The War for Independence Objectives: Trace the war through the winter at Valley Forge. Examine civilian life during the Revolution. Trace the war in the South through the siege of Yorktown. Recognize the symbolic value of the Revolution.

The War Begins Loyalists and Patriots Loyalists – Those who opposed independence and remained loyal to the British king African Americans Promised freedom Native Americans Saw colonists as a threat to their lands Patriots – Supporters of independence Early Victories and Defeats As part of a plan to stop the rebellion by isolating New England, the British quickly seized New York City Desperate for a victory to hold his army together, Washington risked everything on one bold move December 25th, 1776 – Washington launches a surprise attack across the Delaware at Trenton “Victory or death” Defeated a garrison of Hessian soldiers quartered there Hessians – German mercenaries hired by the British

American Strengths and Weaknesses Familiarity of home ground Leadership of George Washington and other officers Inspiring cause of independence Weaknesses Most soldiers were untrained and undisciplined Shortage of food and ammunition Inferior navy No central government to enforce wartime policies

British Strengths and Weaknesses Strong, well trained army and navy Strong central government with available funds Support from colonial Loyalists and Native Americans Weaknesses Large distance separating Britain from battlefields Troops unfamiliar with terrain Weak military leaders Sympathy of certain British politicians for the American cause

The War Begins (cont.) Saratoga and Valley Forge Battle of Saratoga (1777) – American troops surround and defeat British General John Burgoyne Turning point in the war Bolstered France’s belief that the Americans could win the war French sign an alliance with the Americans in 1778 Winter at Valley Forge

Life During the Revolution Impact of War on Civilians Women had to fill the roles held by men off at war Managed farms and businesses Some women traveled with their husbands where they assisted the army in noncombatant roles Molly Pitcher African Americans Many escaped to freedom during the chaos of the war Others served in the Continental Army

Winning the War During their winter at Valley Forge, the Continental Army underwent a radical transformation With the assistance of European military leaders, the Continental Army became a disciplined fighting force Friedrich von Steuben Marquis de Lafayette The British Surrender at Yorktown Treaty of Paris (1783) – Confirmed US independence and set the boundaries of the new nation

The War Becomes a Symbol of Liberty During the war, social distinctions had begun to blur Egalitarianism – A belief in the equality of all people Ability and virtue defined one’s worth, not wealth or family background In reality, this new concept only applied to white males Women gained no new political rights Most African Americans remained enslaved Those who were free still faced discrimination