What elements were key to the patriots' victory in the war?
i'll choose best answer! : -)

The American patriots seemed the lesser military force when compared to the troops of the British empire.  However, they did have factors that played to their advantage.

They were highly motivated, fighting for their independence as a nation.  They also knew that if they lost, the penalties for treason against the British were worse than death in battle.They were fighting for their home turf on their home turf.  They had "home field advantage," in a sense, knowing the geography better than their British adversaries.The colonists became more than just militias, but a truly strong, disciplined military force under the leadership of General George Washington and other skilled leaders.The American side used whatever tactics were needed to win, rather than being stuck in traditional battle patterns that had been the norm for European warfare in the 18th century.The American side also received a HUGE advantage of financial support and military support from France as an ally, which strengthened their side against the British.