A History of the United States: Chapter 6: The American Revolution

The British relied on mercenaries to fight for them. The Americans called these mercenaries "Hessians" after the region in Germany from which most of them came.

After rejecting the rule of the British Parliament, they were unwilling to transfer power to their own Continental Congress.

To meet this need, the Congress established the Continental Army, which depended on the states to recruit soldiers.

The best officers had experience from previous, or earlier, wars.

In February 1778, France declared war on Britain and sent money, equipment, and troops to aid the American Patriots.

Many soldiers became sick and died. Other men deserted, or left without permission. Some officers quit.

This led to inflation, which means that it took more and more money to buy the same amount of goods.

Still, the issue of slavery would remain unsettled for many years.

British vessels formed an effective blockade, keeping ships from entering or leaving American harbors. The blockade limited delivery of supplies and troops to Patriot forces.

A privateer is a privately owned merchant ship outfitted with weapons. The goal of the privateer is to capture enemy merchant ships and cargo.

Although this was a small battle, its impact on the rest of the war was great.

Greene's army was forced to retreat, but the British sustained great losses in the process.

Washington kept his new strategy, or plan of action, secret.

American and French forces began a siege—they blocked off the British supply and escape routes.

However, the defeat at Yorktown convinced the British that the war was too costly to pursue, or proceed with.

The American Congress ratified, or approved, the first draft of the treaty in April 1783.

Also, the Americans knew the land. They knew where to lay an ambush, or surprise attack.