Revolutionary War Leaders... What were their reasons for their beliefs? 

Throughout the Revolutionary War, there were different war leaders on each side with different intentions and reasons for wanting to fight in the war. Each person seems passionate about what side they are on and who they are fighting for, especially when studying history. Everyone grew up in different places and had factors that led them to who they are and where they were.  They had differing styles of fighting and approaches. Their backgrounds each contributed to their role in society and their role in the war, and it is crucial to deep dive into their backgrounds to understand their position as a leader overall. I feel that oftentimes in history, I was taught about the accomplishments or beliefs of certain war leaders, but I never learned about their personalities. Usually, what I heard about them was centered around their strength or their ability to fight or win. As someone extremely interested in psychology, I am fascinated in discovering how their families and their own personalities contributed to their lifestyles and character development and how they became a well-renowned war leader.  I wanted to gain insight on American Revolutionary leaders in the state of South Carolina and figure out what led each of them to this point in life. As someone native to South Carolina, I love learning specifically about people in this state from the past and how they ended up in a position of war here.  Being from Sumter, I consistently learned about Thomas Sumter all throughout my childhood, but I wanted to dive deeper into some other military leaders lives. This website specifically will highlight Banastre Tarleton, Thomas Pinckney, and Thomas Fletchall. Through this website, I will strive to compare each general's backgrounds, beliefs, and their lives as a whole to evaluate why they had the position they did.  I hope to show people how family life and upbringing contribute to not only developing character but also in how these men were such strong advocates for sides in the Revolution. 

What military leaders are specifically being focused on here? 

Banastre Tarleton

This British military leader led the British legion specifically at the end of the Revolutionary War. He is known for being extremely harsh. 

Thomas Pinckney

Pinckney was a strong Patriot leader in South Carolina from a prominent southern family, and he led the Continental Army.  His family was well-known in South Carolina. 

 

Thomas Fletchall 

Thomas Fletchall was a loyalist in South Carolina. He was often unsuccessful in his attempts at fighting the patriots. While he is less documented than the other two, there is still a large amount of information on his family and lifestyle. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What was a Loyalist?

Loyalists lived in America but  remained loyal to Great Britain throughout the Revolutionary War. Other famous loyalists in South Carolina included Robert Moses and Robert Cunningham. 

What was a Patriot?

Patriots were American colonists who were against the rule of Great Britain and fought for independence from them in the Revolutionary War. Other famous Patriots in South Carolina included Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter. 

What was a British commander?

A British commander is a member of the British military during the Revolutionary War. These commanders were active in America throughout this war and were active in South Carolina, but they were British. Other famous British commanders are Charles Cornwallis and Henry Clinton. 

About the Revolutionary War in South Carolina

"South Carolina, like her sister colony to the north, saw the rise of partisan groups over the years before the outbreak of fighting with Britain. The "Tories" or Loyalists were the conservative force, grateful for the protection afforded their commercial interests by the British navy. "Whigs," the Patriot element, included leading merchants, were energized in opposition to the British policies put forth in the Stamp Act, Townshend Act, and the Boston Port Bill.

Well over 400 land engagements (battles and skirmishes) took place in South Carolina during the war for independence. The first major battle centered around British efforts to seize Charlestown in June of 1776, when the Patriots held off the combined land and sea forces at the battle of Fort Moultrie and associated Breech Inlet Naval Battle. A second British assault failed in 1779, but a third attempt on Charlestown in the Spring of 1780 succeeded.

Patriot forces suffered another serious setback in the battle of Camden in August of 1780. Major General Horatio Gates’ night-time march failed to surprise the British. The Patriots suffered nearly 1,000 soldiers killed or wounded and about the same number captured. The resulting withdrawal left most of South Carolina in British hands.

The tide turned in the Patriots’ favor in the victories at Kings Mountain (October 7, 1780) and Cowpens (January 17, 1781). Later in 1781, Continental Army Major General Nathanael Greene commenced a drive that pushed the main British force out of South Carolina, through North Carolina, and into Virginia. Smaller British contingents remained behind and participated in the continuing struggle between the Patriot and Loyalist soldiers. "1