England, steeped in outdated notions of aristocratic superiority and class divisions, was sure to fail against antimonarchist virtues and people fighting to secure their God-given rights. "History progresses toward modernity "and Britain embodied antiquity. The political and military leaders of England during the Revolutionary War period are the men who lost America. They were capable and significant individuals that, despite all their combined experience and expertise, failed. British Generals in 18th Century America share many traits of present day military leaders. They are dedicated and committed, giving the whole of their lifetime in service. Many joined the military when quite young; although in colonial times, children became pressed into service on board British ships. More than a few came from families with a long tradition of military service. They studied the art of war, learning from the past while studying the most recent thoughts on strategy and tactics. Military careers required great sacrifice, keeping them away from family, threatened continually with losing their lives. A career in the military, if survived, was a virtual assurance of achieving success in life and societal position. .
Political leaders in Britain during the colonial era did not have the benefit of a current day political party to prop them up. Prime Ministers, such as Lord North, had to win the confidence of the House of Commons through their powers of persuasion. They had to be gifted orators and tacticians, able to shepherd their agenda through continually shifting alliances. They had to balance the finances of an empire. Many members of the Cabinet and various ministries had long personal histories of public and military service. They were not neophytes. British leadership during the Revolutionary War and the era immediately preceding it thought they were defending liberty and the rule of law. To them, establishing the ultimate power of Parliament was the only way to accomplish this.
