General Nathanael Greene | Cowpens

In the fall of 1780, George Washington appointed General Nathanael Greene to command the Continental army in the South.  From North Carolina, Greene sent a portion of his men under General Daniel Morgan to harass the British in western South Carolina.  

Greene’s strategy when he went to the south was to split his command. He knew If he took his entire army up against Lt. General Charles Earl Cornwallis, they wouldn't stand a chance.  He hoped Cornwallis would do the same and divide his own force.

Cornwallis did exactly as Greene hoped and sent Lt. Colonel Barnastre Tarleton to chase after Morgan's army.

Tarleton met Morgan's men on January 17, 1781 at the Battle of Cowpens.

Standards

• 4-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between the American colonies and England.
  • Revolutions result from resistance to conditions that are perceived as unfair by the people who are demanding change. The changes brought about by revolution can be both positive and negative. To understand the results of the conflict between the Amer...
    • 4-3.3 Summarize the importance of the key battles of the Revolutionary War and the reasons for American victories including Lexington and Concord, Bunker (Breed’s) Hill, Charleston, Saratoga, Cowpens, and Yorktown.
• 8-2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes of the American Revolution and the beginnings of the new nation, with an emphasis on South Carolina’s role in the development of that nation.
  • The events surrounding the American Revolution transformed British colonists into American citizens. To understand South Carolina’s pivotal role in this process, the student will utilize the knowledge and skills set forth in the following indica...
    • 8-2.1 Explain the political and economic consequences of the French and Indian War on the relationship of the South Carolina colonists with Native Americans and England.