Final answer:
The British suffered crushing defeats during their 'southern campaign' due to military tactics and strategies employed by the Continental Army, as well as a lack of support from Loyalists and other potential allies in the southern colonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The British suffered crushing defeats during their 'southern campaign' for several reasons:
- Military tactics and strategies: The British faced strong resistance from the Continental Army under the leadership of George Washington and General Nathanael Greene. The American forces utilized guerilla warfare tactics, knowledge of the terrain, and strategic retreats to wear down the British, making it difficult for them to achieve decisive victories.
- Lack of support: While the British expected support from Loyalists, enslaved people, and Native American allies in the South, they did not receive the level of assistance they had hoped for. The American Revolution had deep-rooted divisions over race and slavery, leading to reluctance in joining the British side. Furthermore, the entrance of France as an ally for the American revolutionaries provided crucial military support, further weakening the British position in the South.