How was geurrilla warfare used in the American Revolution?

Answer 1

I'm actually writing my senior thesis on this so I'm fairly knowledgable about the topic... guerrilla warfare was used in a variety of ways during the American Revolution. Primarily it was used in the small battles of the Southern Colonies. Leaders such as Daniel Morgan's Riflemen or Francis Marion, aka the swamp fox, would hide behind bushes or trees and fire quickly before retreating into area that they knew much better than their British adversaries. These tactics were ultimately effective because the British had little experience fighting against a quick strike enemy, whereas the Americans were used to these tactics thanks to the French and Indian War twenty years before. Also the British were enamored with European style warfare which said that they should stand shoulder to shoulder and fire muskets at each other until one line broke and fled. This new type of warfare brought a new type of soldier and the guerrilla tactics were ideal for the American backwoodsmen. These fighters grew up shooting for their dinner, literally. They had a huge advantage having rifles which spin the bullet out of the chamber for increased accuracy and distance. Their main weapon of choice was the Kentucky Long Rifle, which was used by Morgan's riflemen to pick off enemy combatants over two hundred yards away accurately. Guerilla fighters would pick off small groups on sentry duty, or would harrass supply lines making it almost impossible to communicate across distance. Mainly they would fire one or two shots a piece at a platoon before disappearing back Into the Woods.

this is pretty much how they fought, quick hits and knowing the terrain... if you have any other questions.. post away

Answer 2

The guerilla warfare strategy was a soldier who weakens the enemy with surprise raids and hit-and-run attacks.