Charleston,South Carolina
- The Port of Charleston port was a very important area for the colonist for the reason that it brought in many goods that helped the war effort. These goods included ammo and small arms. Though it was taken by the British in 1780 after two attacks, it was still a major port that helped the colonists in the early part of the war.
Why the British Switched Plans
- In the middle of the American Revolutionary war the British ran into a stalemate in the North so they changed their plans and sent troops to the south. They thought this was a good idea because of the mass amount of loyalist in the area and surround the northern army causing the war to end in their favor. This lead to a long lasting fight in South Carolina.
Major Battles in Inland South Carolina
- After Charleston fell, the Britsh were free to invade the rest of the state and the Empire switched their plan to take the south instead of the North, though the British had a problem of having no formal strategy.
- The first of these major battles was called Camden. It occurred when General Gates lead 4,000 men against the British. Gates army was crushed most likely due to the fact that his army was untrained and he didn't know them well enough. Months after the battle of Camden, the Colonists had a taste of victory at the Battle of King's Mountain. This happened when a 1000 strong army of loyalist (people who supported the British) were ambushed and captured. Afterwards in early 1781, the British fought the colonist again and this time the British were defeated and retreated back to Charleston. After this battle the British lost any progress made in South Carolina, though they would clash one last time at Eutaw Springs. The Battle of Eutaw springs was an even battle for both sides but it forced the British into Charleston and ended any plans for them in the south.
War Crimes
- In the middle of the Southern campaign the British burned towns and killed villagers to put fear into anyone that dared side with the patriots. In retaliation to this the patriots killed their British prisoners after battles such as the battle of Orangeburg to enact revenge. Though the British started War Crime,s they were both guilty of it.
General Cornwallis
- General Cornwallis was a major officer for the British in the southern campaign. He started the idea to take over the south because of its huge loyalist population. He lead most major battles in South Carolina for the British including the Battle of Camden and the Cowpens.
Southern Colonist Generals
Nathaniel Greene was a general for the colonist and led the successful battle against the British at Eutaw springs. He began his military career at the lowest rank but at the end of the war he ended up as a renowned general.
Daniel Morgan was also a Colonial general and led his troops successfully against the British at the battle of Cowpens.