The American Revolution Part I 1775-1783 Based on the PowerPoints of Susan M. Pojer

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

Loyalist Strongholds

Washington’s Headaches

Washington’s Headaches Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the other 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.

Military Strategies The British The Americans 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 No. & the So. Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. “Divide and Conquer”  use the Loyalists.

Phase I: The Northern Campaign [1775-1776]

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

Phase II: NY & PA [1777-1778]

Washington Crossing the Delaware Painted by Emanuel Leutze, 1851

Saratoga: “Turning Point” of the War

Phase III: The Southern Strategy [1780-1781]

Britain’s “Southern Strategy” Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South. (Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation) 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

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

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783

After the War What did the united States look like after the war? Economically? Socially? Politically?