Chapter 6- The American Revolution: Mr. Bennett- 7 th grade US History

Section 1- A Nation Declares Independence

Task: Look over the visual preview of the chapter on pgs What are three events you think we are going to learn about? Why do you think I made this PowerPoint with fireworks? What do you think will happen at the end of the chapter and why?

What’s going on at the time? King George III recently rejected the Olive Branch Petition England sent more troops to the colonies Fighting continued Most colonists hoped for a peaceful resolution to the fighting

The year, 1776… Continental Congress was making decisions for the colonies. Many people still loyal to Britain Common Sense published

Common Sense Written by Thomas Paine 50 page pamphlet Supported American independence Ridiculed King George III Americans would be better off ruling themselves

Impact of Common Sense Inspired colonists to fight for independence Sold 500,000 copies between January 1776 and July 1776 Increased support for independence within the Continental Congress

Task: Read excerpt from Common Sense (171) and answer the following questions: What is Paine’s thesis? What reasons/evidence does he give?

Virginia’s Resolution In of 1776, Virginia authorized its delegates in the Continental Congress to support independence. Henry Lee of VA introduced a resolution stating that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States

Virginia Resolution Called for a committee to draw up a statement stating the reasons for separation from Britain. Thomas Jefferson, 33 year old Virginian chosen to write the document.

The Declaration of Independence Lists step-by-step the reasons why the colonists wanted to break away from Britain. Broken up into different parts: Preamble/introduction, grievances, dissolving of bonds Mentions Natural Rights- John Locke If a government abuses people’s rights, the people have a right to overthrow that government.

List of Grievances Explains in detail all of the things the King has done to the colonists. Not having the right to a trial by jury Imposing taxes with no colonial representation

Dissolving the Bonds No more political affiliation between Britain and the colonies.

Impact of the Declaration July 4 th, Congress approved the declaration. Gave colonists another reason for fighting. Fighting to create a new nation

Agenda: 2/18/16 DL/check HW- 6.1 reading and section quiz Answer questions to Part II- Beliefs Group work (grievances) Part 4, 5, 6 HW: ??????

Agenda: 2/22/16 1.DL Reading, Questions & Section Quiz 3.Binder Checks Notes

Agenda: 2/23 DL/Check HW Binder check for absent students Go over 4.2 reading and quiz 4.2 Notes

4.2- A Critical Time EQ: How were the early years of the war a critical time?

Retreat from New York Fighting shifted from New England colonies to the Middle colonies. Colonists suffered brutal losses. British, under Sir William Howe were able to capture Long Island, Staten Island, and NYC

General William Howe

British Capture NYC

Nathan Hale American colonist from Connecticut. Volunteered for a dangerous spy mission behind British lines. Captured and hanged. “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Execution of Nathan Hale

Surprises for the British Continental army forced to keep retreating. 12/76, crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania where the British were threatening the City of Philadelphia. Patriots spirits were low. Thomas Paine writes, The Crisis, urging colonists to support the Army.

Thomas Paine- The Crisis

Crossing the Delaware On Christmas night, 1776 Washington and 2,400 took small boats across the river. They hiked in snow with no shoes. Tied rags around their feet. Once across, they launched a surprise attack on the city of Trenton F-Y7s_YIAU

Washington Crossing the Delaware

An American Victory The surprise attack worked! Colonists defeated an army made up of Hessian (German) mercenaries- paid soldiers from another country Captured 1,000 prisoners After battle, Washington and his troops escaped under cover of the dark night,

Victory at the Battle of Trenton

Saratoga: A Turning Point British General John Burgoyne had a plan- cut New England off from the rest of the colonies. British drove towards Albany from 3 directions. From North- Down from Canada From West- From the Mohawk Valley From South- Up from NYC, up the Hudson River to Albany

General Burgoyne’s Plan

British Plan FAILED! Northern troops were late arriving in Albany American forces cut off the British in the Mohawk Valley

Victory at Saratoga British recaptured Ft. Ticonderoga Americans rushed to stop the British Met at a small town outside of Albany Americans, led by Horatio Gates, defeat the British.

Surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga

Results of the Battle Major turning point in the war Ended British threat to New England. Lifted the Patriots spirits. Showed the rest of Europe that the colonists had a chance of winning.

Help From Overseas After win at Saratoga, French agree to help the American colonists. Forms an alliance with the colonies Alliance= a formal agreement between two countries to work together. France, the Netherlands and Spain started attacking Britain in both Europe and the Caribbean. This meant the British had less troops to send to fight in North America.

French ships helping the Americans

European Volunteers Marquis de Lafayette- France Thaddeus Kosciusko- Poland Baron von Steuben- Germany

Marquis de Lafayette

Valley Forge Where Washington and his troops set up a camp for the winter or British stationed 22 miles away in Philadelphia Continental army suffered through harsh winter of fold and snow. Food was scarce Re-gained strength and got training from von Steuben