Early Struggles
"The Continental troops possessed few skills in the art of 18th century warfare. They didn’t know how to march in ranks or maneuver on the battlefield.The bayonet, crucial to battlefield success, was used mostly to cook over a fire."
(http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/valleyforge.html)
(http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/valleyforge.html)
Professor Daniel Crosswell, Colonel Richard R. Hallock Distinguished University Chair in Military History, Columbus State University, talks about lack of American experience in the art of war.
Early in the American Revolution, the Continental army was plagued by lack of discipline, desertion, bad tactics, "[l]ack of clothing and medical supplies," inadequate food, and poor hygiene. These contributed to losses from 1776 to 1777. In August, 1776, the Continental troops were defeated at The Battle of Long Island, and British troops seized New York City. And the battles of Brandywine and Germantown "were disastrous American losses, with many killed and taken prisoner."
(Ryan 75-76)
(Ryan 75-76)
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