The American Revolution

Chapter 6

Keep in mind… Lexington and Concord- 1st shots first between Britain

and colonists April 19, 1775. Initial British success becomes an American victory and leads to a very tense standoff as both sides evaluate the importance of the event and plan their next steps.

 2nd Continental Congress – begins meeting in May 1775 and quickly divides into 2 camps Radicals favoring complete independence (Adams,

Adams) Moderates favoring reconciliation (Dickinson – PA)

  Olive Branch Petition – last attempt at reconciliation

with Britain which asserted colonial loyalty to Britain (July 1775), flatly rejected by Britain who then instituted a naval blockade of the colonies

Keep in mind…“Common Sense” by Thomas Paine – very influential pamphlet presenting both logical and theoretical arguments for declaring independence. It was written in a language that “common” people could understand, and was influential in moving “undecideds” toward independence.

Lee’s Resolution – proposed in June, 1776 and called for a complete political break from Britain. While it was being debated Jefferson was working on a draft of the Declaration of Independence. It was eventually adopted unanimously on July 2, 1776.

Declaration of Independence – written by Jefferson, using Enlightenment arguments (social contract theory) to justify the Revolution.

Overview British dispatched 2/3 of its army and ½ of its navy to fight

the colonists Britain has military stationed elsewhere around the world

and that’s complicating their war effort Colonists had to create a militia (minutemen) Even as late as the calling of the Second Continental

Congress in May 1775, divisions still exist among moderate, conservative, and radical colonial factions. By summer, the Americans call on the king to address their concerns, but to no avail.

George Washington is called on by the Second Continental Congress to head the American army. In late 1775, the Americans go on the offensive by invading Canada. The invasion fails, and Canada remains firmly in British hands.

1776 NY & NJ On July 2, 1776, the British landed on

Staten Island, just across NY Harbor from Manhattan

They thought if they could occupy NY, that would cut off the rest of New England from the other colonies

Washington was determined to defend NY 7 lost several soldiers

British kept their hold on NY throughout the war

Thomas Paine After Common Sense

writes The American Crisis (pg

215) ‘These are the times

that try men’s souls…” This was used as a

morale booster for the colonists in army camps

General Washington Felt bad after losing so many soldiers in fight

for NY Dec. 25, 1776 led 2,600 men across the

Delaware River into Trenton, NJ Americans surprised the British near dawn Only 6 of Washington’s men were wounded,

compared to 500 Hessians (German mercenaries fighting for Britain)

3 weeks later won the battle at Princeton, boosting morale for the Patriots

Realized the Patriots could win the war by wearing down the British in a long battle

Washington at Verplanck’s Point, New York, 1782, Reviewing the

French Troops After the Victory at Yorktown, by John Trumbull, 1790

This noted American artist accentuated Washington’s already imposing height (six feet two inches) by showing him towering over his horse. Washington so appreciated this portrait of himself that he hung it in the dining room of his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Trenton turning point video clip

Social Tensions Grow The war divides Americans, many of

whom remain loyal to the British crown.

Patriots could be divided into 3 groups: Patriots/Whigs = revolutionaries Tories = loyalists (wealthier) Indifferent middle group = supported whoever

seemed stronger at the time Not 1 group had a clear majority of population

Battle of Saratoga British Gen. Burgoyne moved south from

Canada toward Lake Champlain in 1777 (brought 7,000 troops and his mistress)

Colonists left Ft. Ticonderoga when Burgoyne arrived, leaving supplies behind

Gen. Gates becomes new leader of colonists and defeats Burgoyne

This was the battle that convinced France to fight with the colonists—MAJOR TURNING POINT IN THE WAR

The War in the South Patriots lose Savannah and surrender

Charleston Charleston was the largest single loss of

the war According to Britain, southern colonies

were more important

Yorktown Gens. Cornwalis and Arnold join forces in

Petersburg totaling 7,200 forces Cornwalis picks Yorktown, VA as a

defensible site French, Washington’s army and Cornwalis

forces all meet at Yorktown Oct. 17, 1781 (4 years to the day from

Saratoga) Cornwalis surrenders Treaty of Paris 1783: Britain recognizes

US independence

Treaty of Paris Treaty of Paris – 1783 (Franklin, Adams,

Jay) – negotiated between America, Britain, France, and Spain. Clear recognition of American independence American control of all North America south of

Canada and east of the Mississippi River (except Florida)

America agrees to compensate Loyalists for confiscated land

Clearly isolationist – implied that America would take no interest in European affairs