Chapter 3: The American Revolution

Learning Goals: Where did the 1st Continental Congress meet? Where was the 1st Battle of the American Revolution? What evidence would lead you to believe that the members of the 2nd Continental Congress were conflicted about what they should do now that the Revolution was underway?

The Revolution Begins The First Continental Congress demanded certain rights from Britain First Continental Congress – a meeting of delegates, in Philadelphia, from all colonies (except GA)

They decided to do 2 things: Boycott – stopped trade with G.B. and told colonial militia to prepare for war Drafted the Declaration of Rights – includes right to “life, liberty and property” John Locke

As a result, British leaders order troops to seize colonial militia weapons

The “shot heard ‘round the world” 700 British troops are sent from Boston to seize weapons at Concord, MA Paul Revere and two others ride to warn colonists

April 19, 1775 - Minutemen meet the British in the Battle of Lexington and Concord Redcoats are attacked as they retreat back to Boston

Second Continental Congress - May 1775 – meet in Philadelphia They Compromised … They sent the “Olive Branch” Petition to King George III in a call for peace, But they also created the Continental Army to prepare for war - George Washington (VA) to command

Battle of Bunker/Breeds Hill Colonial forces fortify Breed’s Hill to prevent British from escaping Boston "Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes“ - General William Prescott

Colonials = 1,600 vs. Redcoats = 2,400 American forces retreat, but not after causing large British casualties Colonists prove to be tougher than expected

Learning Goal… Where did the 1st Continental Congress meet? Answer: Philadelphia, PA Where was the 1st Battle of the American Revolution? Answer: The Battle of Lexington and Concord, just outside of Boston What evidence would lead you to believe that the members of the 2nd Continental Congress were conflicted about what they should do now that the Revolution was underway? Answer: They compromised, they asked for peace (Olive Branch Petition) but prepared for war (created the Continental Army)

Declaring Independence

Learning Goal… Who wrote Common Sense and what point did it argue? Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and what were it’s three main points?

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense led many colonists to support independence Common Sense was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, Jan. 1776 Urged separation from G.B. **Argued that citizens, not monarchs, should make laws**

Argued for economic freedom and right to military self-defense Cried out against tyranny and abuse of government power Sold over 500,000 copies and changes people’s minds about the King

Declaration of Independence Many agreed with Paine’s ideas Second Continental Congress created a committee to write a document declaring independence Thomas Jefferson was main author Formally announce break with G.B. Approved July 4, 1776

Three Main Points of the Declaration of Independence All men possess unalienable rights  the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” Argues that the King violated the colonists rights by passing unfair laws, taxing without their consent, and posting the British army in the colonies Social Contract – the right to break from the government if the government does not protect the rights of the citizens.

Colonists had differing reactions to the Declaration of Independence Patriots - chose to fight for independence About 40 – 45% of Americans Loyalists - Also called Tories, remained loyal to Britain 20 – 30% of Americans were Loyalists Neutral  25% It did not address the rights of women or slaves

Learning Goal… Who wrote Common Sense and what point did it argue? Thomas Paine – Common Sense argued that citizens, not monarchs should make laws. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and what were it’s three main points? All men have “unalienable rights” The king violated these rights Social Contract - the people have the right to break from the government

III. Patriots Gain New Hope

Learning Goal… What was the significance of the Battle of Trenton? Why was the victory at the Battle of Saratoga so important?

Colonial Forces British Forces Strengths Fought for a cause they believed in Well-trained, well equipped soldiers Had most citizens on their side Large powerful navy Weaknesses Untrained, and poorly equipped Had to cross ocean to fight Small navy Many soldiers were mercenaries

Early Defeats Canada - some believed Canada should be the “14th Colony,” American forces attacked Quebec, but fail New York - Washington’ forces were pushed back into N.J.

Battle of Trenton the 1st American Win (The Crossing) Washington defeated the Hessian mercenaries Changed tactics  went on the offensive

Saratoga was a MAJOR turning point in the war Battle of Saratoga was the greatest victory for the Patriots because it gave them foreign allies

France – Marquis de Lafayette supplied money and military skills, French Navy Prussia – Baron Friedrich von Steuben trained Continental Army Spain – Bernardo de Galvez – Spanish governor of Louisiana seized British posts

The winter at Valley Forge tested the strength of Patriot forces Washington and 12,000 men wintered at Valley Forge, PA during 1777 – 78. Suffered through brutal winter with little food, clothing, or shelter The Continental Army survived, but 2,000 died of disease and hunger

The War Continued at Sea and in the West John Paul Jones – most famous Revolutionary naval captain George Rogers Clark – his efforts helped contain the British on the frontier

Learning Goal… What was the significance of the Battle of Trenton? 1st Colonial victory, but also gave them the confidence and supplies they desperately needed. Why was the victory at the Battle of Saratoga so important? It gave them foreign allies: the French sent money/supplies, Marquis de Lafayette, Baron Friedrich von Steuben, Bernardo de Galvez.

IV. Independence!

Learning Goal… What battle ended the American Revolution? What did the Treaty of Paris do?

The War in the South War was not going well in the North for the British, so they moved south British hoped to find support from large loyalist population in GA, NC, SC, and VA. Planned to free slaves and arm them

Brutal fighting in the South where Patriots fought directly with Southern Loyalists GA fell to the British in 1778, and Charleston, SC in 1780 Patriots unable to drive British out of SC in 1780

Francis Marion –“Swamp Fox” used guerrilla warfare against the British

Battle of Yorktown, VA British General Cornwallis surrendered on Oct. 19, 1781 after weeks of fighting – Patriots take 8,000 prisoners

The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolution

The British and Americans officially ended the war with the Treaty of Paris of 1783 After Yorktown, there were only a few small battles. The British lacked money and a new army, so they entered into peace talks