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Essential Question

The Revolutionary War saw a significant shift in tactics as the conflict moved into the Southern states. The Battle of Charles Town in 1780 marked a disastrous defeat for American forces, leading to the loss of their largest southern city and approximately 5,000 soldiers. However, guerrilla tactics emerged as a vital strategy, exemplified by leaders like Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," who conducted cunning hit-and-run attacks. Under Nathaniel Greene's command, the Americans blended guerrilla and formal tactics, achieving critical victories like the Battle of Cowpens, ultimately exhausting British forces and shifting the war's momentum.

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Essential Question

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Essential Question • How did the state of the Revolution change in terms of tactics and outcomes when the war shifted into the South?

  2. Guerrilla War in the South Chapter 7 Section 3 Pt I

  3. The Battle of Charles Town • In 1780, a British army trapped American forces in Charles Town, SC (now Charleston) • The Battle of Charles Town ended in disaster for the Americans: • They lost their largest southern city • They lost almost their entire southern army (approx. 5000 soldiers) • This was the single worst American defeat of the war

  4. The “Swamp Fox” • Perhaps the most famous Patriot guerrilla leader in the south was Francis Marion • He was known as the “Swamp Fox” b/c he led cunning attacks from his bases in the SC swamps • Marion led a small band of ill-equipped & diverse guerillas • Despite their lack of equipment, Marion and his men were often very effective at cutting British supply lines coming out of Charleston

  5. General Greene Takes Charge • After Horatio Gates’ was fired at Camden, GW named Nathaniel Greene leader of the Southern Army • Greene was one of GW’s most trusted and talented generals • In Jan. 1781, Greene sent his army south to confront Lord Charles Cornwallis • Cornwallis was now the Commander of the British forces in the South

  6. The Battle of Cowpens • Greene and his army soon won a spectacular victory at the Battle of Cowpens, SC • Led by Daniel Morgan, this victory proved that the Americans had finally mastered formal battle tactics • However, it was truly the blending of guerilla tactics with formal tactics that won the day for the Americans

  7. Greene’s “Guerrilla Army” • After Cowpens, Greene’s strategy was simple • Engage the British when we have an advantage, otherwise retreat • Exhaust the British by making them constantly chase us • This strategy was a major success for the Patriots • The British took heavy losses on several occasions • With his army wounded and exhausted, Cornwallis was forced to retreat back to the coast @ Wilmington, NC

  8. Summary/Test Question • Which is NOT true of guerrillas in the American Revolution? • They were often small bands of fighters who used hit-and-run tactics • They often used their superior knowledge of the land to ambush the British • They were professional soldiers hired from the Spanish colonies • One guerilla band had a leader nicknamed the “Swamp Fox”

  9. Summary/Test Question • How did war in the South differ from the fighting in other colonies? • Guerrilla warfare was more often used in the South • The fighting in the South was less vicious • Most of the fighting in the South took place on the seas • There were more full-scale battles in the South

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