The Battle of Cowpens

1. The Battle of Cowpens “If you know your enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War

2. 8th Grade Social Studies State Standard 8-2.3 • Summarize the course and key conflicts of the American Revolution in South Carolina and its effects on the state, including the attacks on Charleston; the Battle of Camden; the partisan warfare of Thomas Sumter, Andrew Pickens, and Francis Marion; the Battle of Cowpens; and the Battle of Kings Mountain.

3. Questions to think about! • How did the American employ strategy, knowledge of the enemy, and knowledge of his own forces to achieve victory? • Who were the notable South Carolinians who participated in the battle and what was their role(s)? • Who were the other notable participants in the Battle of Cowpens? • How did the American victory at the Battle of Cowpens affect the outcome on the American Revolution? • Why is the quote from Sun Tzu in the first slide appropriate in describing the American victory?

4. Cowpens: A Decisive Defeat for the British From The Revolutionary War: The South Regained (United Streaming)

5. British Commander: Banastre Tarleton Educated at Oxford. Joined the army at the beginning of the Revolution and became a dragoon officer. Brutal in battle. Believed the complete destruction of the enemy was needed to achieve victory. Known as Bloody Tarleton for killing Americans surrendering and other atrocities in battle. Photo courtesy of Photobucket.com

6. American Commander: Daniel Morgan Considered a master of guerrilla warfare. Had a key role in the battle of Saratoga. Left the army because of lack of pay, promotion, and credit for his efforts. Popular with his men. Photo Courtesy of Photobucket.com

8. British Plan British used musket fire to distract the enemy then close on them. A bayonet charge was used to break up American formations Cavalry or Dragoons, mounted on horse back, would chase after retreating forces and finish them off. The Battle Plans • American Plan • Map of the forces at the beginning of the Battle of Cowpens • Sharpshooters were placed in the front. • Militia was placed in a second line. • Each group were to fire two shots then retreat. • American regulars were to hold the line while the cavalry and militias attack the British sides or flanks.

9. The Battle http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/cowpens_1781.jpg

10. Effect of the American Victory at Cowpens on the American Revolution • First time American forces defeated an equal number of British forces. • Pushed British forces toward the east and eventually Yorktown, Virginia. • Persuaded Washington to move his forces South which lead to the American victory at Yorktown. • The name of Spartanburg came from one of the units that fought in Cowpens, the Spartan Rifles.