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The idea that the American colonists strictly used guerrilla tactics and acted as snipers from the forest, while hapless British soldiers lined up in the open and followed the rules of European warfare is part of the myth of the American Revolution, and is often dismissed by modern historians. However, it is based on reality to a certain extent. In fact, according to Anthony J. Joes, the guerillas' contribution was extremely important to American independence.

There were certainly instances of the Americans using guerrilla tactics, particularly following Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts and later in the South by such partisan leaders as Francis Marion. These guerrilla bands managed to wear down Cornwallis' force with hit-and-run tactics and the destruction of supplies, making his army more vulnerable when they finally confronted the main Continental Army at Yorktown. Furthermore, American riflemen, or rangers, when led by officers who knew how to utilize them correctly such as Daniel Morgan and Nathanael Greene, were extremely effective.

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13y ago
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14y ago

Americans hid behind trees and shot at British troops marching in the open (a traditional European way of fighting); then took off running, hid behind more trees and did it again. Pretty soon there weren't too many Redcoats left.

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10y ago

An opposing military force will apply the tactics of Guerrilla warfare which emphasizes concealment , ambush and utilizing terrain to gain an advantage against a numerically superior opponent who has more assets that a smaller army .

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11y ago

The Colonial Army would fire from cover and retreat, while the British wore red jackets and fought in the open.

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15y ago

Americans (not US back then) stood behind cover (usually trees) and fired at British troops marching towards them in parade formations (like toy soldiers).

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15y ago

Hide behind a tree, fire their musket (flintlock), then run like the dickens. Guerrilla warfare; hit and run (run fast and hard if the enemies mad!).

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14y ago

Yes. There's no secret formula to guerrilla warfare, it's simply the only way to fight when one doesn't have an army to fight with.

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Q: Were guerrilla war tactics used in the American Revolution?
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