The Revolutionary War: Americas War for Independence.

The Revolutionary War: Americas War for Independence The Fighting Begins King George III responded to the First Continental Congress by proclaiming that the colonies were In a State of Rebellion. Following the advice of the Continental Congress, a group of Massachusetts rebels began to form militias. The rebels preferred to be called Patriots. The Patriots began to gather guns and ammunition and a major stockpile of weapons was stored in Concord, Mass, 20 miles from Boston. Paul Reveres Ride On April 18, 1775, a force of 800 British soldiers marched toward Concord to seize the stockpile of weapons. Paul Revere rode ahead, arriving in Lexington (five miles from Concord) with the warning: The British Are Coming!. The British reached Lexington around dawn on April 19, encountering 70 armed militiaknown as minutemen. Throw down your arms and you shall come to no harm, the British commander ordered. The Battles of Lexington and Concord The minutemen began to withdraw, but did not throw down their weapons The minutemen began to withdraw, but did not throw down their weapons The order was given again, and again refused, and then The order was given again, and again refused, and then A shot was fired The Shot Heard Round the World nobody knows by whom. A shot was fired The Shot Heard Round the World nobody knows by whom. The British fired a volley into the Americans, killing eight, wounding ten. The British fired a volley into the Americans, killing eight, wounding ten. The British then marched on to Concord, where they threw most of the stockpiled arsenal into a millpond. The British then marched on to Concord, where they threw most of the stockpiled arsenal into a millpond. In April of 1775, fighting in Lexington and Concord broke out between British soldiers and... A.) German Hessians. B.) New York Tories. C.) French Mercenaries. D.) Massachusetts Minutemen. News of the clash swept through the countryside And town militias from miles around raced to Lexington to head off the British. As the British began their 20 mile march back to Boston, almost 4,000 patriots gathered along the road. They shot at the Britishwho marched in formationfrom behind trees and stone walls. Every few yards, a Redcoat fell dead or wounded; occasionally, the British would stop and fire a volley in formationwhich had no effect at all. By the time the British reached Boston, 70 British soldiers had been killed and 202 had been wounded or were missing. The Revolutionary War had begun. After the violence at Lexington and Concord, thousands of militiamen surrounded British- occupied Boston And besieged the city. The only way into or out of Boston was by sea. And when the Americans began building fortifications on Breeds Hill overlooking Boston Harbor The British launched an attack. The Battle of Bunker Hill The assault on Breeds Hill took place in June of The assault on Breeds Hill took place in June of The British attacked in three waves The British attacked in three waves The first and second attacks were driven back with heavy losses The first and second attacks were driven back with heavy losses During the final assault, the Redcoats were forced to climb over the dead bodies of those who had been killed in the first two waves During the final assault, the Redcoats were forced to climb over the dead bodies of those who had been killed in the first two waves The final attack was successfulthe hill was taken and 140 Americans were killed. The final attack was successfulthe hill was taken and 140 Americans were killed. However, the British suffered over a thousand casualties, including 226 KIA. However, the British suffered over a thousand casualties, including 226 KIA. The Battle of IDEAS Voices of the Revolution Gentlemen may cry, Peace! Peace!but there is no peace. The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH! --Patrick Henry The Second Continental Congress May, 1775, Philadelphia. Consisted of delegates from all over the colonies, including Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They are deeply divided over how to respond to the crisissome wanted compromise and some wanted independence. The Olive Branch Petition Written by John Dickinson. Written by John Dickinson. The second attempt by the Americans to stop the fighting and avoid revolution. The second attempt by the Americans to stop the fighting and avoid revolution. Expressed loyalty to King George III and a desire for peace. Expressed loyalty to King George III and a desire for peace. Begged the king to halt the fighting. Begged the king to halt the fighting. King George refused to read it. King George refused to read it. Common Sense Was A 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, published in His aim was to explain the crisis in straightforward that EVERY READER could understand. He argued that 1. It is ridiculous for an island to rule over a continent 2. The distance between Britain and America made proper governance impossible 3. All men are created equal at birth; royalty is a false concept, and should be replaced by self government. We have it our power to begin the world over again. A situation similar to the present hath not happened since the days of Noah The book remains one of the all-time American best-sellers And nearly every reader came away convinced that revolution was NECESSARY and INEVITABLE. The so-called "Olive Branch Petition" can be seen as a symbol of... A.) Americans' unity in supporting Revolution. B.) the power and authority of General George Washington. C.) Americans' uncertainty over splitting with Great Britain. D.) Thomas Jefferson's theories on natural law and human rights. The pamphlet "Common Sense" urged Americans to... A.) declare independence from Great Britain. B.) establish a boycott of British goods. C.) remain loyal to King George III. D.) maintain their military alliance with France. The Philosophy of Independence The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson But it was heavily influenced by two sources: 1. The Enlightenmentan 18 th century movement that called for problem- solving through use of reason, and the scientific method 2. And by the writings of John Locke, an English philosopher Who had argued that EVERY HUMAN is born with three NATURAL RIGHTS Life, liberty and property That those rights come from GOD (NOT GOVERNMENT) And that government exists SOLELY to protect those rights. The Declaration of Independence Jefferson took John Lockes phrase, life, liberty & property And changed it to Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness. The Declaration of Independence also borrowed from Lockes CENTRAL PRINCIPLE: Every person is born with those three rights Government exists to protect those rights The British government has FAILED to protect those rights in the American colonies Therefore, Americans have an OBLIGATION to change the government. Ratification & Treason The Declaration of Independence was RATIFIED by the Continental Congress on July 2 And officially presented to the public on July 4, Every man who signed it was publically committing TREASON against the Royal Crown of the British Empire An offense punishable by DEATH. The Four Stanzas of Independence Part One: The Preamble, an explanation of purpose. Part Two: An explanation of the political ideas upon which the document was based. Emphasized Natural Rights, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Part Three: A list of grievances against King George III (examples on following slide). Part Four: A resolution that these United Colonies areand of right ought to be Free and Independent States. Which of the following arguments would MOST LIKELY be contained within the Declaration of Independence? A.) kings are selected by God and have the absolute right to rule. B.) the power to govern can come only from the people who are being governed. C.) taxes are necessary to maintain a peaceful and prosperous society. D.) armed revolution is a violation of natural law and should never occur. A Selection of Grievances against King George III For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us. For imposing taxes on us without our consent. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power. For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world. He has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burned our towns and destroyed the lives of our people. All of the following are contained within the Declaration of Independence, EXCEPT... A.) a definition of peoples' natural rights. B.) a description of the purpose of government. C.) the establishment of a military alliance with France. D.) a list of grievances against King George III. Strengths and Weaknesses: The British Strengths and Weaknesses: The British STRENGTHS A well trained army. A well trained army. The finest navy in the world. The finest navy in the world. 50,000 Americans, called loyalists fought for the British. 50,000 Americans, called loyalists fought for the British. Native American groups and many slavespromised freedomfought for the British. Native American groups and many slavespromised freedomfought for the British. Hired 30,000 German mercenaries, called Hessians, to fight. Hired 30,000 German mercenaries, called Hessians, to fight.WEAKNESSES The war was unpopular in Great Britain. The war was unpopular in Great Britain. Many British citizens hated taxes and sympathized with the Americans. Many British citizens hated taxes and sympathized with the Americans. The British had to fight in hostile territory, far from home. The British had to fight in hostile territory, far from home. The British leadership did not adapt their fighting technique to the conditions in America. The British leadership did not adapt their fighting technique to the conditions in America. Strengths and Weaknesses: The Americans Strengths and Weaknesses: The AmericansStrengths The Americans were fighting in their own territory. The Americans were fighting in their own territory. American officers had learned fighting tactics that were successful in the French and Indian war. American officers had learned fighting tactics that were successful in the French and Indian war. They were defending their homes, lives, families, etc. They were defending their homes, lives, families, etc. They were fighting to the deathtraitors were often hanged. They were fighting to the deathtraitors were often hanged.Weaknesses Lacked a well-supplied, stable fighting force (Sunshine Patriots). Lacked a well-supplied, stable fighting force (Sunshine Patriots). Many of their soldiers (esp. in the beginning) had had no training. Many of their soldiers (esp. in the beginning) had had no training. New recruits were always arriving and experienced soldiers were always leaving. New recruits were always arriving and experienced soldiers were always leaving. George Washington never knew how many soldiers he had at one time. George Washington never knew how many soldiers he had at one time. MAJOR FIGURES In Americas War for Independence George Washington Commander- in-Chief of the Continental Army. Developed Americas war strategy. Marquis de Lafayette A French aristocrat who joined the American Continental Army Led the Americans to a number of important victories And was INSTRUMENTAL in convincing the French to enter the war on our side. Benedict Arnold Heroic American general in early battles, especially the Battle of Saratoga. Betrayed the Americans for cash and a position in the British military. Died poor and bitter in England. Nathan Hale Americas first spy. Caught and executed by the British (at the age of only 21). Before being hanged he said, I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country. The Fighting Begins Retreat from the North In the months after the Declaration of Independence, the Americans lost every battle By October of 1776, the British had captured New York City. Many Americans deserted the army. Thomas Paine published The American Crisis, to inspire the Americans. These are the times that try mens souls The Battle of Trenton Washington abandoned a long tradition that armies did not fight during the winter Washington abandoned a long tradition that armies did not fight during the winter And on Christmas night, 1776, 2,400 Americans sailed across the Delaware and launched a surprise attack. And on Christmas night, 1776, 2,400 Americans sailed across the Delaware and launched a surprise attack Hessianswhod been celebrating Christmaswere captured Hessianswhod been celebrating Christmaswere captured. There were few American casualties. There were few American casualties. This was the first significant American victory and provided a crucial moral boost for the American soldiers. This was the first significant American victory and provided a crucial moral boost for the American soldiers. Another Series of Defeats In the summer of 1777 the British Occupied Philadelphia (the Capital) Won the Battle of Brandywine Won the Battle of Germantown And became confident the Americans would soon surrender. Valley Forge In the winter of 1777, George Washington selected Valley Forge, Pennsylvania for the Continental Army to spend the winter. At this point in the war, the Army had had no significant trainingone of the reasons for all of their early defeats. A Prussian drill instructorBaron von Steubenwas brought in to teach the American soldiers the basics of battlefield technique. By the spring of 1778, the American Continental Army had been sharpened into a professional fighting force Since the Declaration of Independence, Ben Franklin had been Paris trying to get French support for the Revolution. The French were reluctant to help because they were unsure about Americas chances for success However, after the US scored a SMASHING victory at the Battle of Saratoga in the fall of 1777 The French decided to make an alliance with the United States. The US received money, French troops and a navy. Spain and the Netherlands later joined Franceforcing Britain to defend itself in Europe as well. The most important result of the American Continental Army's winter in Valley Forge was that... A.) as a result of rigorous training, the army was transformed into a disciplined and well- organized force. B.) the Continental Army gained valuable insight into the British war strategy. C.) the Americans were able to obtain much- needed supplies such as boots and uniforms. D.) the Canadian army marched south and joined the Americans during this period. American vs. American After Saratoga, the British developed a new strategy After Saratoga, the British developed a new strategy To retake lost territory step-by-step To retake lost territory step-by-step And then establish LOYALIST governments in each conquered region. And then establish LOYALIST governments in each conquered region. Their first attempt at implementing this strategy took place in the South Their first attempt at implementing this strategy took place in the South Where the population was split between patriots and loyalists. Where the population was split between patriots and loyalists. Fighting in the South The British first invaded Georgia at Savannah and CRUSHED the patriot militia there The British first invaded Georgia at Savannah and CRUSHED the patriot militia there Then took South Carolina Then took South Carolina And North Carolina And North Carolina And savage waves of violence and revenge killings took place between the persecuted Loyalist population and recently defeated patriots. And savage waves of violence and revenge killings took place between the persecuted Loyalist population and recently defeated patriots. Finally, British General Charles Cornwallis led his army northward into Virginia Finally, British General Charles Cornwallis led his army northward into Virginia Where he established a camp on a peninsula at Yorktown in order to await resupply. Where he established a camp on a peninsula at Yorktown in order to await resupply. The Battle of Yorktown A combined French/American force moved south to confront Cornwallis. A combined French/American force moved south to confront Cornwallis. The French Navy blockaded the coast, preventing British reinforcement. The French Navy blockaded the coast, preventing British reinforcement. Cornwallis was surrounded by a much bigger force and trapped by the sea. Cornwallis was surrounded by a much bigger force and trapped by the sea. With no escape possible and hopelessly outnumbered With no escape possible and hopelessly outnumbered On Oct. 18, 1781, he surrendered to George Washington. On Oct. 18, 1781, he surrendered to George Washington. The Treaty of Paris Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States. The northern border between the US and Canada was established. The Mississippi River became the border between the US and Spanish territory. Florida was returned to Spain. British troops agreed to withdraw all forces from the United States. Lord Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington at the Battle of... A.) Saratoga. B.) Yorktown. C.) Trenton. D.) Bunker Hill. What was the impact of GEOGRAPHY upon the outcome of the Battle of Yorktown? A.) the battle was deep in the South, so the British could not obtain reinforcements. B.) the battle took place in mountainous terrain where it was difficult for the opposing sides to locate one another. C.) the British were trapped on a peninsula and could neither retreat nor obtain reinforcements. D.) the cold weather caused the British Army to lose their motivation to continue fighting.