Battle of Camden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Camden
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Battle of Camden—Death of De Kalb
Date August 16, 1780 Location north of Camden, South Carolina 34°21′52.39″N 80°36′50.04″W / 34.3645528°N 80.6139000°W / 34.3645528; -80.6139000 Result Decisive British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	United States
Commanders and leaders
Charles Cornwallis Banastre Tarleton Lord Rawdon	Horatio Gates Johann de Kalb  † Marquis de La Rouërie
Strength
2,100 4 guns	3,700 7 guns
Casualties and losses
68 killed 245 wounded 11 missing	900 killed and wounded 1,000 Captured

The Battle of Camden was a big fight during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on August 16, 1780, near Camden, South Carolina. This battle was a major victory for the Kingdom of Great Britain against the United States. It showed how tough the war was in the southern parts of America.

What Was the Battle of Camden?

The Battle of Camden was a key event in the American Revolutionary War. This war was fought between the American colonies, who wanted to be free and form the United States, and Great Britain, who ruled them. The battle took place in the southern part of the colonies, where fighting was very intense in 1780.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The American forces were led by Major General Horatio Gates. He had about 3,700 soldiers, but many of them were new and not well-trained. Among his officers was Baron Johann de Kalb, a brave German officer who helped the Americans.

On the British side, the army was led by Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. He had about 2,100 soldiers, who were very experienced and well-trained. Cornwallis also had skilled commanders like Banastre Tarleton and Lord Rawdon.

Where and When Did It Happen?

The battle took place on August 16, 1780. It happened just north of the town of Camden, South Carolina. This area was important because it was a crossroads for many roads, making it a good place for armies to control.

What Happened During the Battle?

General Gates was trying to surprise the British at Camden. However, his army was tired and hungry from a long march. On the night before the battle, advance groups from both armies accidentally met in the dark. This led to a brief fight, and both sides realized the other was close.

The next morning, the main battle began. General Gates placed his less experienced militia (citizen soldiers) on the left side of his army. The British, led by Cornwallis, attacked this weaker part of the American line first. The militia quickly broke and ran away, leaving the rest of the American army exposed.

The more experienced American soldiers, including those led by Baron de Kalb, fought bravely. They held their ground for a while, but they were greatly outnumbered after the militia fled. Baron de Kalb was seriously wounded during the fighting and later died. The British cavalry, led by Banastre Tarleton, chased after the retreating Americans, causing even more losses.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Camden was a huge victory for the British. The American army suffered heavy losses, with many soldiers killed, wounded, or captured. General Gates's reputation was badly damaged, and he was later replaced as commander of the Southern Army.

This battle showed that the British were still very strong in the South. However, it also highlighted the bravery of some American soldiers, even in defeat. The war in the South would continue to be very difficult for both sides after Camden.

Images for kids

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  The Great Wagon Road along which advance forces of both armies met on the night before the battle

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  Battle of Camden initial positions and movements, August 16, 1780

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  General Horatio Gates, portrait by Gilbert Stuart

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  Lieutenant-Colonel Banastre Tarleton by Sir Joshua Reynolds

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Camden para niños