Why did the USA lose the Revolutionary war, but the UK gave the USA their freedom?

Question

The American revolution was too costly a war for the UK, so the UK decided to grant the USA freedom.

Answer 1

Many people misinterpret the question - I think s**t makes a valid point.

Very importantly, the US did not achieve TOTAL victory in the Revolutionary War. TOTAL victory would mean the Brits completely knocked out of North America, including colonies such as Jamaica and Canada, or any bases that could threaten the US (Eg, Bermuda)...then

George Washington himself invading the home islands and knocking on King George's door.

The UK could be FORCED to give the US independence, only if the US achieved such TOTAL victory.

As it was, the UK - still the most powerful country in the world, maybe even had some troops still on Am. soil - had some decisions to make when she went to the peace table. Would she grant the US independence? Or, would she try to make a separate peace with the US's allies (such as France) and try to continue a long and costly war with the US?

We know what the UK decided to do, when she made the peace terms. But, was the cost of the war with the US a factor? It sounds possible, but can only be proven if you find it in the Treaty of Paris negotiations.

Answer 2

You're wrong. (no offense)

There was fighting from 1775 to 1781.

But the USA did win. This was made possible by the French.

The French supplied weapons, money, troops, and Washington wouldn't have been able to force Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown if the French Navy had not prevented their retreat.

So thank a Frenchman for your freedom!

You were right about the cost however. The Revolutionary War would be the largest troop deployment in British History until the First World War.  

Answer 3

um didn't america win?

Answer 4

The US didn't lose.

The UK forfeited.

Answer 5

even the territories that the Brithish won in the South, in their departure turned into guerilla fighting....   the UK did not just "let" the US win,  but yes they were fighting a costly war here and at home as well as many other disadvantages - fighting style, not knowing the land as well, etc

Answer 6

No, we surrounded Cornwallis' army and outsmarted him and actally won the war.  

Answer 7

?what kind of propganda are you taking in.....US won the revolutionary war....

Answer 8

Is that how they are teaching it in the U.K nowadays?

Answer 9

Especially after Lord Cornwallis, the supreme commander of British Forces in the Revolution as of 1781, surrendered the last major British army in the war. Funny how a little thing like defeat can be so terribly costly. The colonies won the American Revolution, not the British.

Answer 10

yeah thats how it happened...

Answer 11

I think If we would have loss the war we would still be under British control. Last time I checked the British Flag is not our flag... DUH

Answer 12

Interesting how ones perspective on the same issue can be so different.

Answer 13

Keep in mind that, in the beginning, the people of the USA were very loyal to the King, but he refused to consider their needs.  Only after many requests did they give up and decide to fight for freedom.

And you're partially right.  In the beginning, the USA was indeed losing the war. After all, the Americans were very much outnumbered by trained, British forces.  Meanwhile, some men were learning "on the job" and became excellent generals, such as George Washington.

In time, however, they got some extra help.  France stepped in, and donated seriously needed aid, including weapons and real soldiers.   France made a huge impact on the outcome of the war.

So did some Native American tribes.  They taught the US soldiers how to give surprise attacks.  (The trained British soldiers were used to fighting on open land.)  

At the very end, the British were surrounded by the Americans on land, and by the French in the ocean.  The British surrendered to Cornwalis.  While USA was glad to win their freedom, they were disappointed that they could not support the king, but in their minds, the king no longer cared about the US, except for what he could get out of them.

To give you some heads-up on the end of the war, read this link regarding Yorktown.

P.S.  I'm glad you posed your question.  It's how we learn!

Answer 14

Would that mean that the UK forfeited? Last time I checked, if a team forfeits a game, they lose. o.O

Answer 15

It's not like the USA won the war, more likely the British lost it. Look up Yorktown, maybe you can learn a thing or two about history.

Answer 16

  Ask Lord Cornwallis, after he was surrounded and defeated at Yorktown.  The UK did not grant us Independencece we declared it, and won the war.