American and British strategies for victory in 1776

Washington’s strategy for the war took into account the poor soldiery of his men, the complete absence of an American navy, and the logistical difficulties the British faced when fighting in America. He doubted his men’s ability to defeat the British on the battlefield, but hoped that they could do well enough to remain in the field and draw the war out. General Howe (the British commander-in-chief) likewise understood from the start that although Britain was much stronger and richer, many of its advantages were diminished in the American theater. In the summer of 1776, when he landed in New York with 30,000 men, Howe was hoping and planning for a short war; one in which decisive early victories in the field might convince Americans to come to their senses, lay down their arms, and enjoy peace and prosperity as a part of the British Empire.