key term - British control of Savannah

Definition

British control of Savannah refers to the period during the American Revolutionary War when British forces captured and held the city of Savannah, Georgia, from 1778 until 1782. This strategic control allowed the British to use Savannah as a key military and supply base for their southern campaign, significantly impacting the course of the war in the southern colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The British captured Savannah in December 1778, making it a critical stronghold for their operations in the southern theater of the war.
2. Savannah served as a vital port city, allowing the British to receive supplies and reinforcements from Britain and other loyal territories.
3. The city was held under British occupation until 1782, despite numerous attempts by American and allied French forces to recapture it.
4. The Siege of Savannah in 1779 involved a joint effort between American and French troops but ended in a costly defeat, cementing British control for several more years.
5. The eventual withdrawal of British forces from Savannah marked a turning point in the war, contributing to the overall decline of British power in the southern colonies.

Review Questions

• How did British control of Savannah influence military strategies for both the British and American forces during the Revolutionary War?
  • British control of Savannah allowed them to establish a strong foothold in the southern colonies, which significantly influenced their military strategies. By using Savannah as a supply base, they could launch further operations into the southern regions. Conversely, this forced American and French forces to devise strategies aimed at reclaiming Savannah, as its capture was crucial for gaining momentum against British forces in the South.
• Evaluate the significance of the Siege of Savannah in terms of its outcomes for both the American revolutionaries and British forces.
  • The Siege of Savannah was significant as it represented a major effort by American and French forces to regain control of a strategic city. The failed attempt not only solidified British dominance in Savannah but also highlighted the challenges faced by revolutionary forces when coordinating multi-national military efforts. The defeat had lasting implications, leading to prolonged British control and affecting morale among American troops and supporters.
• Analyze how the British occupation of Savannah affected local populations, including Loyalists and Patriots, during and after the Revolutionary War.
  • The British occupation of Savannah had profound effects on local populations, particularly for Loyalists who found support under British rule while Patriots faced persecution and hardship. The presence of British troops altered daily life significantly, as local economies became intertwined with military logistics. Following the eventual withdrawal of British forces, tensions remained high between Loyalists and Patriots, leading to social divisions that would persist long after the war concluded.

Related terms

Siege of Savannah:

A major military engagement in 1779 where American and French forces attempted to retake Savannah from British control, ultimately resulting in a failed siege.

Southern Campaign: A series of military operations conducted by British forces in the southern colonies during the American Revolutionary War, aimed at regaining control and suppressing colonial resistance.

Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolutionary War, many of whom supported British efforts in Savannah and other areas.