Defend or Refute This Statement Topic: Assessing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Britain and the Colonists in the Revolution Do Now: “The Revolutionary War was inevitable. America had outgrown it’s colonial system, and no longer dependent on Britain. It was also inevitable that the 13 colonies would defeat Britain; America was far greater in size, money, and population. America had every advantage.” Defend or Refute This Statement

The First Continental Congress Boston Tea Party and Intolerable Acts (1773/74) 1st Continental Congress convened in 1774 All colonies but Georgia represented Drafted a list of grievances  rejected by Britain Postponed further action to 1775

April 1775: Lexington and Concord British to seize munitions and arrest rebel leaders Minutemen Colonials defeated at Lexington Concord: Militia guerilla tactics “shot heard round the world” The Revolution begins! How can the colonists fight this war?

Colonial Strengths Strong individual leadership Foreign Aid? Washington, Franklin, John Adams Foreign Aid? Marquis de Lafayette Baron von Steuben Defensive War “Home field advantage” America’s “Moral Cause”

Colonial Weaknesses Colonial rivalry Weak continental congress Inflation Lack of supplies Poorly trained soldiers Regulars vs. Militiamen Role of African-Americans Most Americans remain “neutral”

British Concerns Pros Royal Navy Well-trained soldiers British wealth Access to mercenary forces Hessians & Indians Cons Long supply lines Weak military leadership Decentralized America Internal disagreement Edmund Burke and the Whigs European concerns Fear of France’s involvement It’s a big British Empire…

Conclusion Look at your answer for the Do Now question. Would you change your answer? Explain why/why not.