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Posted by Mark K on October 30, 19100 at 11:09:30:
In Reply to: BRITISH STRATEGY CHANGE AFTER THE ENTRY FRANCE posted by Jeff on October 30, 19100 at 01:38:31:
: 1. In what ways did Britain's strategy change after the American/French alliance? (ie: Change to a more global scope)
Ok, I'll take the bait. Britain decided to continue the fight against the rebels, but first attacked France while consolidating in the US. After beating the French up, the British turned against the Southern states, which were supposedly more loyal, less defended, and were certainly more profitable as colonies. When Spain entered in 1779, they took the same approach, with some success. By summer 1780, the British had stalemated France, Spain, and Holland around the world, while re-occupying Georgia and SC, eliminating two American armies in the process. By 1781, however, they were stretched a little thin.
: 2. Do you think the British were correct in the strategies they chose? Please explain your answer.
Yes, probably, though since it failed, it could be criticized in hindsight. But giving up a chunk of the Empire was unthinkable, and they believed that if they lost North American, the entire Empire would collapse. So they fought. Having little to gain by concentrating against France and Spain (since they had gutted those empires in the previous war 1754-1763), the British rightfully tried to neutralize them, and then return to the rebellious colonies. By going South, they hoped at least to secure them when a peace treaty was signed. The British then umed the Northern states could not survive long on their own and would come crawling back to Mother England. Overall, a rather inspired grand strategy implemented in a global war, where they kept their eye on the true purpose of the war. They also came very close to succeeding.
At least, that is my opinion.