Muskets
This was the main weapon both sides used in the war. Muskets were not accurate, especially long-range. The appeal of this gun was that it was easy to reload, allowing a soldier to shoot 3 to 4 times a minute. The most common musket was the Brown Bess, made by the British. It was loaded through the muzzle and had a smooth bore.The Charleville was another kind of musket that was made by the French. It was very similar to the Brown Bess.
34. An example of a Brown Bess musket
Cannons
Cannons were a main part of the artillery that each side fought with. They were able to fire 3 different shells; solid shells, exploding shells, and grapeshot. They were also able to be mounted on big wheels, making them somewhat mobile. Cannons were very successful at sinking ships and damaging fortifications. They were sometimes even shot straight at the line of the opposing side, which had drastic effects and stopped the enemy’s charge.
35. A painting of soldiers operating a cannon
Bayonets
A bayonet was a sharp metal blade with a pointed end that attached to soldiers’ muskets. The blade was about 17 inches long. It basically turned the gun into a spear and were used when charging at the enemy and in close combat. This weapons was mostly used by the British.
36. An example of a bayonet
Rifles
Rifles were far more accurate than muskets, but they didn’t load as fast. These guns were often used to pick of military officers from far away.
Pistols
Pistols were intended to use with only one hand and was effective in only short-range combat. Cavalry used pistols because they could hold the gun in one hand while holding the reins of their horse in another.
Knives
Soldiers tended to carry a knife around with them, but it was rarely used in combat. It served more of a convenience purpose, like cutting an apple or a piece of string.
Units
Cavalry - At first, cavalry was not heavily considered because military planners thought that the heavily forested lands and few open roads would restrict the cavalry’s ability. This type of unit was not used in the French and Indian war. However, at the beginning of the Revolution a British lieutenant named Thomas Gage had mounted officers act as cavalry during the raid on Concord. As the war went on, a few cavalry units came to be known, such as the Philadelphia Light Horse. They were responsible for escorting George Washington when he accepted the command of the Continental Army. In the end, cavalry was deemed impractical at the time, mainly because it was expensive to provide horses and riding gear to so many soldiers.
37. A painting of the American cavalry
Infantry - An infantry was a mass of soldiers marching on foot. This was the primary unit that was used in the American Revolution. In battles between infantries, they would use linear tactics and blast each other with their muskets until one of them retreated.