Unit 3 (Pre-Chapters 6 – 9)The American Revolution

1700s

• During the 1700s a series of events led American colonists to declare their independence from the British empire, forever changing the future of the New World.

Quick Review of Pre-Chapter 6 & 7Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking & America’s Place in the Global Struggle; Events Leading to Independence

• How did Enlightenment Ideas from Europe inspire ‘Revolutionary Thinking’ in American colonies?• What was the French and Indian War and how did it help set the

stage for the American Revolution?• What actions did the British government take to try to assert its

authority in the American colonies?• How did colonists respond to British acts? Why?

Pre-Chapter 8: The American Revolutionary War(1775 - 1783)

• When fighting broke out in 1775, very few thought the inexperienced and seemingly inferior colonial forces would stand a chance against the might of the British Empire. However, over time mistakes by the British and successful moves by the Patriots would lead to one of the biggest upset victories in history, and the birth of an independent American nation.

The American Revolution

• In 1775, Americans faced seemingly impossible obstacles in the quest for independence• There was no Continental Army (representing all of the colonies), only local

militias• Few Americans had any military experience• No method for training, supplying, or paying an army• Only about 1/3 of American colonists actually supported a war against England• Colonies had little success working together in the past

Who would you pick to win the

war?

The American Revolution• Summary of the Revolutionary War (1775 – 1783)• England gains the upper hand and territory in early battles, but American

forces gain some morale victories and keep fighting.• The American Patriot forces turn the tide with victory at the Battle of

Saratoga and the help of their new ally, the French.• The British become increasingly frustrated and are stunned when they are General Cornwallis and his men are forced to surrender their position in Yorktown, Virginia in 1781.• In 1783, the war ends with the Treaty of Paris, officially recognizing the American colonies transformation into an independent nation, the United States of America.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Revolutionary War

American Colonies British Empire

Strengths- Had an important cause: their

rights, independence and liberty- Eventual alliance with the

French would give key support

- Best military in the world (Navy dominated the seas)- Soldiers were well equipped,

well disciplines, well paid, and well fed

- Easier time raising funds- Most Indian tribes sided with

England, who promised protection of tribal lands

Weaknesses- Difficult to raise funds- Only about 1/3 of population

was really committed to war- Undisciplined & Unprepared

- Fighting a war far from home- Military orders, troops, and

supplies could take months to reach their destination

- Difficult to convince Americans to give up claims of independence

Loyalists, Fence-sitters, and Patriots

• American Colonists were divided when the Revolutionary War began.

• Loyalists (around 20% of colonial population)• Loyal to England. Considered themselves British citizens.

• Fence-sitters (around 50% of colonial population)• Tried to remain neutral and avoid conflict.• Ex: A farmer might sell goods to both British and American troops.

• Patriots (around 30% of colonial population)• Saw no other way but independence from Britain.Which position would you choose? Why?

Loyalists, Fence-sitters and Patriots• Both the British and the Patriots recognized the need to win popular support

for their cause. While some decided to join the British, the Patriots were much more successful in gaining support for the cause of independence. Writings such as Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” stirred up newfound American nationalism (love of one’s country).• What happened to the loyalists?

• Patriots harassed loyalists, sometimes destroying their property.• Families were often divided. Even Benjamin Franklin’s son, William, supported the British during the war.• In the end, many Loyalists left America, fleeing to Canada or England during or just after the war.

Lexington and Concord (Massachusetts)

• In April of 1775, British soldiers stationed in Boston were sent on missions to both Lexington and Concord. The conflict between British troops and Colonial militiamen that ensued would open the door to the Revolutionary War.• Lexington: British troops hoped to capture Patriot leaders Sam Adams and John Hancock• Concord: British troops wanted to seize the colonists gunpowder

• Thanks to warnings from horseback riders, such as Paul Revere, colonial militias kept the British from achieving their goals at Lexington and Concord. However, the blood that had been shed on both sides marked the crossing of a line from which there was no going back. America and England would soon be at war.

Bunker Hill (Massachusetts)• In June of 1775, American forces at Bunker Hill (an important location near the Boston

Harbor) engaged in battle with British troops.• Although the British eventually took the hill, many British troops were either killed or

wounded.• The news of Bunker Hill convinced the King of England, King George III, that this colonial uprising must be treated as a foreign war. He issued a Proclamation of Rebellion.• Also, in July of 1775, George Washington officially took command of the new American Army. He had to establish a chain of command and course of action for a possible war.

The Revolutionary War on the Home Front

• During the American Revolution, those Americans not involved in warfare did the best they could to survive. Farmers grew crops, Artisans practiced their trades and merchants tried to maintain their businesses.• Economic Struggles

• Farms and homes were often plundered as soldiers took what they needed.• Traditional markets were disrupted. Farmers might sell crops to American forces one week and British soldiers the next.• The British blockade along the eastern seaboard led to widespread unemployment for those dependent on foreign trade.

The Revolutionary War on the Home Front• Give it up for the colonial ladies!• As colonial men left home to fight in the war, women stepped forward to

maintain farms and businesses.• When militias asked for uniforms and food, patriotic women provided

homespun garments and farm crops.• Some colonial women even served as spies for Washington’s army, passing

along valuable information about British troop locations and movements.

The Battle of Saratoga (New York)• The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was the turning point of the Revolutionary War in favor

of the Patriots.• British General John Burgoyne (nicknamed “Gentleman Johnny” due to his tendency to throw parties between battles) attempted to lead a divide-and-conquer strategy, hoping to isolate New England from the other American colonies. His strategy was unsuccessful, as Loyalists and Native American allies failed to provide support he expected.• Patriot forces captured most of Burgoyne’s troops near Saratoga. This victory gave new life and confidence to the American cause. It also helped convince the French to enter the war as an American ally.

British forces surrender at Saratoga.

Washington at Valley Forge (Pennsylvania)• Following a string of losing battles, George Washington and his troops stationed

themselves at Valley Forge, about 20 miles northwest of British-occupied Philadelphia, during the harsh winter of 1777-1778.• Challenges of the Winter at Valley Forge

• Shortages of food, clothing and medicine• Soldiers were sick from disease, hunger and exposure• Washington’s leadership skills were questioned• About ¼ of troops died

• Strength Gained from Valley Forge• Prussian military leader Baron Von Steuben trained the soldiers, who slowly became more professional.• Weather improved and food trickled in from the countryside.• Washington reaffirmed himself as a leader.• Despite losing many troops, the ones who survived came out stronger, disciplined and determined.

How can challenges actually turn

out to be a good thing in the end?

America’s Ally: The French• Why did France support the Americans?• France and England had been enemies for many years• An American victory over England and an alliance with an American nation

could strengthen France’s power and influence• According to new Franco-American Treaties…

• France and America would have trade agreements with each other• France and America would support each other when fighting against England

• France’s support, both financially and militarily, proved to be a key factor in helping the Patriots win their war for independence.

Yorktown (Virginia) and the Treaty of Paris

• In 1781, French and American forces surrounded British General Cornwallis and his large squadron of troops at Yorktown. • Cut off from support, Cornwallis was forced to surrender. This proved

to be a major victory for the Patriots.• The British military continued to fight, but losing the Battle of Yorktown turned the British public against the war. Not long after, the British Parliament would begin seeking peace and an end to the war.

British forces surrender at Yorktown.

Yorktown (Virginia) and the Treaty of Paris• In 1783, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay met with British

officials in France to secure a peace treaty.• The 1783 Treaty of Paris

• England officially recognized American independence• Americans agreed to honor debts owed to British merchants from before the war and to stop persecuting British Loyalists.

• David had defeated Goliath. The American colonies achieved their independence, leading to the formation of the United States of America.

Chapter Conclusion• When fighting broke out in 1775, very few thought the inexperienced

and seemingly inferior colonial forces would stand a chance against the might of the British Empire. However, over time mistakes by the British and successful moves by the Patriots would lead to one of the biggest upset victories in history. Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the world witnessed the birth of an independent American nation.

Quick Review of Pre-Chapter 8The American Revolutionary War

• What challenges and obstacles did the Patriot forces face during the Revolutionary War for Independence?• How did the Patriots end up defeating the much more established and

experienced British military?

Chapter Assessment Questions

• Use your chapter notes (and online research if necessary) to help you answer chapter assessment questions. • Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper and staple them to

your question sheet when you turn in your work.