The Revolutionary War

"Shot heard 'round the world" Lexington & Concord "Shot heard 'round the world" 2 separate battles north of Boston. Colonists had been stock piling ammunition No one knows who fired first. British suffered 237 death, colonists less than 100 British retreat back to Boston, they learn that the Americans mean business! 1st battles of American Revolution

2nd Continental Congress Elected George Washington as Commander in Chief of Patriot Continental Army Congress agrees to assume responsibility of defense of ALL 13 colonies Starting to operate as ONE ENTITY (country) instead of 13 separate ones

Common Sense Thomas Paine “Common Sense” – Book released Jan. 1776 150,000 copies  2.5 million people (bestseller!) Written in “common” & “simple” language so that all people could understand Proposed that fighting for independence from Britain was “common sense”…no brainer, duh! -- wanted the common people to elect ALL of the government -- denounced the king as a tyrant that violated their NATURAL RIGHTS

“ The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind “The period of debate is closed. Arms as the resource decide the contest … everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ‘TIS TIME TO PART” Thomas Paine “Common Sense” 1776

The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson is author but a Committee of Five are chosen to help edit Adopted on July 4, 1776 “All men are created equal” All men are born with natural rights that cannot be taken away by a gov’t  “unalienable rights” Denounced king as a tyrant who made American independence necessary Only edits made had to do with slavery, TJ’s original document was critical of it and southerners did not like that, wouldn’t ratify (approve)

Declaration of Independence People have a natural right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness If a government does not respect people’s natural rights, the people have the right to form a new government. The British government has repeatedly violated the American colonists’ rights! (LIST OF COMPLAINTS) The American colonies are free and independent states, no longer ruled by the British government --- By Thomas Jefferson

Umm, how about “we hold these truths to be … self-evident.” Oh, Okay. Thanks, Ben! Umm, how about “we hold these truths to be … self-evident.” WHOA! wait a minute...

Because the king has flouted (violated) our natural rights the colonies are justified in cutting our connection! We agree! Lets sign!!! We agree! Lets sign!!! We agree! Lets sign!!!

Is this what really happened? RAISED THEIR SPIRITS!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Battle of Trenton Close up of Painting Is this what really happened? Washington & Continental Army Cross the Delaware River on Christmas night Surprise the British and Germans to take back New York This victory raised the spirits of the army and the cause!

Winter at Valley Forge Army barely survives, army is in poor condition Valley Forge is boot camp of 3,000 men Supplies were low, morale was low, no shoes or coats BRRRRRRRR! Baron Von Stueben and Marquis de Lafayette join with George Washington to help train the Continental troops and create a more disciplined army Showed importance of Washington’s Leadership and of foreign alliances

*Turning point of the war* Battle of Saratoga *Turning point of the war* British wanted to take control of New York to split colonies…Americans would have to surrender British commander General John Burgoyne was leading his forces down the Hudson River to trap Americans American commander General Horatio Gates took higher ground around Saratoga and had cannons pointing down Geography’s impact: Americans took higher ground and controlled the entire are

*Turning point of the war* Battle of Saratoga & French Alliance *Turning point of the war* American Patriots WIN! This victory convinces France to make alliance with Americans! Ben Franklin = ambassador to France negotiates Alliance Marquis de Lafayette = French general (aided Americans) Supported cause of “liberty” Revenge for French and Indian War Now Americans will get more supplies, weapons, and SHIPS!!!!

Battle of Yorktown American Patriot victory! Lord Cornwallis (British General of Military) surrenders to George Washington and Continental Army GEOGRAPHY: British were trapped by land and by water thanks to French war ships, could not escape out to the Atlantic Ocean or bring in reinforcements Ends the American Revolution! Treaty of Paris of 1783! ***United States recognized as an independent country!

The HORSE AMERICA, throwing his Master

Americans British Strengths: Strengths: Washington’s leadership Organized & Experienced world’s finest navy Loyalist (Tories) in the colonies (spies) Weaknesses: Underestimated Americans bright red coats not supported in Great Britain Strengths: Washington’s leadership knowledge of the land guerilla warfare Weaknesses: Outnumbered poor / lacking supplies

G.B. agreed to remove troops from US territory Great Britain recognized USA Northern border = Great Lakes Western border = Mississippi River Florida returned to Spain G.B. agreed to remove troops from US territory Loyalist would be returned their land Treaty of Paris 1783

Great Lakes USA!! Mississippi SPAIN