Running a Brand New Country Once the Second Continental Congress had declared independence, it had to have a plan for how to run the country. In 1776, they wrote out the plan. It was called the Articles of Confederation. All thirteen states had ratified (approved) it by 1781. This plan for government proved to other countries that the United States was able to function on its own, without Britain. This document would later cause some problems and it would be replaced by the US Constitution.

Loyalist Strongholds

Washington’s Headaches Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the other third were Loyalists, and the final third were neutral]. People were more loyal to their state/colony than to their country. Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben who trained American soldiers.]

Exports & Imports: 1768-1783 Americans were used to getting some of their supplies by importing them. They were used to making money by selling their exports. What happened to trade after the Intolerable Acts? How might that have affected the war effort?

Military Strategies The Americans The British Wear them down- Brits had a long supply line Guerilla tactics--you don’t have to win lots of battles, just don’t allow your army to be destroyed Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies (think France and Spain) Break the colonies in half by getting between the No. & the So. Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally “Divide and Conquer”  use the Loyalists