Weapons
Muskets in the American Revolution
Mostly, the Loyalists used muskets in the American Revolution. One of the most common of all the muskets used is the Brown Bess. These were used by both the Americans and the British and could be loaded with a single or multiple (also called 'grape') shot. But, this musket was short ranged and inaccurate like most muskets. The British used these throughout the American Revolution. It was a bonanza when they were able to use these type of muskets.
Bayonets are one of the most deadly weapons used in the American Revolution. These triangular knives were attached to a musket, and could be used as spears in close combat to increase the casualties. The length of the blade can range from 15-30 inches and come with a variety of widths. In the American Revolution, most British attacks were a "bayonet charge" (they would run at the Americans, pointing their bayonets at them and charge forward.)
Both sides in the American Revolution used the same kind of cannons (more formally known as artillery or ordnance). There were three different 'classes' of cannons. Also there were many different sizes in each class, and one class or size was often better fit than other to a specific military situation or goal. Some were better for open battlefields, and some were more effective in destroying walls and buildings. Some were even used for the needs of warships or placed in a citadel where the vigil kept watch.
All types of artillery in the eighteenth century had certain traits and features in common. They were cast from either iron or bronze, and they were smooth-bore and muzzle-loading. Also, like muskets and other guns, artillery used gunpowder to fire, a measured amount was loaded in from a paper or cloth container called a cartridge.
Three Classes of Artillery:
- The first class was called the artillery gun. It had a long barrel, and was used to fire in plain sight (on a battlefield).
- The second class was called the howitzer, and it was able to fire at a higher angle than a gun.
- The third class was the mortar, "which fired a powder-filled shell rather than a solid shot" (excerpt from The American Revolution: Weapons of War by Don Nardo).
All types of artillery in the eighteenth century had certain traits and features in common. They were cast from either iron or bronze, and they were smooth-bore and muzzle-loading. Also, like muskets and other guns, artillery used gunpowder to fire, a measured amount was loaded in from a paper or cloth container called a cartridge.
Three Classes of Artillery:
- The first class was called the artillery gun. It had a long barrel, and was used to fire in plain sight (on a battlefield).
- The second class was called the howitzer, and it was able to fire at a higher angle than a gun.
- The third class was the mortar, "which fired a powder-filled shell rather than a solid shot" (excerpt from The American Revolution: Weapons of War by Don Nardo).