Chapter 6 The American Revolution
6.1 A Nation Declares Independence
6.2 A Critical Time
6.3 The War Widens
6.4 Winning Independence
6.1 A Nation Declares Independence
A. A Call for Independence
January 1776 Common Sense
Published by Thomas Painea pamphlet that argued reasons
for independence from England-
Virginia ResolutionRichard Henry Lee from VA
Introduced a resolution to the 2nd Continental Congress
Asked for a committee to write a statement for separation
B. The Declaration of Independence
Has 3 partsPreamble-List of Grievances-Dissolving of Bonds-
C. Impact of the Declaration
July 4 1776 2nd Continental Congress approved the document
Signed on Aug 2
Changed the Course of War for independence
The presentation of the declaration
6.2 A Critical Time
A Retreat From New York
Washington & Gen HoweFight the Battle of BrooklynWashington was outnumber & didn’t
have a navyWas forced to retreat through NJ to Pa
Battle of Brooklyn
B. Surprises for the British
British forces occupied Philadelphia
Washington attacks Trenton on Dec 25 1776
Captured all the Hessian troops
Battle of Trenton follows, another small victory for Washington
C. The Turning Point
The Battle of Saratoga
GB Gen John Burgoyne wants to isolate New England from the rest of the states
has a 3 prong approachfrom Canada , from the West,
from New York City
King George orders the troops from NYC to Phila, this caused trouble for Burgoyne's plans
The major conflict takes place in Saratoga NY
The British surrender Oct 1777
Ended the threat of the British in New England
Gave a major victory to Patriots
Sends a message that the British will not have an easy victory
** Convinced other countries to help US
D. Help from Overseas
The French AllianceFeb 1778 France signed a treaty with
the Us to help fight the British
France & her allies engaged on war in Europe against GB to stretch the British resources
France also sends use of her Navy to the US
Other foreign soldiers help
Marquis de Lafayette
Baron Fredrik Von Stueben
Thaddeus Kosciusko
Casimir Pulaski
E. Valley Forge
Winter 1777-78 Washington Army camp
20 miles west of PhilaKept an eye on the British movementHarsh winter , bad housing, little food diseasesLow point of Washington
6.3 The War Widens
A. People of the War
African Americansfight on both sides of the war
British offer freedom for those who join their army
during this time the northern states gradually end slavery
Draftmen enlisted for one year at a
time army was always training new
recruits
many will dessert in harsh times
Women in the War
Some fought as soldiers
Some are spies
Some pick up when men were injured
B. Fighting on the Western Frontier
This is fighting west of Appalachian mts
Indians sided with GB
Battle of Vincennes
George Rogers Clark wins the battle & this help control the water way of the
Wabash river
American were able to remain in the Ohio river valley
C. War at Sea
Continental Navy was created 1776
only a few ships were built John Paul Jones was the commander of
the navy
1 major battle off the coast of England & Jones beats the British
6.4 Winning Independence
A. Fighting Moves South
GB begins to attack the US from the South
capturing Savannah GA Charlestown SC
The Advancement was stopped in NC
Frances Marion ( Fox Swamp)Stopped the British by using guerrilla
tactics
Nathaniel Greene wins the Battle of Cowpens in Sc
Benedict Arnoldthe best trained officer in the US army
Betrayed the US by selling the plans for West Point in 1780
Arnold escapes Washington’s men & eventually moves to England
B. Surrender
General Corwallis retreated to Va, after the loss at the Battle of Cowpens
He became trapped because the French navy arrived before the British Navy
And he could not escape the Chesapeake Bay
He was cut off a land route by Washington's men
After 3 weeks Corwallis surrenders to George Washington
C. Treaty of Paris
Peace talks to formally end the war begin in 1782
Delegates includes Ben Franklin & John Adams
Termsends the Revolutionary War
recognizes the United States of America
states were supposed to return loyalist land
April 15 1783 2nd Continental Congress approved the Treaty
the War was over
Now we have to create a government