OCS Military History Lesson 1 Questions & Answers

What was good and what was bad about the Indian ways of war? - ANSWER-GOOD: 'Guerilla' style, with raiding and use of stealth in wilderness terrain. BAD: Not well organized, individual emphasis, poor security, and poor winter operations. Would all European-style weapon, forces, and tactics work all the time in America? - ANSWER-No, conditions would vary in the New World, and could require either linear tactics or more guerilla style wildnerness tactics. Was the American Rifle suitable for linear tactics? - ANSWER-Some weapons were suitable for the American wilderness, but not for linear tactics. The American Riflewas well suited for wilderness sniper action by special troops, but not for linear tactics and line regular infantrymen. Why was the American Rifle not suitable for linear tactics? - ANSWER-Slow firing rate and less user-friendly than smooth-bore muskets. The long barrel and snug fitting round meant that ramming said round down the barrel into the breach took more time and skill. Why was the English militia tradition brought to America? - ANSWER-For fighting Indians, colonial governments were in no position to form professional armies. Militias were often the only available military force. The Englsh did not like the big standing armies. Militias were waning in England but revived in America. Was the English militia well disciplined? - ANSWER-No, the militia was naturally not a well disciplined, cohesive force comparable to the professional army of the age. Its efficiency varied from colony to colony depending on the ability and determination of commanders and the presence or absence of threat. Militilia could be volunteers or draftees. What was meant by the term 'Temporary Duty' in the Colonial Militia? - ANSWER-Volunteer, drafted man,and substitue, all paid while on active duty, alike insisted on the militiaman's prerogative to serve only a short period and return home and fireside as soon as possible. These soldeirs were voters and citizens, and not the peasant stock that European rmies often used. What is Mixed Tactics and why were they used? - ANSWER-The forces often used mixed tactics, depending on circumstances. Depending on terrain and forces, the battles might resemble the European linear style or Indian/Guerilla-style. European and American tactics each had a place, either bould be decisive where conditions were best suited to its use. What tactics style was used in the Colonial War? - ANSWER-Mixed Tactics What principles of War did Washington use at Trenton? - ANSWER-Surprise, Maneuver, and Offensive. What was the importance of Trenton and Princeton? - ANSWER-They were small battles with big strategic impact. Tactical Victories: Trenton mecenary garrison surrendered 900 POWs, Princeton three British regimenets mauled and British supplies captured. Strategic Importance: Reinvigorated the American cause, Washington retained an army, rallied American 'fence-sitters- and militia. What was the result and impact of the Saratoga Campaign? - ANSWER-Result was a failed British operation, as British General Burgoyne's army surrendered. Impact was a big operational and strategic effect. What caused the devestation at Valley Forge Winter Quarters? - ANSWER-Supplies existed but a broken system did not deliver the goods. 2500 died (14% death rate). Due not to a lack of supply but poor logistical organization. Did the Army meet the Perserverance Principle of War at Valley Forge Winter Quarters? - ANSWER-Yes, by enduring the hardship to become a better Army.