Why did the british exercise restraint in their effrts to defeat the rebellious colonies?
Did they deliberately exercise restraint or couldn't they afford a more expensive war effort?
What is your proof?
http://books.google.com/books?id=2NDBVwLvIlMC&pg=PA249&lpg=PA249&dq=british+exercise+restraint+in+their+efforts+to+defeat+the+rebellious+colonies&source=bl&ots=UijdF8kDKo&sig=0pj6gqwj1HU0pCwNdpWzT6qLRNE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uilGUZmlDc7YyAHW8YDwAg&ved=0CFcQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=british%20exercise%20restraint%20in%20their%20efforts%20to%20defeat%20the%20rebellious%20colonies&f=false
The British exercised restraint in their efforts to defeat the rebellious colonies for several reasons. Firstly, they faced logistical challenges in deploying and maintaining their forces across the vast distance of the Atlantic Ocean. This made it difficult to sustain an extended military campaign in the American colonies.
Secondly, the British were fighting a war on multiple fronts around the world at that time, which strained their resources and attention. They were involved in conflicts in Europe, the Caribbean, and India, among other places. This limited their ability to fully commit forces and resources to crush the rebellion in the American colonies.
Thirdly, the British government was aware of the growing political support to end the war and seek a negotiated settlement. Many influential figures in Britain, including members of Parliament and business leaders, recognized that a prolonged conflict in America was not in their best interest. There was also growing opposition to the war within Britain itself.
Additionally, the British leadership realized that winning the hearts and minds of the colonists could be a more effective long-term strategy than simply using brute force. They hoped that by exercising restraint and offering concessions, they could win over the support of some colonists and perhaps quell the rebellion through political means rather than solely through military action.
In conclusion, the British exercised restraint in their efforts to defeat the rebellious colonies due to logistical challenges, competing global conflicts, political considerations, and the desire to win over colonial support through a more conciliatory approach.