The Battle of Camden was a key engagement in the American Revolutionary War, taking place near Camden, South Carolina. British forces, numbering around 2,000 troops and under the command of General Charles Cornwallis, faced the Continental Army, which was approximately 4,000 strong and led by General Horatio Gates. Gates, who had achieved earlier successes, was overconfident and faced challenges due to poorly trained militia units being part of his command. The confrontation was marked by a lack of proper reconnaissance and a significant underestimation of British capabilities by the Continental leadership.

On the morning of August 16, 1780, the battle commenced with a surprise attack by British light infantry. The American forces were positioned in open terrain, which contributed to their vulnerability. In the ensuing clash, British soldiers demonstrated superior training and discipline, ultimately leading to a rout of Gates's troops. The American forces suffered tremendous losses, with 1,000 men captured, and many more were killed or wounded. The retreat of the Continental Army left the Southern states exposed to further British military actions.

After the battle, the British solidified their hold on the South, enabling them to recruit loyalist support and boost their supply lines. This victory provided them with a strategic advantage, significantly hindering the American war effort in the southern theater. The loss at Camden also prompted reassessment within the Continental Congress on how they managed military leadership and resources in the region, leading to the appointment of new commanders and strategies in response to British tactics. Ultimately, Camden turned into a rallying point that underscored the need for unity and efficacy within the American forces in the Revolutionary War.