Analytical Essay: Weapons Used In The Revolutionary War

Many different weapons were used in the Revolutionary War. Each side of the war preferred different tactics. With different tactics came different weapons, and each weapon had its positives and negatives. Wars usually require weapons, soldiers, and tactics; with war comes threats and reasons for fighting. Some of the weapons used in the war were flintlock muskets, rifles, bayonets, hanger swords, and hunting swords(Linda Alchin). The primary gun of the Revolutionary War was the flintlock musket(The World Book encyclopedia). They were not very effective; the firing distance was very short and only ⅕ of the shots fired hit the enemy(Linda Alchin). Bayonets were typically fitted to the barrel of the musket, therefore giving the gun a form of defense and offense(Linda Alchin). They could also be taken off the gun to be used in one on one combat(Linda Alchin). Rifles were more accurate than muskets, they had longer barrels, and were primarily used by experienced shooters(Linda Alchin). Linda Alchin states, “a Hanger Sword or cutlass is a short, broad sabre or slashing sword, with a straight or slightly curved blade sharpened on the cutting edge and was used by Infantrymen”(Linda Alchin). Hunting swords had a short blade and were used with only one hand(Linda Alchin). …show more content…
First of all, the British regulars would be given a gun. They would also be given a bayonet, two ammo boxes, and a canteen(“Just the Essentials: Clothing and Equipment of Revolutionary War Soldiers”). They also had a bag for their food and personal items(“Just the Essentials: Clothing and Equipment of Revolutionary War Soldiers”). The uniform they wore were clearly bright red, allowing them to tell the difference between themselves and the enemy on the chaotic battle field(“Just the Essentials: Clothing and Equipment of Revolutionary War