The American Revolution

The debate over independence. Why might some delegates (and many colonists) have been reluctant to declare independence in 1775?

British actions that pushed the colonists to declare independence: What actions by the British suggested that compromise was no longer possible?

Supporting the war effort Why might some colonial recruits favor joining their state militia over the Continental Army?

Phase I (1775-76) New England Lexington & Concord Siege of Boston Battle of Bunker Hill Capture of Ft. Ticonderoga Invasion of Canada British evacuate Boston

Phase II (1776-78) The Middle Colony Campaign British strategy to isolate New England New York campaign Battles of Trenton & Princeton Howe moves on Philadelphia Battle of Saratoga *Turning Point of war British Gen Burgoyne surrenders to Gen Gates at Saratoga (1777)

The French Connection Why would an absolute monarch like King Louis XVI agree to an alliance with the democratic, largely Protestant, American colonists?

Why does British strategy shift to the Southern Colonies?

Phase III (1778-81) British capture Charleston, SC Cornwallis vs. Gates, and later Greene The brutal nature of the Southern Campaign Cornwallis retreats to Virginia Combined American - French operations defeat the British at Yorktown British surrender 10-17-1781

The Peace of Paris, 1783 1781-1783 The colonies are represented by Peace negotiations last from 1781-1783 The colonies are represented by Ben Franklin, John Adams, John Jay, and Henry Laurens. While fighting in the American colonies had ended, the larger war between Britain, France and Spain continued, hanging over the negotiations. Diplomatic intrigue was the norm. Breaking with their French allies, the Americans signed a separate peace with Britain.

Highlights from the Peace of Paris The British recognized American independence. The British recognized American territorial claims to territory between the Atlantic and Mississippi. The Americans secured fishing rights off the coast of New Foundland. The Americans agreed to allow British creditors to pursue debts in the colonies. The American govt would urge states to restore to Loyalists their confiscated property. The British would have navigational rights on the Mississippi River. Why would the British be so generous to the Americans?

December 4th, 1783, the last British troops left New York. December 23, 1883, General George Washington resigns his commission. Later, upon hearing of this, King George III, called Washington “the greatest man in the world.”