the american revolution part two 1775 - 1781. ponder this….. if the colonists offered to be...
TRANSCRIPT
The American Revolution
Part Two1775 - 1781
Ponder this…..
If the colonists offered to be peaceful instead of declaring independence, do you think the king would accept it?
Discuss and Answer
Last Chance at Peace Olive Branch Petition – July 1775
Colonies ask for peace.
King George refused. He would use the British navy to block American ships from
leaving their port.
He would send thousands of hired German soldiers to fight in America.
GAME ON!!! Colonial forces thought they were equal to British troops.
George Washington knew otherwise. Immediately begins to gather supplies and train the army.
Declaration of Independence Adopted on July 4, 1776
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZfRaWAtBVg&feature=player_embedded
Problems of the Army
1. New national army was made up of untrained and undisciplined volunteers.
2. Washington’s main goal was to keep the Revolution alive. Knew he needed a large, well-trained army.
3. Congress asked men to enlist for a year and then they could go home. Washington’s army never grew over 17,000 men.
4. Congress couldn’t supply the army with blankets, shoes, food, guns and ammo.
5. Women helped in all kinds of ways Cooked, did laundry, nursed sick/wounded, fought in disguise,
managed farms and businesses.
not really a problem, just shows not enough men (#3)
Britain Prepares
Viewed Americans as disorganized, inexperienced rebels
Many British officers refused to fight the Americans
British soldiers signed up for life which discouraged enlistment.
Britain hired mercenaries called “Hessians” from Germany.
Battle Tactics The majority of Revolutionary War battles followed a
standard sequence.
Battle would begin after the armies formed lines facing each other.
Field artillery (cannon) blast the enemy’s lines
Front line soldiers advance to 50-100 yards of the enemy and fire muskets.
Soldiers attack with bayonets while cavalry charge.
Guerrilla Warfare
Informal
Ambush tactics
Gave Americans a needed edge
Was considered dishonorable in European tradition
Battle of Trenton – December 1776 Hessian – hired soldiers (with British)
Crossed the Delaware River at night and marched during early morning hours to surprise the still sleeping Hessians who had been celebrating the night before.
Washington’s troops capture/kill 900 Hessians and gain supplies.
Importance: some colonists think we are doing good and join the army.
Britain’s Northern Strategy
Seize the Hudson River valley
Believed New England was the source of the rebellion
General John Burgoyne would lead a force south from Canada
Lt. Colonel Barry St Leger would come down the Mohawk Valley
General Howe would follow the Hudson north from NYC
Burgoyne’s Strategy
“Gentleman Johnny” Threw elaborate parties to celebrate victories
August 4, Burgoyne learns Howe would not be meeting in Albany like planned Needed Howe’s troops
St. Leger faced a small American force at Fort Stanwix. Benedict Arnold sent a captured Loyalist and some
Iroquios Indians to spread the rumor that he had a large army.
St. Leger and the British retreated
No one was left to rendezvous with Burgoyne
Battle of Saratoga – October 1777 Plan was to cut off New England from the rest of
the colonies.
British attacked patriot forts.
Patriots charge over and over.
Burgoyne retreats to Saratoga.
Patriots surround the British and they surrender.
This is an EXTREMELY important victory! Turning point in the war.
Got Allies?
France thinks we can win and recognizes U.S. independence.
France and U.S. are now allies.
France provides funds, supplies, and troops.
France is allies with Spain – so they help us too.
Yorktown
Battle of Yorktown – October 1781 British make camp in Yorktown (a peninsula) to
wait for supplies.
American and French troops surround the city.
The French navy stops British ships.
Britain is forced to surrender.
America WINS!!!
Treaty of Paris - 1783
Britain recognizes U.S. independence.
U.S. gains new land.
U.S. will repay its war debt. We owe lots of money!!!
Plus some other agreements.