The American Revolution: 1775-1783
Today’s Target: 1. Evaluate the strengths & weakness of both sides 2. Describe how the Revolutionary War divided Americans
Who has the best chance of victory? Britain Americans Key Advantages Key Disadvantages
Use the 6.1 handout information to support your answer: Rate the two armies’ chances for victory Patriots Redcoats Use the 6.1 handout information to support your answer:
Based on the preceding information, on a scale of 1 -10 rate the two armies’ chances for victory: Americans (Patriots) The British (Redcoats) Support your answer:
Washington’s Headaches Only 40% of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence “States” loyalty to Congress was limited Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training in early stages of the war
Answer Key Question: In what ways was the Revolution like a civil war? Who Took Sides? Loyalists ~ 20% - Strongest in Carolinas+Georgia - Depended on British for jobs - New York + parts of middle colonies Americans Divided 2. Patriots ~ 40% - New England+Virginia - Neutral ~ 40% - Small business+small farmers - Natives were divided Answer Key Question: In what ways was the Revolution like a civil war? (it divided Americans/families against each other between those that wanted independence & those that remained loyal to the King) - Frontier settlers - Africans joined both
A closer look . . . Who were Patriots?: - New England & Virginia - merchants - Natives near the colonies - Africans hoping for freedom Who were Loyalists? - the south - plantation owners - large cities - British government workers - Natives who feared America - African who believed promises of freedom
Loyalist Strongholds
America, the Story of Us: Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne1OjkzmyLY
The American Revolution: 1775-1783
LT: Explain how the American colonists achieved independence from Great Britain & became 13 independent states. 3. Each state recruited & paid for the soldiers 1 – 3 year enlistment Few qualified officers Preparing for War Continental Army is small, untrained, & has few supplies militias 4. Strongest navy in the world Well trained army Many resources Hired German Hessians mercenaries to fill out ranks
Military Strategies The Americans 1) wear out the British 2) use Guerilla tactics 3) Make allies
Military Strategies The British 1) Split the colonies 2) Blockade the ports 3) Use the Loyalists.
He fired the shot that turned the tide at the Battle of Saratoga! How could an illiterate frontiersman do as much for the Revolution as any of the founding fathers? He fired the shot that turned the tide at the Battle of Saratoga!
The American Revolution: 1775-1783
Can you determine the British objectives? Study the battle map. Can you determine the British objectives?
Today’s Target: Explain how Washington was able to reverse a series of defeats. 2. Describe how the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in war.
America, the Story of Us: Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne1OjkzmyLY
British send 32,000 troops to New York 6. British send 32,000 troops to New York British gain a port city to conduct war operations 5. War in the Middle Colonies (states) Patriots lose Battle of New York (Long Island) 7.
New York City in Flames (started by Patriots as they fled in 1776?)
“all is fair in love and war” “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” - Thomas Paine, The American Crisis Why do you think Paine is writing this? How do you think George Washington might respond? “all is fair in love and war” So . . .
This! Washington Crossing the Delaware Leading troops to the Battle of Trenton – outcome?
Patriots win at Trenton & Princeton 6. 5. War in the Middle Colonies (states) Patriots win at Trenton & Princeton 7. - Continental Army troops gain confidence in Washington; his reputation grows - Washington is a calculated risk taker - Continental army attracts recruits
British goal? Split the colonies
Saratoga: A “Turning Point” of the War? Why was this a turning point? The American victory prevented Britain from isolating New England & convinced Europeans to assist America in the war.
Burgoyne moves down the Hudson but has inadequate troops and supplies; 8. Britain’s Northern Strategy 9. Burgoyne moves down the Hudson but has inadequate troops and supplies; reinforcements do not arrive. Seize Hudson River Cutoff & isolate New England Take Philadelphia (rebel capital) 10. Saratoga: A Turning Point 7. Patriots defeat British in a series of battles at Saratoga (patriots use guerilla tactics) British fail to isolate N.E. Europeans decide to assist America in the war
Saratoga: A “Turning Point” of the War? Why was this a turning point? The American victory prevented Britain from isolating New England & convinced Europeans to assist America in the war.
America, the Story of Us: Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne1OjkzmyLY
Quietly Complete/Review Chapter 6 Vocabulary
Phase I: Control New England [1775-1776]
Bunker Hill (June, 1775) & Siege of Boston The British suffered over 40% casualties at Bunker Hill & evacuate Boston (March, 1776) NEW ENGLAND IS SAVED!
Battle of New York p. 198 Who won? Why? Importance? British Superior numbers Used for supply base & operation headquarters
Read “Victory at Trenton” p.199 Who won? Why? Importance? - Americans Surprise attack by Washington Army gained needed supplies Washington’s reputation strengthened Army attracts new recruits
Saratoga Read p. 200-201 Who won? Why? Importance? Americans Guerilla tactics used British out of supplies & were surrounded Stopped British control of Hudson River European nations decided to help America
America, the Story of Us: Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne1OjkzmyLY