My perception of The American Revolution is that both sides just lined up rows of men and would fight on foot until one side gave up. They would be backed up by a few cannons but I have never heard of cavalry being used.
It seemed odd to me that I have never heard of cavalry being used by either side in this conflict.
So was cavalry used in The American Revolution? If yes, then where are some battles where the cavalry played a key part. If no, then why wasn't cavalry used?
Hi!
Cavalry were in fact employed in the American Revolution in small numbers. They were used primarily for reconnaissance and raiding, though there were major engagements which included cavalry charges.
http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/cavalry.html is a great source on cavalry during the war as a whole.
As for a specific battle, the Battle of Cowpens saw the near annihilation of British Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's cavalry at the hands of General Daniel Morgan.
Here's a pretty good source for Cowpens: http://www.nps.gov/cowp/learn/historyculture/the-battle-of-cowpens.htm
Hope this helps!