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.