Chapter 7.1 – 7.3: The American Revolution EQ: Describe the main events of the Revolutionary War (including the results of the war).

The Colonists and War George Washington becomes commander of Continental Army in 1775 Most colonists didn’t support war Washington’s goal was to survive the war until Britain got tired of fighting

The Colonists and War (continued) Lack of support hurt military organization States sent volunteers with limited terms of service Loyalists often treated with disrespect and violence

The British and N.Y. NY became area for British war strategy British Goal = Use New York’s harbors to land troops, gain Loyalist support, and cut off colonists supplies

“Washington Crossing the Delaware” Original painted by Charles Willson Peale Thomas Paine also wrote The American Crisis – To help urge troops to keep fighting.

Battle of Saratoga British general Burgoyne (Burrr – GOIN) becomes trapped by colonist and troops in Saratoga, New York. British General Burgoyne

Battle of Saratoga (continued) Unable to retreat or march forward, Burgoyne eventually forced to surrender his army at Saratoga to Continental army in 1777 Colonial victory at Saratoga is turning point of the war Battle of Saratoga

Help from Abroad Victory at Saratoga led world to believe colonists could win French joined colonial effort British offer home-rule to colonists (colonies become territory independently governed, but still under England’s ultimate authority), but it’s quickly rejected by colonists

Help from Abroad (Cont.) True genius of Washington = Was able to keep war going until foreign help arrived Spain and rest of Europe went into armed resistance against England British now fighting war in multiple countries

Winter at Valley Forge European help came just in time During winter of 1777-1778 Washington and men camped at Valley Forge Short on supplies Freezing to death No shoes Disease, sickness, and weakness spread Despite hardships, army showed amazing endurance

FYI: Friends and Foes Native Americans fought on both sides Many southerners were Loyalists, Britain began to move war South to take advantage of Loyalist support – British win Battles of Savannah (1778) and Charles Town (1780) in GA Many slaves joined British side, as Britain had promised them their freedom– however many ended up being sold into slavery in West Indies Women often followed colonists troops to help by nursing the sick, cooking, and doing laundry

Mary Hays (Molly Pitcher) under the name "Timothy Thayer". In May 1782, sh enlisted again under the name " Robert Shirtliff" Martha Washington like many wives followed husband to army camps

Battle of Yorktown British General Cornwallis, after failures in Virginia, retreated back to Yorktown in VA Washington sends troops to Yorktown by land, knowing Cornwallis is expecting attack by sea Trapped by land (by Colonists) and sea (by French) Cornwallis is forced to surrender his entire army, essentially ending war British General Cornwallis

Surrender at Yorktown

The War’s End King George III continued to send troops, but England was tired of war Colonists sign 2nd Treaty of Paris, gaining territory from Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River in 1783 Americans allow loyalists to live in country without persecution King George III

Map of US Land Holdings, 1783

Reflection! Answer the EQ with details in 10 minimum sentences! Remember! The EQ was: EQ: Describe the main events of the Revolutionary War (including the results of the war).