“The Shot Heard Round the World” Lexington and Concord In April 1775, the British commander in Boston sent troops to Lexington They were to seize provisions of colonial gunpowder and to capture the "rebel" ringleaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock At Lexington, 8 Americans were shot and killed This incident was labeled as the "Lexington Massacre"  When the British went on to Concord, they were met with American resistance Over 300 casualties and 70 deaths The British had a war, rather than a rebellion on their hands

Battle of “Bunker Hill” June 17, 1775 Colonists could stand up to British troops

2nd Continental Congress De facto national government of colonies May 10, 1775 – March 6, 1781

The Colonies Hover Between Peace & War “No man was a warmer wisher for a reconciliation than myself, before the fatal nineteenth of April, 1775, but…” July 8, 1775  Olive Branch Petition A return to the “former harmony” between England and the colonies King George III rejected Ordered naval blockade of American coast Publication of “Common Sense” “I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many men.”

Advantages/Disadvantages American Advantages: Fighting for a cause Only had to NOT LOSE Possible help from France Disadvantages: No Navy No professional army Mixed support for the war (1/3 Loyalists) Lack of resources British Advantages: World’s strongest Navy Professional Army Hired soldiers from Germany Hessians Many resources Disadvantages: 3,000 miles from America Fighting a Guerrilla War Lack of support in England

Divide and conquer the colonies British Strategy Divide and conquer the colonies

Battle of Trenton Surprise attack American victory is a huge morale boost* Enlistments were about to end!

Phase II: NY & PA [1777-1778] Saratoga: TURNING POINT OF THE WAR British general Burgoyne gets trapped deep in New York. He loses his entire army to the colonists Huge American victory convinces the French to support the colonists Phase II: NY & PA [1777-1778]

British Shift to a Southern Strategy

The Battle of Yorktown

Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown The World Turned Upside Down If ponies rode men and grass ate cows, And cats were chased into holes by the mouse . . . If summer were spring and the other way round, Then all the world would be upside down.

Peace October 19, 1781 Peace negotiations in Paris 1782 Cornwallis’ forces surrender at Yorktown Peace negotiations in Paris 1782 U.S., GB, Fr, Sp J. Adams, B. Franklin, J. Jay  demanded GB recognize US independence before beginning negotiations September 3, 1783 Treaty of Paris signed US independent Boundaries set Br. to leave their forts Debts to GB to be paid Loyalists losses to be paid

Treaty of Paris Declares the intention of both parties to "forget all past misunderstandings and differences" and "secure to both perpetual peace and harmony.” (Preface)

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783

Impact on Society Egalitarianism* A belief in the equality of all people Ability, effort, and virtue defined one’s worth (not wealth or family) Native Americans Population declined about 50% with F & I War and Revolution No protection in Treaty of Paris  settlers moving west A new government needed to be created