Rebel Privateers--The Winners of American Independence
Abstract
This is a quantitative analysis of rebel privateers commissioned by Congress during the American Revolution. Documented contributions, primarily from primary sources, are compared to those of the Continental Navy. Through an average privateer and Continental Navy vessel, the study conducts a cost analysis of these warships as well as the number and dollar value of their prizes to the American war effort. The effect of privateers on the British economy and their impact on British naval, domestic, and diplomatic policy are also examined. The study concludes that privateering was the most cost-effective naval option available to Congress. More importantly, due to the infinite demands which privateers placed on the Royal Navy, while extracting a staggering cumulative toll on British commerce, privateers met nearly all the preconditions for American victory. The study further concludes that previous works, particularly Mahan's, underestimated the relative contributions of the privateer. The quantifiable material available today indicates that privateers provided the decisive element of American rebel strategy. Privateers, Privateering, Commerce raiding, Guerre de Course, American Revolution, Continental Navy, Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA227573
Entities
People
- Michael S. Casey
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College