Why did the British decide to focus on the Southern colonies in 1779? They were joined by the French on their side of the war. They had been forced out of the North. They hoped to divide the U.S. forces. They wanted to follow up on their victory at Saratoga.

Answer 1

In 1779, the British decision to focus on the Southern colonies was influenced by several strategic considerations, but primarily they aimed to take advantage of the support they believed they could garner from Loyalist populations in the South. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Loyalist Support: The British believed that there were significant numbers of Loyalists in the Southern colonies who would support British efforts against the revolutionaries. They hoped that by concentrating their military efforts in this region, they could rally Loyalist militias to their side and effectively undermine the Continental Army's power.

2. Division of American Forces: By shifting focus to the South, the British aimed to divide the American forces, which they believed would hinder the Continental Army's ability to coordinate and defend all regions effectively. This could lead to the isolation of Southern patriot forces.

3. Successful Campaigns in the North: Having been pushed out of the Northern colonies after initial defeats, including the significant defeat at Saratoga in 1777, the British were looking for a fresh start in a region they believed might be more favorable to their cause.

4. Potential for Resource Control: The Southern colonies possessed valuable resources, including cash crops like tobacco and rice, that could sustain the British war effort. Capturing these areas would mean gaining access to these resources and economic wealth.

Overall, the focus on the South represented a shift in strategy as the British adapted to the challenges they faced, aiming to reclaim control and leverage their military resources effectively during the American Revolutionary War.