Winter at Valley Forge - End of the War Fighting in the South Yorktown Treaty of Paris Significance of War

Valley Forge Americans under Washington spent winter of 1777-78 in Valley Forge, PA. There was very little food, clothing, and shelter. Conditions were terrible-many deserted Americans also ran in to money problems at this time

War in the South Later in the war, the British focused on the South (where most Loyalists were) British General Henry Clinton took Savannah (GA) in 1778 and Charles Town (SC) in 1780. 1780-British General Charles Cornwallis defeated American General Horatio Gates in Camden (SC).

What does the Swamp-Fox say?? GUERILLA WARFARE British had trouble controlling South. Americans used guerilla warfare as their main fighting technique. Francis Marion the “Swamp Fox” was known for this style of fighting. Marion rarely committed his men to frontal warfare, but repeatedly surprised larger bodies of Loyalists or British regulars with quick surprise attacks and equally quick withdrawal from the field.

Spanish Help Although Spain was neutral in 1777, Bernardo de Galvez (Spanish governor of Louisiana) loaned the Colonists money and allowed them to use the port of New Orleans 1779, Spanish declare war on British. De Galvez raised an army to fight British. Spanish captured British forts at Baton Rouge, Pensacola (Florida), and Mobile

Benedict Arnold Instrumental in the victories at Ticonderoga and Saratoga One of the Colonies’ best Generals Did not receive recognition and promotion for these victories however: He was frequently accused of corruption, at one point facing a court martial for misappropriation of funds.  Arnold, mishandled his finances as the husband of a new wife from a wealthy loyalist family. He was deeply in debt due to their lavish lifestyle in Philadelphia. His defection to the British side was largely due to the promise of a huge payout from Britain which would help pay off the debts he had accumulated.

American Traitor Arnold attempted to give up West Point to the British in 1780 Plot is discovered and Arnold fled to join a Loyalist group in the South. He eventually moved to England.

Patriot Victories in South Kings Mountain, SC (1780) Cowpens, SC (1781) Guilford Courthouse, NC (1781)-British win battle but suffer heavy losses. Cornwallis is forced to give up Carolina campaign, conducts raids in Virginia-Jefferson and Virginia Legislature nearly captured Cornwallis set up camp in Yorktown, VA

Yorktown Troops under Washington, Rochambeau, Anthony Wayne, and Francois de Grasse met at Yorktown. 14,000 American and French troops trapped Cornwallis and his 7,500 men. de Grasse prevented the British from escaping to sea.

Cornwallis Surrenders On October 11, 1781, Americans and French begin massive bombardment of British (already weakened from other Southern battles) British supplies ran low and many were wounded or sick. On Oct. 19, Cornwallis surrenders Video

Treaty of Paris Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams went to Paris to negotiate a treaty The final version of the Treaty of Paris was signed on Sept. 3, 1783. Britain had also made peace with France and Spain.

British Concessions Under the Treaty of Paris, Great Britain recognized American independence. United States territory extended from Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River (East to West) and from Canada to Spanish Florida (North to South). British promised to withdraw all troops from American territory Americans were given fishing rights off the coast of Canada

American Concessions The Americans also promised the British: Americans would repay all debts owed to the British Seized Loyalist property would be returned

John Adams meets King George III Video

Washington’s Farewell British troops left New York in November 1783 Washington said farewell to his troops at Fraunces Tavern in Manhattan and formally resigned from the army two weeks later He was home in Mount Vernon, VA, in time for Christmas. He planned to live out his days quietly here.

Why the Americans Won Americans fought on their own land Used guerilla tactics Had help from European Nations and individuals Had many dedicated people who believed in the cause of liberty Fought a defensive war The logistics of a British victory were unattainable The colonies were too large an area for Britain to suppress with military force. Their suppression tactics were also limited in brutality in order to keep the loyalists on their side.

Impact of Revolution French (1789) and Haitian (1791) Revolutions, were inspired by American Revolution. Ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy were beginning to spread overseas. The idea of slavery was weakened as a result of the emphasis of liberty as an ideal.