A Soldier’s Reflections
You are a Continental soldier in George Washington’s army. It is early October 1781, and you are with the army in Virginia outside of Yorktown. A British army is trapped between a French army, Washington’s forces, and a French fleet in the Bay. General Charles (Lord) Cornwallis and his British troops are preparing to defend the town. It appears that the long hard journey of revolution is about to culminate in an American victory.
You want to document the moment and your knowledge of the war for historical purposes before the final battle begins, so you take pen and paper in hand and begin writing your thoughts, reflections, and understanding of the war. You begin where, why, and how you believe this entire war started and touch on many of the main issues (leaders, challenges, turning points, major battles, weapon or tactical innovations, etc.), and end with your hopes for the future of the colonies. Are you hoping to see a new nation emerge, or are you hoping for a reconciliation with Britain?
You are encouraged to be creative with the assignment, but make sure that you use facts. Ensure that you address the following components listed below.
Identify notable innovations and tactics used by the Continental Army and militia.
Identify major figures or groups associated with the colonial military operations in the war.
Explain what challenges the Continental Army and militia faced.
Relate what you believe a soldier from the American Revolution would have experienced.
