Unit 2: Tyranny & Revolution Lesson 2.2: The American Revolution

How did the political, economic, and social turning points of the Revolutionary Era shape American ideals of tyranny and revolution? Essential Question

What was proposed at the First Continental Congress? Be SPECIFIC. Activation

Second Continental Congress The Second Continental Congress met just three weeks after the Battles at Lexington and Concord. They agreed to “adopt” a militia and place it around Boston. This militia became known as the Continental Army. George Washington was selected commander of the Continental Army. Second Continental Congress

British forces landed in Boston before Washington could reach his army. Thanks to forewarning, the militia was able to dig in on Breed’s Hill near Bunker Hill and began building a fort. General Gage would send 2200 British troops to take the hill. American troops retreated only once they started running out of ammunition. Battle of Bunker Hill

Demonstrated that the American militia could stand up to the British army. Britain suffered more than 1000 casualties. General Gage would be replaced with General William Howe. Result: Stalemate. British forces were surrounded by colonial militia.

The Olive Branch Petition In July 1775, the Olive Branch Petition was sent to King George III. This petition stated that the colonies were still loyal to the king. They asked to end fighting and resolve their issues peacefully. The Olive Branch Petition

Failed due to radical delegates advocating an attack on Quebec in the hope of getting the French to join the fight against the British. King George III refused to even look at the petition. He declared the colonies were “open and avowed enemies” and ordered the rebellion suppressed.

List three reasons why you believe the Colonists would send the Olive Branch Petition. What benefits are there to be gained from it? Assessment Prompt 1

Division Amongst the Colonists Prior to 1776, most of the Second Continental Congress did not want to break away from Great Britain. However, Britain’s continued resistance to compromise would change colonial opinion. Those colonists who still supported the British were known as Loyalists, or Tories. Lived mostly in GA, the Carolinas, and NY. Colonists who believed that Britain had become tyrants were known as Patriots, or Whigs. New England & VA. Division Amongst the Colonists

As the division amongst the colonists increased, the call for independence increased. In January 1776, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet Common Sense. Paine declared that the king, not Parliament, was the problem. He also said that Parliament could do nothing without support from the king. Argued the monarchies were set up by seizing power from the people.

Common Sense helped convince delegates across the colonies to vote for independence. On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress would issue the Declaration of Independence. Had been drafted by John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson. The American Revolution had officially begun.

Look at how the Loyalists and the Patriots are divided in the colonies. Why do you suspect the division is the way it is? Think in terms of regions. Assessment Prompt 2

Declaration of Independence Jigsaw Each group (1-4) will be given a section of the Declaration of Independence to analyze. Write in complete sentences when told to do so. After you are done with your group (1-4) you will return to your original seats and be prepared to share with your group what you’ve learned from your section of the Declaration. Be prepared to share with the class. Declaration of Independence

Now, a complex study of the American Revolution and each of its battles is virtually impossible in the time we have. We will focus on a few key battles and examine how they changed the tide of war. Important Battles

On December 25, 1776, Gen. Washington led around 2400 men across the Delaware River to attack the British camp at Trenton. They killed or captured around 1000 British soldiers. Days later, they would scatter three British regiments near Princeton. Trenton & Princeton

March 1777: British Gen. John Burgoyne developed a plan to isolate New England from the rest of the states. His plan was three parts: He would lead a force from the south from Montreal. A force would move from Montreal to Lake Ontario led by Colonel Barry St. Leger. Gen. Howe would march north from NYC. They would meet in near Albany and march east. Valley Forge

The attack was poorly coordinated. Howe attacked an captured Philadelphia, but the Continental Congress escaped. The Continental Army wintered at Valley Forge. It was bitterly cold, there were food shortages, and a lack a discipline. Nearly 2500 men would die.

Washington was joined in Valley Forge by two military officers: Marquis de Lafayette of France Friedrich von Steuben of Prussia They helped improve discipline and boost morale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtb9W3mPVtE

Battle of Saratoga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s49MbxC8iw0 Burgoyne’s march south started smoothly with his capture of Fort Ticonderoga. However, further south American troops under Gen. Horatio Gates felled trees and removed crops and cattle from the region. The British army would be ambushed by militia forces and driven back by Gen. Benedict Arnold. Battle of Saratoga

Burgoyne desperately retreated to Saratoga and was surrounded by a force three times the size of his. He would surrender to Gen. Gates on October 17, 1777. More than 5000 British soldiers were taken prisoner. TURNING POINT: Boosted morale & convinced the French that it was time to support the American forces.

The battle took place in Yorktown Virginia from September 28th of 1781 through October 19th 1781. Prior to the battle General Cornwallis occupied the town of Yorktown in order to establish a defensible deep-water port. General George Washington aided by French General de Rochambeau VS. British General Lord Cornwallis. Yorktown

The Americans had a fighting force of approximately 8,800 who were aided by 7,800 French soldiers against a British force of about 6,000. The French navy would take control of the water making it impossible for the British to resupply that way. By late September, the combined forces of the French and Continental armies arrived at Yorktown from NY. After weeks of bombardment, the British surrender on October 19. 1781.

By March of 1782, British Prime Minister Lord North new that the war was over. Peace negotiations began with John Jay, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin conduction most of it. Officially signed on September 3, 1783. The Treaty of Paris

Great Britain recognized the U.S. as a new nation. Britain returned Florida to Spain. France received colonies the British had seized in 1763 in Africa & the Caribbean.

Use your textbook, pages 86-91, complete the final section of the American Revolution graphic organizer. How did the American Revolution impact the political, economic, and social ideals of Americans? Be prepared to share your information with the class. Researching