Jot Thoughts Make a space for four stacks on your desk Jot down as many thoughts as you can on British advantages and disadvantages on the scrap paper. Place it in the appropriate stack: British Advantages British Disadvantages American Advantage American Disadvantage
On the Eve of the Revolution ? Britain Americans Advantages ? Disadvantages Copy this chart into your notes and complete with the information you have from Jot Thoughts
The Revolutionary War How does the Revolutionary War contribute to the development of the American identity? 9/3-7
As Revolution Begins Colonial Strengths British Strengths Good leadership Foreign aid Self-sustaining b/c agriculture Self-reliant Thought justice was on their side Colonial Weaknesses Poor organization and unity 1/3 of population loyalist 1/3 neutral Poor economy British Strengths More people More wealth Greater naval power Professional army Could pay for foreign soldiers British Weaknesses Limited supplies Operating from far away
As Revolution Begins Loyalists: Patriots: Educated Wealthy Anglican Feared chaos Patriots: Young New England Congregationalist Feared oppression Read Document
Military Strategies The British The Americans Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line]. Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent war you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down] Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. (France) Break the colonies in half by getting between the North & the South Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. “Divide and Conquer” use the Loyalists. “Damn those Americans. They will not stand and fight.”
Loyalist Strongholds 1/3 of population Loyalist 1/3 Neutral 1/3 Patriots
Exports & Imports: 1768-1783
Valley Forge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iu_-0DjIJc
Enter the French Wanted revenge against Britain Had secretly supplied Americans from beginning Battle of Saratoga (turning point) public support for Americans in Europe Americans promised to join French if ever went to war with Britain helped expand the Revolution Continued to provide supplies, troops, and naval support Incredibly important to outcome of the Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown, October 1781 Support of the French through supplies, weapons, troops, and warships Washington and French surround British General Cornwallis
The British surrender!!!
Treaty of Paris (1783) Negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay England formally recognized the US American territory stretched from Mississippi River to Great Lakes to Spanish Florida Cease persecution of Loyalists Will not impede British collection of debts Illustrated the complicated relationships with Britain and France
The Aftermath: Penalties inflicted on Loyalists Some Loyalists were “tarred and feathered” and put on ships bound for Canada or Great Britain Penalties awaited those who had been loyal to the king or who did not support the Revolutionaries’ cause. For example, some Loyalists were “tarred and feathered.” Ships waited in numerous harbors to transport Loyalists back to Great Britain or to Canada. Many descendants of former Loyalists reside in Canada today.
Why Britain Lost the War American had home field advantage Distance from motherland/supplies French Involvement Failure to unit Loyalist in colonies American Patriotism and conviction vs. British apathy
…To End: Mourning or Celebrating One’s opinion of the outcome of the Revolutionary War depended on one’s perspective. With this in mind, please create one of the following: An obituary that mourns the “passing” of the British colonies in North America A birth announcement that celebrates the “arrival” of an independent American nation **be creative, really consider “personality” traits**