The American Revolution: 1775-1783

A. The Two Sides

Britain Americans Desire to win Experience from F&I War Advantages World’s best Army & Navy Desire to win Experience from F&I War Know the terrain France & Spain Disadvantages Distance Unfamiliar Terrain Cost Citizens did not support No real Army Only 100,000 in Continental Army Most fought in local militia groups

Military Strategies The Americans The British Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line]. Guerilla tactics  you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. 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.

Washington’s Headaches Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben].

Tories vs. Patriots Tories (Loyalists) – those that remained loyal to England (20% of population) Patriots – those fighting for independence (45% of population)

The Loyalist Exodus Viewed as the enemy by Patriots 80,000 were forced to flee Land was confiscated and sold to finance the war 50,000 fought with the British

B. Phase I: 1775 - 1776 The Northern Campaign

Bunker Hill (June, 1775) Continental Army need to defend Boston from Br. Strategic advantage was being on a hill The British suffered over 40% casualties Ran out of gunpowder & had to abandon Seen as a Victory for the Americans

The Hessians 18,000 German mercenary troops hired by King George III Startled Americans b/c they were known as “butchers” Last straw – Dec of Independence signed

C. Phase Two: The Middle Colonies 1776-1778

Initially successful for Britain British take NYC and push Continental Army into New Jersey

Battles of Trenton & Princeton Washington needs a victory December 26, 1776 attacks & wins at Trenton One week later, wins at Princeton Not militarily important, but boosts morale

Battle of Saratoga (Oct 1777) “Turning Point” of the War Most important battle of the Revolution American victory ensures the aid of the French

Valley Forge (PA) Winter 1777-1778 Winter quarters of the Continental Army Harsh conditions 2,500 of 10,000 die Great training due to the help of General Von Steuben

Franco-American Alliance 1778 French helping since Dec. of Independence signed Bitter about F & I War loss Supply weapons Marquis de Lafayette had been serving in the army After Saratoga an alliance is formed between the two & French will send military aid 1779: Spain & the Dutch will join against Britain

D. Phase Three: The South 1778-1781

Britain’s “Southern Strategy” Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving. Mistake: they had promised to free slaves The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) With assistance of the French, Washington attacks Cornwallis at Yorktown Cornwallis is forced to surrender Count de Rochambeau Admiral De Grasse

Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown: “The World Turned Upside Down!” Painted by John Trumbull, 1797

End of the War 1782 King George III sues for peace Loss of Cornwallis Growing costs Multiple enemies Increasing unpopularity in England Will meet in Paris to discuss peace treaty

E. The Treaty of Paris (1783)

Concessions Britain Independence Land- east of the MS river, south of the Great Lakes, and north of Florida The United States Stop persecution of Loyalists Recommend to states the return of Loyalist property Pay off debts to Britain

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783

Changes in American Society Women in the war: Women managed farms & businesses while men in war Others traveled with the army Brought out the idea of “Republican Motherhood” Responsible for instilling democratic values in men Abigail Adams