By: Stephen Polidoro
Colonial American & the American Revolutionary War:
Continental Army & British Army
The Continental Army was created by Congress to fight against Britain for self-government.
Was more organized than colonial militias.George Washington was unanimously chosen by
congress to be the commander.George Washington took charge of the Colonial
Forces in Boston. Congress gave Britain one last chance to avoid an “all out war”.
Continental Army:
Had huge advantages in the war:Strongest navy in the warExperienced and well trainedHad wealth of a world-wide empireLarger population than the United States
(6 million more)
British Army:
Americans BritishAfrican Americans – British offered freedom
after war if they joined their forces. Native Americans – British promised to slow
down westward movement if they joined army
The People Who Fought
The Battles of Lexington & Concord – April 1775
The first shot fired began the war Sir Thomas Gage
Head of British ArmyWas told to get the weapons of the Massachusetts militia
and arrest leaders of the groupWhen troops arrived in Concord, they found most
weapons gone and were attacked by local townspeople
Paul Revere & William DawesAlerted Samuel Adams & John Handcock that the
British were on their wayThis battle was the first victory over British
Battles
June 16th, 1775William Prescott lead the American Troops
“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”British won because Americans ran out of
gunpowder and had to withdraw. More than 1,000 dead.
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Burgoyne head of British armySurrendered because US army was too powerful.
Victory for the Colonists
Victory helped US receive foreign assistance that would help win the war
The Battle of Saratoga Sept. 19, 1717 – Oct. 7, 1717
MUSKETSTOMAHAWKSSWORDSCANNONSKNIVESPISTOLSRIFLESPOLE ARMSBAYONETSLONG RIFLES
Weapons Used in the War
United States:Washington used a semicircle formation around
Boston and used cannons to bombard the British army.
British:British had troops based in Canada.
Captured New York to use as a base to conquer the middle colonies.Many British Loyalists lived there.
Military Tactics
The American Journey text bookYouTubeAbout.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuikXCpBlJ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIZBPpAJcNA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0utTu69koA
Sources