Revolutionary War 1775-1783. PatriotsNeutrals –Colonists who supported the War -“common” or “poor” people who did not want to become involved with the.

Revolutionary War

1775-1783

Patriots Neutrals

–Colonists who supported the War

- “common” or “poor” people who did not want to become involved with the War

Loyalists (Tories)

•People who supported Great Britain because of economic ties

Factors Leading to Colonial Victory

Diplomatic

• Ben Franklin negotiated a treaty of alliance with France to help the colonists

Military

• General George Washington – Commander of the continental army

Military

• He kept army together despite lack of supplies, bad weather, and pay shortages

Military AdvantagesMilitary Advantages

• Colonial army had home field advantage

–Guerilla warfare: sneak attacks

• Desire to Win

–Fighting for freedom

Key Battles of Revolutionary War

Lexington and Concord (1775)

• First battles of the war

• Fought by Massachusetts Minutemen (militia) against British Army

• Won by Great Britain

Trenton (1776)• Gen Washington

crossed Delaware River on Christmas Night to attack British

• Colonial victory boosted morale for struggling army

Saratoga (1777)• First Significant

Colonial Victory

• Turning point of the war because France began to support the colonists

Yorktown (Oct. 1781)• Gen Washington

trapped British General Cornwallis with help of French General Lafayette

• Cornwallis surrendered ending the War

Treaty of Paris (1783)

• Officially ended the Revolutionary War

• Granted the colonies their full independence from Great Britain