The Early Years of the War Chapter 7, Section 1

Americans Divided Historians argue that: 20-30%- of colonists were Loyalists . 40-45%- of colonists were Patriots. The remaining colonists were neutral (not favoring any one side).

Americans Choose Sides The conflict divided Americans along political social, religious and ethnic lines. New England & Virginia had many Patriots. Cities such as NY, and the South were Loyalists. Judges, governors, & counselors tended to be Loyalists. Some Quakers were Loyalists, although they were pacifists- people opposed to all war.

African Americans Choose Sides Southern states did not allow slaves to enlist. They feared massive slave revolts. The British offered enslaved persons their freedom if they joined the British forces. Many slaves ran away and joined the British cause. In the North, as many as 5,000 African Americans joined the Continental Army.

Native Americans Choose Sides The Revolutionary War was the largest Indian war in American history. All Native tribes east of the Mississippi were caught up in the fighting. The Mohawks allied with the British in fear of losing their lands.

Preparing for War 1775- Congress named George Washington Commander and Chief of the Continental Army. Asked men to enlist for 1 year. Had as many as 17,000 soldiers. The women helped the war effort by cooking, doing laundry, and nursing the sick or wounded at the military camps.

Problems with the American Army Formed from the combination of state militias. Untrained and undisciplined volunteers. Were part-time, emergency fighters who were not trained to fight a long hard war. Soldiers lacked blankets, shoes, food, and even guns and ammunition.

Britain Prepares for War The British viewed the Americans as disorganized, inexperienced rebels who could easily be defeated. Experienced and professionally trained army. Hired mercenaries- professional soldiers hired to fight for a foreign nation. The British mercenaries were called “Hessians” because they came from the German region of Hesse.

Britain faces Opposition British officers refused to fight the Americans for political and personal reasons. Many British people were not enthusiastic about the way. The king had issues recruiting soldiers. Enlisted for life. Discouraged men from joining.

War in the Middle States July 1776- Britain's Gen. William Howe arrives in NYC. General Howe leads the British against General Washington. Washington loses the Battle of Long Island and 1,400 Americans were wounded, killed, or captured. The Americans are forced to retreat through New Jersey. By December the Americans cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania during harsh conditions.

Victory at Trenton Dec. 25, 1776- Washington’s troops crossed the icy Delaware River into New Jersey. Marched in the bitter cold to Trenton to surprise attack the Hessian soldiers whom were sleeping after their Christmas celebration. Killed or captured over 900 Hessians. Won battle at Princeton 8 days later. The Americans proved to be a powerful force.

Britain's Northern Strategy Britain's overall plan of action- seize the Hudson River Valley. 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.

BRITISH WANT TO CAPTURE THE HUDSON RIVER TO CUT OFF NEW ENGLAND FROM THE REST OF THE COLONIES

Saratoga: A Turning Point Britain plans to send 3 armies to Albany to finish off the Americans. Only one army (led by General Burgoyne) made it to Albany. Burgoyne retakes Fort Ticonderoga, but many troops are attacked by patriots. Burgoyne is forced to surrender at Saratoga on October 17, 1777. Battle convinces French to become ally of the Americans. They sign first treaty with “Americans” Recognized America as independent Agreed to provide military aid Americans prevent British from dividing the states and isolating New England.