peacetime force has already begun in 1783. A committee was established which discussed the proposal. Washington proposed the division of the army into four components: small regular army, militia, arsenals and a military academy to train the army. He wanted four infantry regiments with increased strength in case of conflict. He believed that militia would provide for the security of the country until the army was fully mobilized and expanded. Some troops remained on duty as British forces began a withdrawal. Men were enlisted for temporary garrisons. A proclamation was issued in which General Washington’s proposals for reduction of the army were accepted. Washington gave his farewell orders to his men. He thanked the men for their valuable contribution in the war of independence. He also applauded their bravery and courage against the odds. He praised their determination against the world’s best trained and armed army8. Congress did not accept the recommendations made by George Washington for a regular army. They finally made a plan in which four states would raise seven hundred men for one year service. Troops were formed into eight infantry and two artillery companies. Several states would contribute troops according to the proportion of their populations. This small peace time army would be expanded in the subsequent decades. It would be led by veterans of the American Revolution. The rules, regulations and practices of the Continental Army were inherited by this regular army. Major Battles The siege of Boston was a major battle of the Continental Army. It was the opening battle of the American Revolution. The Continental Army aimed to besiege Boston and prevent the British army from moving out. It was a partial success but it helped promote unity amongst the thirteen colonies. The Battle of Brooklyn was the first battle after the declaration of independence. It was the first battle of the United States. The battle saw the defeat of the Continental Army and the execution of Nathan Hale. However General Washington and his army escaped capture. It also saw the burning of New York buildings. The British in the aftermath of the battle occupied Long Island. George Washington had to reorganize his forces in the aftermath of the defeat at Long Island. There were calls for burning New York City. However this was rejected by Congress because they believed that the city could be captured. Washington had lost New York City to the British enlistment was almost up for a number of troops and others were disserting in droves, civilian morale was falling rapidly, and congress faced the possibility of British attack on Philadelphia so the congress withdrew from the city in York, Pennsylvania. The British capture of Trenton was a brief victory for them. General Washington overwhelmed the Hessian Garrison and routed the British at New Jersey. However he was defeated at Brandywine and Germantown9. This is when the French recognized American Independence and American got the aid of two French Generals, but this victory didnt belong to Washington. It belonged to Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold, who later left the American forces and joined the British side. In the spring time he was ready to fight. In June 1778 he attacked the British near Monmouth, Court House, and New Jersey on their withdrawal from Philadelphia to New York City. After the arrival of the French Army led by Marquis de Lafayette he concentrated allied efforts and in 1781 launched in corporation with the Comte de Rochombave and Comte de Estaing, all led by The Marquis de Lafayette, the brilliantly planed execution at Yorktown against Lord Cornwallis secured the end of the American Revolution on October 19, 1781. This was the final defeat of the British troops and the victory of the Continental Army. Discipline and Desertion The Continental Army was jubilant because of the heavy losses they inflicted on the British at the Battle of Bunker Hill. However the army was poorly organized and lacked discipline. Officers were ignorant of their duties. The term of service was also very short for the Continental Army. He immediately requested Congress for increasing material and moral support. Congress was reluctant to implement these reforms because of fears of domination of a military dictatorship. George Washington used the available means to discipline his troops. Stern measures were implemented against breaches of discipline. Desertion was severely punished by flogging. A few deserters were hanged because of their repeated offenses. The shortage of gunpowder was one of the most critical problems of the Continental Army10. Washington had the qualities required for the success of the revolution. He knew exactly when to attack and when to retreat. He avoided battle when it was necessary. He could also be daring and could summon all his resources. He insisted on strict military discipline but used it fairly. He shared the hardships of his soldiers. The strict military discipline enforced allowed the Continental army to transform itself from a rag tag army of militiamen and citizens into a professional fighting force. This force would ultimately be victorious against Britain which had the best trained and equipped army in the world. Napoleon vs. George Washington Both Napoleon and George Washington were highly successful Generals. However Napoleon was one of the greatest military geniuses. Washington on the other hand was a brave general but not on the league of Napoleon. Washington’s Continental Army was fighting for the independence of thirteen colonies. Napoleon’s armies were fighting for the personal glory and fame of their leader. Washington’s tactics were suited to the frontier landscape of North America. The use of guerilla tactics was instrumental in the fight against the British. Napoleon perfected the use of squares in which artillery was placed and discharged a devastating charge. His military tactics were a revolution and it defeated some of Europe’s most formidable armies. However Napoleon made several disasters like the invasion of Russia which wiped out his seven hundred thousand forces. Conclusion Few leaders have ever served their country more unselfishly or in more different ways than did George Washington. After the American Revolution, he was so popular that he might easily have made himself a king or dictator. But he wanted no reward, he said, except the "affection of the free people." Under his guidance and leadership the United States emerged as an independent nation. He was the main figure behind the evolution of the Continental Army into a professional fighting force. His elaborate use of military tactics was instrumental in the defeat of British forces. The Continental Army had to face many odds in the struggle against Britain. However by courage, determination and willpower it was achieved due to the efforts of George Washington. References: Blanco, Richard L. The War of The American Revolution: A Selected Annotated Bibliography of Published Sources. New York: Garland Publishing, 1984. Higham, Robin, editor. A Guide to the Sources of United States Military History. Hamden, Conn.: Archon Books, 1975. Kail, Jerry, et al., editors. Who Was Who During the American Revolution. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merill Co., 1976. Peckham, Howard H., editor. The Toll of Independence: Engagements & Battle Casualties of the American Revolution. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1974. Alden, John Richard. The American Revolution, 1775-1783. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1954. Bowers, Roy L., Jr. "The American Revolution: A Study in Insurgency." Military Review, 46 (July 1966), pp. 64-72. Carp, E. Wayne. "Early American Military History: A Review of Recent Work." Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 94 (July 1986), pp. 259-284. Carrington, Henry B. Battles of the American Revolution, 1775-1781. Historical and Military Criticism, with Topographical Illustration. New York: A.S. Barnes & Co., 1781. Countryman, Edward. The American Revolution. New York: Hill and Wang, 1985. Ward, Harry M, George Washingtons Enforcers: Policing the Continental Army. Southern Illinois University Press, 2006 Read More