1. Defensive Position: The Americans, led by General Andrew Jackson, chose a defensive position behind cotton bales rather than a traditional military formation. This allowed them to maximize the protection of their troops while still delivering effective firepower.
2. Use of Cannons and Artillery: Jackson positioned cannons and artillery along the Mississippi River and behind the cotton bales, allowing them to inflict significant damage on the approaching British forces.
3. Focused Fire on Officers: The Americans targeted British officers with sniper fire, aiming to disrupt the enemy's chain of command and cause confusion among their ranks.
4. Utilization of Mississippi River: The Americans used the Mississippi River to transport supplies and reinforcements, ensuring that they had the resources they needed to sustain their defense.
5. Skirmishing and Guerrilla Tactics: The Americans engaged in skirmishes and guerrilla warfare to harass and wear down the British forces before the main battle.
British Strategy:
1. Frontal Assault: The British, led by General Edward Pakenham, initially planned a frontal assault on the American position. They aimed to overwhelm the American defenses with sheer force.
2. Underestimation of American Strength: The British underestimated the strength and determination of the American forces and their defensive capabilities.
3. Poor Coordination: The British experienced coordination problems between their land forces and naval support, hindering their effectiveness in the battle.
4. Lack of Flexibility: The British were unable to adapt their strategy effectively in response to the Americans' defensive tactics and suffered heavy casualties.
In summary, the American strategy focused on a strong defensive position, maximizing firepower, targeting enemy officers, and using the Mississippi River to their advantage. The British, on the other hand, underestimated their opponent and relied heavily on a frontal assault that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
