Longer American War of Independence

This timeline looks how after seven years of total fighting between the British and American revolutionary forces, which turned into a World War, continued for much longer except with tactics and plans changed on behalf of the British government toward the rebellious colonies and its Allies, France and Spain, after 1781. The British continuing the war well into 1786. Leading to massive events such as, a joint Franco-Spanish and American invasion of Britain, a bloody and long civil war between Loyalists and Rebels, and a second invasion of Canada.

Yorktown- 1781
General Lord Cornwallis' defeat and surrender at Yorktown seemed to mark the end of British attempts to reconquer the Southern Colonies for George Washington and the Generals of the Continental army. In Parliament it seemed that the War was better to come to a close, however, with the British in a better position with their holding of New York, Savannah and Charleston. The King pleaded with Parliament as operations were to now change, no more armies were to be sent to North America. Prime Minister Charles Watson-Wentworth supported a new strategy which would insure considerable low money and troops being sent to North America.

New British Strategy in North America - 1781
General Henry Clinton, a now lone General in the war against the Colonies, received new orders from London. The plans were to be harsh, destroying Rebel ports, towns along the east-coast. Inspire and regulate Loyalist forces into waging a massive guerrilla war. Aiding and supplying Native American allies in their fight against the Colonials.

Loyalists
Massive effort and concentration was now being put into the Loyalists, especially in the Southern Colonies, where civil war still raged. Fresh regiments of Loyalist militia were raised and now the focal point in continuing the War, in New York, Quebec, South Carolina and even Virgina loyalists were rallied in support of the crown. In time, these militias were to become highly organised, uniformed armies under the leadership of Loyalist Generals. The British began to also focus particularly on defectors and deserters from the Continental Army, those who no longer fought for the cause of independence or simply were not being paid good wages.

British General Benedict Arnold
The hero: turncoat Benedict Arnold had already taken an aggressive role in Virginia against the Americans with his "American Legion". He made himself a powerful figure in continuing the war by holding meetings with British commanders, talks and plans on future operations and frequent travels to London, meeting King George. General Clinton ordered Arnold to continue his brutal guerrilla operations in order to make examples of the rebels. Positioning his forces in Virginia for the remainder of 1781, Arnold's army wreaked havoc against Rebel forces - both army and civilians alike.

Support from Canada
Canada, already giving firm support to the crown, suddenly erupted in mass support in 1781 whereby even French Canadians offered their services to the British regular army and militias due to strong effort and recruitment made by the British army. In Quebec alone, 2000 troops were raised and sent to New York to be trained and equipped.

Defectors
In late 1781 a large number of defections from the Continental army were made, inspired by the defection of Benedict Arnold. Low pay and harsh conditions forced many units and militiamen to revolt and escape to British outposts.