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American War of Independence (or Revolutionary War as it is often called in the U.S.A.) had its roots in the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763). French and Indian wars in North America were part of this wider conflict which resulted in France losing many of her overseas territories |
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Although victorious in the Seven Years War, the British taxed their colonies heavily to pay for the cost of the war and also the ongoing protection of the colonies. Continued ill-feeling led to the Boston Tea Party (1773) and eventually the revolution that became known as the American War of Independence. |
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Initially the colonists were outclassed in open warfare against the more experienced British troops. Most of the colonists believed that the British would win the war, but they hoped they would gain some tax relief and some autonomy for their efforts. French support was initially unofficial but soon included troops and leaders as revenge for their loss in the Seven Years War. With involvement of other Europeans as well, the colonists and their allies became known as the Continental army. Native Americans from the Six Nations also fought alongside the colonists. This was partly through fear of the British taking over their lands and also in the hope it would also bring them some independence. All it did was to replace an old colonial power with a new one. Eventually the colonists led by George Washington defeated the British under General Burgoyne at Saratoga (1777) that they truly believed they could win the war. Essentially it was all over for the British in 1781 when their troops under General Cornwallis were defeated at the siege of Yorktown after the French fleet stopped the attempted rescue by the British fleet. Peace became official in 1783 by the opposing sides signing the "Peace of Paris". Fear of revolutionary France and then the advent of the Napoleonic Wars closer to home quashed any serious thoughts the British had of later returning and reversing the newly won independence. |
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Above. The colonists were more successful with guerilla tactics but also bravely fought alongside the French and other troops from the continent (Europe) against the British. In open warfare they adopted the typical European linear method of massed ranks. |
Above. The British look resplendant in their famous red coats. The British troops were disciplined and fought well although their strategy throughout the war was ill conceived. |
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Below. Charles (left) has a keen interest in the American War of Independence as well as the later American Civil War. Here he shows John and Peter how easy the rules are to learn. Charles has tried a variety of rules and currently uses a quickplay set of rules based upon an article from Miniature Wargames. This and Wargames Illustrated are popular wargaming magazines available in Australia. |
Below. Some more of Charles' continental troops. They are a mixture of 25mm scale Hinchcliffe and Minifig plus a smattering from other makers. This scale means that a 6 foot high person is represented by a model figure that is around 25mm high. An interesting mix of imperial and metric, but essentially a scale of 1:72 (the same as model railway OO gauge). |
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