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War against Great Britain

The American revolutionary war (1775-1783) was referred to as the War of Independence. Questions have lingered over how an established Great Britain military forced was downed by an American force that was faced with several challenges. As a matter of fact, factors that enabled the unprepared, undisciplined, and divided American people to prevail over one of the greatest empires have been debated. Throughout the world, British forces appeared unbeatable because of their power. The previous years leading to the 18th century had seen the British forces enjoy triumph over powerful states such as France and Spain. On the whole, it was clear that the odds were against the Americans. Taking a closer look offers insight into the manner in which the underdogs overcame obstacles to emerge victorious.
In winning the war against Great Britain, American troops had to overcome their financial challenges. They faced tremendous difficulties in raising enough finances to purchase such basic supplies as shoes and blankets. In contrast, their opponents were the strongest throughout the world. During the time, British soldiers were paid handsomely, well equipped, and well disciplined. They not only conquered the land but also dominated the seas. Their funds were straightforwardly raised throughout the empire. Some of the finances were used to employ Hessian mercenaries. All the same, American forces were disadvantaged as far as funds were concerned. This was a huge obstacle they had to overcome in their war against British forces.
In addition, American forces faced an enormous crisis because they lacked enhanced training. It is worth noting that in their battle against Great Britain, Americans had neither a standing navy nor army. Only a small number of people among the American forces were experienced. On the contrary, Britain had a professional army boosted by the world’s supreme navy force. Their lack of training was worsened by the fact that Americans had virtually no records of cooperating with one another in the face of danger. Many persons in the cabinet had already been swayed by belittling assessments of American forces leveled by their opponents in earlier battles (Starkey, 20-33). For instance, throughout the Indian and French War -1754-63, American soldiers had already been described as cowardly persons for their lack of proper training and of preparation. This obstacle meant that they were viewed as underdogs, and it was clear the odds were against them.
The obstacle regarding lack of funds was overcome after the Congress was forced to review its position as far as taxing and raising revenue was concerned. Throughout the first stages of the war, the Congress had no power to provide supplies. A number of states chose when to comply even though they did not most of the times. The Congress had to be pressurized to make requests to various states. A letter from Washington revealed that all departments and operations of American forces were at a standstill, and unless a system quite different from what prevailed was instituted, the country was in trouble. American forces could not be in a position to perform, and the Congress had to assume the power to raise revenue from all states. Consequently, the funds would be availed to the forces. Financing the war had to become a collective effort. The Americans had to use what they had in countering well-equipped British solders.

Work Cited
Starkey, Armstrong. War in the age of enlightenment, 1700-1789. USA: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003. Print.