The American Revolution: 1775-1783 Credit: Ms. Susan M. Pojer Horace Greenley HS Chappaqua, NY

On the Eve of the Revolution ? Britain Americans Advantages ? Disadvantages

American Strengths The colonists are fighting for independence George Washington can inspire his men to fight France will aid the colonies with weapons, supplies and their navy

Loyalist Strongholds

Washington’s Headaches (American Weaknesses) Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the second third were Loyalists, and the final third were neutral]. State/colony loyalties. Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben. Colonists only enlisted for months instead of years

Military Strategies The Americans The British Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line]. Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent war  you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down] Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. Break the colonies in half by getting between the North and South Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. “Divide and Conquer”  use the Loyalists to split the American front.

Phase I: The Northern Campaign [1775-1776]

The British suffered over 40% casualties. Bunker Hill (June, 1775) The British suffered over 40% casualties.

Bunker Hill (June, 1775) Fought outside Boston. It is a fortified area on Breed’s Hill filled with several thousand colonists. The battle shows that the colonists will fight if protected from British fire.

Phase II: NY & PA [1777-1778]

New York City in Flames (1776)

Washington Crossing the Delaware Painted by Emanuel Leutze, 1851

A modern-day re-enactment Saratoga: “Turning Point” of the War? A modern-day re-enactment

Battle of Saratoga August-October 1777 The British are harassed by colonial guerilla forces and end up stretching their supply lines. The British will surrender to the Colonial forces led by General Horatio Gates Saratoga is important because it is a major defeat for the British and shows the French that the colonies may be able to win the war Saratoga is considered the turning point of the war. The French will begin to supply arms, men and their navy to help the colonies.

Phase III: The Southern Strategy [1780-1781]

Britain’s “Southern Strategy” Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South. Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving. The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside [similar to U. S. failures in Vietnam!] Good US General: Nathanial Greene

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) Count de Rochambeau Admiral De Grasse

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) The French are helping the Continental Army with men, weapons and warships The Americans and the French will corner the British on a small peninsula and bombard them with cannon fire. The British will surrender and end the American Revolution. The colonists will win the American Revolution with this victory.

Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown: “The World Turned Upside Down!” Painted by John Trumbull, 1797

Treaty of Paris, 1783 THE WAR ENDS WITH THESE CONDITIONS “free, sovereign and independent states” British must remove all troops from forts Boundary for United States is the Mississippi Loyalists would have rights and property protected Captured slaves must be returned to owners

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783