Transcript Document
Sea Power & Maritime Affairs Lesson 2 AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1763-1782 Admin Anything you want to include – Quizzes – Assignments – Etc Today’s Overview American Revolution – Causes – Battles – Outcomes – Role of Navies Learning Objectives Comprehend the American Revolution in the context of European politics and the regeneration of the struggle between Great Britain and France. Know and be able to identify the causes of the American Revolution. Comprehend the uses of sea power by the Americans, British and French. Learning Objectives Know the course of the war and representative campaigns. Comprehend the relationship of military and naval policy, diplomacy, and strategy as demonstrated during the war. Review 8 Key Themes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Navy as an instrument of foreign policy Interaction between Congress and Navy Interservice relations Technology Leadership Strategy & Tactics Evolution of US Naval Doctrine Future missions of Navy and USMC Relevant Definitions Strategy Tactics Guerre de Course Guerre de Escadre Commerce Raiding Letters of Marque and Reprisal Privateer Piracy American Revolution Video 22 minutes Precursors to American Revolution Peace of Paris (1763) – Ends Seven Years War – Truce, not really a treaty Outcome – Advantage to the British • More land throughout the world • Dominant world navy – Advantage to Colonies • UK owns land from Atlantic to Mississippi River – Downside: UK Treasury is bankrupt • Britain cannot afford any more wars • They must pay for Seven Years War first Rivalry for North America Remains Precursors to American Revolution What do they do? Maintain military force in the colonies – French & Native Americans still a threat – Royal Proclamation of 1763 • No colonization past Appalachian Mountains Raise taxes on all British citizens Does this make sense? Precursors to American Revolution What do they need from the Colonies? 300,000 ₤ yearly military expense in Colonies – 100,000 ₤ yearly tax revenue from Colonies 200,000 ₤ needed yearly Where will they get it? – Start enforce existing Colonial taxes – Impose new Colonial Revenue Acts Is this fair? Precursors to American Revolution Revenue Acts – Molasses Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Intolerable Acts, Tea Act, etc. (1764-1777) Other British Measures – Royal Proclamation of 1763 – Quartering Act – Declaratory Act of 1766 (no westward expansion) • Parliament declared "full power and authority to make laws and statutes... to bind the colonies and people of America...in all cases whatsoever." Precursors to American Revolution Why do the Colonies Care? – Departure from long-standing, implicit agreement: 1. Colonies self-govern, self-tax, and self-defend (militias) 2. Taxation without representation is unlawful – End to autonomy from Parliament • No more “Benign Neglect” • In the future, Parliament would be even more heavy handed Rising Animosity Animosity Grows in all colonies – Especially in New England where taxes hurt merchant trade. • Boston & New York become hot-beds of confrontation • Philadelphia, Virginia, Charleston, SC Rising Animosity How does tension manifest itself? – Vocal criticism of the Crown • Patrick Henry: “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” • Thomas Paine: Common Sense – Protests • Peaceful • Violent – Organization of Colonial government • Continental Congress – Organization of rebellious groups • Sons of Liberty • Massachusetts Spy – Organization of militias • Minutemen • Stockpiling of arms Rising Animosity Violence Tar & Feathering Boston Massacre (Mar 1770) Boston Tea Party (Dec 1773) – And Tea Parties elsewhere Rising Animosity Boston Massacre Boston Tea Party Rising Animosity British reaction – More troops in Americas – Enforcement of taxes – Closing of Colonial assemblies and governors • New York, then Boston – Closing of ports • Boston, then New York Pressure is building for revolution. April 1775 Outbreak of War April 1775: GEN Gage plans to send 800 troops into countryside – Capture Sons of Liberty leaders • Sam Adams & John Hancock – Capture stockpile of weapons in Concord Problem with plan – Expansive network of colonial militiamen – Advanced warning of operation • GEN Gage’s Wife (?), Paul Revere, “One if by land, two if by sea” Gen. Gage Adams & Hancock Samuel Adams John Hancock Paul Revere’s Ride Paul Revere William Dawes April 1775 Lexington & Concord – British Regulars march into Massachusetts countryside. – Fire on Minutemen assembled in Lexington common: “Shot heard around the world” v Lexington Boston April 1775 Lexington & Concord – Brits march onto Concord but find no cache – Ambushed on road back to Boston • Only 273 of 800 British Regulars return Concord v Lexington Boston Siege of Boston April 1775 – Mar 1776 • • • • • 15,000 in Continental Army 6,500 in British Army Battle of Bunker Hill - 16 Jun 75 - Brits use Navy for transport and artillery against Colonists Dorchester Heights Artillery Battery British Unopposed Evacuation by Sea - 17 Mar 76 Revolutionary War Begins • What should American Colonies do? • What means do they have to resists? • What are the conditions of their government and military? American Colonies Advantages Fighting on “home turf” Ready market for raw resources No specific center of gravity Lots of territory to invade Disadvantages Weak central government – Continental Congress Economy designed to support Britain – mercantilist system Disunity – Loyalists (Tories) make up 1/3 of population Great Britain Advantages Large economy Large population Well established government Professional army World’s strongest navy Disadvantages Fighting ocean away – On foreign soil – Long lines of communication – Long supply lines Hostilities in Europe Unfamiliar with guerilla warfare Not enough manpower to occupy all 13 colonies David vs. Goliath State of Militaries Colonies Government: – Scramble to create one – Reps to Continental Congress Army: – Rabble of militiamen – George Washington at CIC Navy: – Nothing – Just merchantmen Great Britain Government: – Established and powerful Army: – Established and powerful – Large – Well trained & led Navy: – Powerhouse – Most powerful in world What must Colonies do to win? 1. Organize – Continental Congress – Army – Navy 2. Leverage strengths and minimize weaknesses – Could they defeat the British navy? – If not, what should they do? Naval Strategies American Survival – Win war of attrition – Commerce Raiding Privateering Diplomacy – Gain European allies with large navies - France. Command of the Sea – Guerre de Course – British – – Blockade American ports Transport troops to areas of rebellion Sustain supply chain Divide & Conquer – Hudson River Valley Campaign • Cut off New England from middle and southern colonies. Bottom Line American Navy: – Non-existent at beginning of war – Ineffective during war • Relied on French and Spanish – Disbanded after the war – NEVER TRULY CHALLENGED GREAT BRITAIN Few instances of success came down to individual bravery, heroism, and luck Major Battles of the Revolution • How did the British Navy contribute? British Trade Route Major Battles of the Revolution • How did the British Navy contribute? Blockade British Trade Route Major Battles of the Revolution • How did the British Navy contribute? • • • • Troop Movement Supply Amphibious Costal Raids Convoy escort for British commerce Blockade British Trade Route Overview of the War On Land & Sea Major Battles of the Revolution Send announcement to France Evacuation of Boston Canadian Campaign Battle of Quebec Battle of Valcour Island New York Campaign New Jersey Campaign Pennsylvania Campaign Battle of Saratoga French Arrive (Army & Navy) Navies battle in the West Indies Battle of Penobscot Bay Battle of Charleston Southern Campaign Siege of Yorktown Battle of the Capes Navies of the American Colonies Too many to organize Competing Naval Strategies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Washington’s Navy Privateering (Guerre de Course) Continental Navy States Navies French and Spanish Navies Problems – Fragmented organization and efforts – Mostly ineffective during war Reason for Fragmentation 1. Sectionalism – – States didn’t cooperate well Continental Congress was indecisive 2. Lack of good administration 3. Lack of formal warfighting experience or training – – Only one CAPT had ever been in British Navy None familiar with fleet maneuvering 4. Privateering eroded effort – – Very profitable Stole ships, men and material Washington’s Navy GEN George Washington Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army – Appointed by 1st Continental Congress Dispatched to Boston – Organize militia 1775-1777 Washington’s Navy Problem: Continental Army needed supplies – Pleaded with Continental Congress for a Navy – Congress debated but did nothing Washington dissatisfied: Starts his own. – Commissions 11 merchant schooners in 2 years – Manned by army personnel – Goal: capture unescorted British supply ships • Wants food, clothing, guns, ammunition, etc. • NEEDS gunpowder 1775-1777 Washington’s Navy Results – 55 British supply vessels taken in 11 months – Hannah (first vessel) – Lee • 22 prizes • Captured ordinance Brig Nancy • Muskets, flints, mortars, tec. – All decommissioned after Brits evacuated Boston – Success leads to stronger calls for Continental Navy Privateering Piracy? Throughout War Privateering Letter of Marque and Reprisal Began in New England – Colonial states issued them • Massachusetts (Nov 1775) • Rhode Island (Jan 1776) – 2000 state licenses in New England alone Continental Congress authorizes it – Mar 1976 – 2000 continental licenses = 4,000 total letters issued Throughout War Privateering Result – – – – Annoyed and harassed British 600 prizes worth $28 million Increased British insurance rates Forced British to disperse naval forces to protect supply convoys Problem – Lured skilled sailors away from army & navy – Devoured war supplies that the army and navy needed – War profiteering Continental Navy (and Marines) Fall 1775 Continental Navy 13 October 1775 - Navy Birthday – Learn of two unescorted British supply ships headed for the St. Lawrence River – Continental Congress approves purchase of two commercial vessels for conversion into warships. 10 November 1775 - Marine Corps Birthday – Continental Congress authorizes two battalions of Marines. • Tuns Tavern, Philadelphia – Capt. Samuel Nicholas first Marine • De facto 1st Commandant of Marine Corps Continental Navy Administration: Unstable 1. Marine Committee (1775) • 13 delegates • Navy Boards to manage regions • Rules for the Regulation of the Navy – Adams plagiarizes British naval policy John Adams (Chairman) 2. Board of Admiralty (1789) • 2 delegates & 3 commissioners 3. Secretary of the Marine (1781) • Robert Morris interim “Agent of Marine” Robert Morris Fall 1775 Continental Navy Congress authorizes 13 frigates – Construction spread across colonies • Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Portsmouth, Baltimore, etc. • Early example of “pork barrel” spending – Highly inefficient because of: • Distance • Materials – Particularly cannon. No foundry in colonies. • Political haggling Countless smaller merchant ships also purchased and converted to warships. Fall 1775 Continental Navy Debate continues over the need for a Navy – North: Pro-Navy • Merchant tradition • Fighting was happening there – South: Anti-Navy • Expensive • No way to compete with British • But dealing with blockade and British naval raids Pro-Navy Idea: – Win southern support by sending fleet south to break blockade of Chesapeake Bay and Carolina coast Jan 1776 New Providence Expedition Continental Fleet Sets Sail Departs Philadelphia 8 small warships COMMO Esek Hopkins commanding Esek Hopkins Hopkins’s Orders • Rid Chesapeake Bay of British warships then proceed to Carolina coast to do same. Return to OR • “follow such courses as your best judgment shall suggest.” Hopkins’s interpretation • Do whatever I want What Hopkins Did: • New Providence Expedition to Nassau, Bahamas • Rationale: 1. Caribbean is where fleets go in the winter What Hopkins 2. Did Attack Britain’s merchant ships 3. Steal war material from British forts in New Providence What happened • Landed Marines at New Providence • Stole 58 artillery pieces, 15 mortars, and shot and shell • Headed for Newport New Providence Expedition On return, a British warship successfully alluded Continental fleet • Cause: poor ship handling and fleet maneuvering Congress was livid – Relieved Hopkins of command – Poor maneuvering induced change in Navy’s strategy: • General abandonment of fleet concept • Shift to single-ship ops • Commerce raiding (harassment) Continental Navy General assessment: Utter disappointment – Manning issues • Privateering steals good men – Construction challenges • Congress spreads construction among the colonies • No pre-existing foundries for canon – Only 6 of 13 frigates ever get to sea • Two burnt in Philadelphia, one run aground at Penobscot Bay, two destroyed in Charleston, and the British even use a captured Continental frigate to capture another Continental frigate – Lack of warfighting experience shows during formal ship engagements (abysmal record) – Guerre de course is only positive Commerce Raiding Commerce Raiding Guerre de Course (war on commerce) – Commissioned ships praying on enemy’s merchant ships – Goal: wear down enemy’s resolve to fight • General harassment diminishes morale • Expense to shipping industry – Were colonies successful? YES • Makes a few heroes • Few instances of naval success Commerce Raiding Lambert Wickes 1777 Dropped off Ben Franklin in France English Channel – 23 prizes in two voyages Ship lost at sea Gustavus Conyngham 1777-1779 “Dunkirk Pirate” English Channel – Captured 60 merchantmen or privateers in 18 months Captured by Brits John Paul Jones 1778-1779 “Father of American Navy” Took Marquis de Lafayette to France Two cruises into British waters Commerce Raiding John Paul Jones – Born “John Paul” in Scotland – Merchant Capt. at early age – Came to colonies to escape murder charges • Added “Jones” as alias – Earned commission as LT • Served under Esek Hopkins during New Providence expedition – Promoted to Captain • Ferried Marquis de Lafayette back to France after Battle of Saratoga • Received first salute of American flag upon arriving in France “I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.” Voyage #1 • • • • • • The Ranger Spring 1778 Several prizes Captured HMS Drake Raid on Whitehaven Attempted capture of Earl of Selkirk -Ransom for colonial prisoners • Hero’s return to France Voyage #2 • • • • • Bonhomme Richard Fall 1779 Small squadron of ships Several prizes Battle of Flamborough Head • Baltic Convoy • HMS Serapis • 3-hr dual • “I have not yet begun to fight!” • Sails prizes to Netherlands Commerce Raiding After the battle – Jones is a hero in Europe and Colonies • Even British admire him a little – Returns to colonies and appointed CAPT of the only ship-of-the-line (under construction) – War ends. Navy disbanded. No job. • Earned commission as ADM in Russian Navy • Left Russian navy for Paris – Died in obscurity and poverty in Paris at age 45 – In 1905, Theodore Roosevelt had his body exhumed and relocated in crypt under USNA chapel Commerce Raiding Commerce Raiding Jones’s Legacy – Hero of revolution – Excellent fighter and ship handler – Visionary educator and reformer – “Father of the American Navy” Arnold’s Navy Battle of Valcour Island October 1776 Oct 1776 Benedict Arnold’s Navy Failed Invasion of Canada Gen. Benedict Arnold Battle of Quebec (1775) Retreat into NY – Waterway to Lake Champlain British take offensive Pursue into NY Goal: – Continue along Hudson Valley toward NYC – Split New England from other colonies Problem: – Needed to control waterway Oct 1776 Benedict Arnold’s Navy Naval Shipbuilding Race Lasts into fall Brits: Northern lake – Disassemble Frigate – Reassemble on lake Arnold: Southern lake • Uses “green wood” • Small craft • Manned by army soldiers – Realizes can’t win building race – Sails small fleet north – Hides at anchor behind Valcour Island Oct 1776 Benedict Arnold’s Navy Battle of Valcour Island Brits sail south – Pass Arnold’s fleet & double-back Engagement – Arnold’s fleet out-fought – Night falls so Brits discontinue battle – Fog rolls in, and Arnold uses it to escape In morning – Brits notice escape – Chase down Arnold’s fleet – Total annihilation • Arnold’s entire fleet destroyed or scuttled Oct 1776 Benedict Arnold’s Navy Tactical Loss but Strategic Victory Shipbuilding race cost Brits the invasion season (summer) Brits put offensive on hold – Return to northern lake for winter – Don’t resume offensive for almost a year Gives Colonies precious time – Reinforce army in NY – Strategize defense States Navies Divided we fall States Navies Most had their own navies – Goal: costal protection force for commerce and trade (want to keep ports open) – Problem: Minimal cooperation Instances of cooperation – New England navies – Maryland, Virginia & Delaware on Chesapeake Bay – Penoboscot Bay Expedition (1779) States Navies Penobscot Bay (1779) – Mission: execute largest amphibious landing of war at Penobscot Bay to retake Maine from British – Assets • 19 warships / 24 transports – Frigate Alfred • 1,000 militia & Marines • Command: CAPT Dudley Saltonstall States Navies Penobscot Bay • August 1779 • Boston & Portsmouth to Maine • Goes poorly from beginning • Disagreement between commanders • Disorganized fleet • Delayed landing • British squadron appears in middle of landing • Ship-of-the-line, Frigate, many smaller ships • Colonial navies scramble • All scuttled or captured • Men disappear into the countryside or are prisoners Worst naval loss of the war French & Spanish Navies Why did they get involved? French & Spanish Navies Am. Revolution is extension of Seven Years War – Renewed Anglo-French war – Want revenge – Want to reclaim territory Catalyst: Victory at Saratoga – French, Spanish, Dutch declare war on Brits • France also signs military and commercial treaty with Colonies • Spain and Netherlands don’t sign alliance Naval Contribution: 80 Ships-of-the-Line – American Reaction: Congress ceases nearly all investment in Continental Navy. French and Spanish give naval advantage in 1779 Ships-of-the-Line 160 146 137 140 121 120 100 80 90 66 60 117 95 94 94 66 52 40 20 0 1777 1778 1779 British 1780 Total Allied 1781 1782 French & Spanish Navies What does this mean for British? – Serious enemies on all oceans – Need to protect all colonies and trade • Throughout the world • Particularly in Caribbean – Seen as more valuable than American colonies – Must divide naval forces across world French Arrive (Army & Navy) • ADM Comte d’Estaing • Short blockade of Brits in NY • Attacks Brits at Newport Yay!!! French Navy Departs Boo!! • Goes to Caribbean • Reasons: 1. Protect West Indian colonies (And maybe take some) 2. Protect trade 3. The weather is better • Fight Brit Navy with Spanish until 1781 Brits launch southern campaign • Battle of Charleston • Move north through Carolinas • Running out of supplies • Hole up in Yorktown, Virginia • Wait for Navy to resupply Washington seizes opportunity • Colonial & French Armies move south • Siege British at Yorktown • Need Navy to cut off British sea escape French Navy Departs Caribbean • ADM Comte de Grasse • Combined French & Spanish fleet • 24 Ships-of-the-line British Navy Pursues • ADM Hood • 14 Ships-of-the-line • Sails past French/Spanish fleet • Doesn’t find them at Yorktown • Sails north to keep searching • Gets to Newport • Learns he out-sailed French/Spanish fleet • ADM Graves takes over • Back to Yorktown • 19 Ships-of-the Line • British Army is desperate • Graves challenges de Grasse • Battle of the Capes Mar – May 1780 nd 2 Siege of Charleston French Navy Departs Caribbean • Brits blockade American ships • 5,500 Americans surrender • 3rd largest in US history • 7 warships destroyed Sept. 5, 1781 Battle of the Capes Sept. 5, 1781 Battle of the Capes Sept. 5, 1781 Battle of the Capes Outcome – Tactically indecisive – British back off and head north – Abandon Gen. Cornwallis Siege ends in surrender (Oct. 19, 1781) – 7,500 British soldiers – Shocks Great Britain Hostilities end in American colonies – Continue fighting overseas 1781 - 1782 Fighting Overseas French/Spanish try to take: – Gibraltar – British colonies in India – Jamaica: Battle of Saints (1782) • Large naval battle British public suffers war fatigue – Costly global war – British agree to peace talks Treaty of Paris April 1782 Peace negotiations began Nov 1782 Preliminary treaty Sept 1783 Official Treaty Signed Jan 1784 Approved by Continental Congress Results of War World Politics American independence – Out of British Empire – Lose protection on seas Brits angry with France – Renewed tensions create 22 years of war American Navy Brits still dominant naval force in world – Not weakened at all Navy soon disbanded – “Wasteful expense” Guerre de Course – became American naval dogma How did the Navy do? What can we learn? What can we learn? Did we ever challenge the British? – No. The French and Spanish saved us. British Navy proves: – Control Seas -> Control Land – Safe Retreat – Blockading – Resupply & Reinforcement – Disruption of opponents trade, supply and reinforcement Review 8 Key Themes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Navy as an instrument of foreign policy Interaction between Congress and Navy Interservice relations Technology Leadership Strategy & Tactics Evolution of US Naval Doctrine Future missions of Navy and USMC Next Class Topic Assignment(s) Quiz Other Info American Revolution Supplemental Slides Sources for Continental Navy Ships 30 Number of Ships 25 More purchased than launched. Total: 57 Ships 20 15 10 5 0 Number of Ships Purchased 26 Launched 20 Captured 5 Loaned 6 Guns on American Ships 30 American ships were weak compared to British ships 25 Total: 57 Ships GUNS 20 15 10 5 0 Ship Count Less than 10 13 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 74 25 14 11 3 1 Disposition of Ships 18 American warships have terrible record during war. 16 Number of Ships 14 Total: 57 Ships 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Ship Count Destroye Captured d 16 12 Sunk Burned Lost at Sea Siezed Wrecked Sold 3 2 2 1 1 11 Returned Unknown 4 4 Given 1 David Bushnell American inventor First submersible – Turtle