America Secedes from the Empire Chapter 8 America Secedes from the Empire

Second continental congress May 10th, 1775 Olive Branch Petition All states present Raise money to establish an army and navy George Washington chose as general of Revolutionary Army

Who had an advantage??

Battle of Bunker Hill June 1775 The first official battle in the Revolutionary War. Fought in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Possession of Bunker Hill (Breeds Hill) There were three times that the British attacked.

Battle of bunker hill

German hessians Thousands of German troops hired “Hessian flies” Good soldiers, but not loyal

The conquest of canada In October 1775, the British burned Falmouth (Portland), Maine.  Colonists made an failed attack on Canada in hopes that it would close it off as a possible source for a British striking point.  In January 1776, the British set fire to Norfolk. 

Jefferson and independence On July 2, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia's resolution of declaring independence was passed.  It was the formal declaration of independence by the American colonies. Thomas Jefferson was appointed to draft up the Declaration of Independence.  The Declaration of Independence was formally approved by Congress on July 4, 1776.

Declaration of independence

Patriots and loyalists Loyalists were called "Tories“ Patriots were called "Whigs."  Loyalists -16% of the American population.  Loyalists were most numerous where the Anglican church was strongest.  The Patriots were numerous where Presbyterianism and Congregationalism flourished-mostly in New England.

Battle of Long Island (Battle of Brooklyn) August 1776 British General Howe landed fleet off of Staten Island Washington unaware of main army surrounding behind them  Washington and his men escaped to Manhattan Island. On December 25, 1776: Crossing of the Delaware (Battle of Trenton)

Crossing of the delaware

Battle of Saratoga Burgoyne (British) wanted to separate N.E from southern colonies British won small battles initially Surrendered at Saratoga on October 17, 1777 to American general Horatio Gates (Burgoyne's Blunder).  This win made it possible for the urgently needed foreign aid from France. Turning point in war

Valley forge Winter camp 77 & 78 for Washington and troops Critical shortages Firecake – flour and water Inadequate clothing and food

Benedict Arnold Started as colonial supporter Commander of West Point Offered to hand fort over to British for money Became brigadier Went to Canada, then England "Let me die in this old uniform (Colonial) in which I fought my battles. May God forgive me for ever having put on another"

Yorktown: the final curtain From 1780-1781, the U.S. government fell nearly bankrupt. British General Cornwallis fell back to Chesapeake Bay at Yorktown to await seaborne supplies and reinforcements.  George Washington, along with Rochambeau's army, and Admiral de Grasse cornered Cornwallis.  He was forced to surrender on October 19, 1781.

Signing of treaty of paris Jay, Adams, Franklin, Laurens, and William T. Franklin

Treaty of paris (1783) Franklin, Adams and Jay Florida given to Spain Colonists granted generous boundaries, stretching to the Mississippi on the west, to the Great Lakes on the north, and to Spanish Florida on the south.  Yankees were to retain a share in the priceless fisheries of Newfoundland.  The Loyalists were to no longer be prosecuted. Congress was to recommend to the state legislatures that confiscated Loyalist property be restored.