Featuring specially commissioned artwork, this absorbing study
investigates the various participants' battlefield tactics, casting
light on how tactical theory and battlefield experience shaped the
conduct of battle in the American Revolution.
The American Revolution presented a series of unique tactical challenges
to its competing factions. For Britain, the Army would be forced to
re-learn many of the lessons from the Seven Years' War. After the
debacle of Concord and Bunker Hill, the British implemented a range of
changes throughout the Army, including the modification of accepted
tactical doctrine. Additionally, the British formed alliances with
various independent German states. The soldiers they provided thus
answered to different armies. How much their tactics adapted during the
war, therefore varied from state to state.
The Continental Army was founded in 1775 and was initially heavily
styled on its British opponents. That began to change in 1778 thanks to
the efforts of Prussian officer Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben.
Following their formal alliance with the colonies in 1778, France
deployed military assets to North America. French officers also provided
tactical advice to the Continental Army, and vice versa, particularly
when they worked together successfully during the siege of Yorktown in
1781.