The American Revolution: 1775-1783

Today’s Target: Describe how the war ended & analyze why the Americans won. 2) Explain the terms of the Treaty of Paris, 1783.

Read the following story about a “Contributor to the Cause.” As you read, think about what other ways Americans made sacrifices during the American Revolution . . .

Haym Salomon moved to New York from Poland before the Revolution in search of liberty. He soon became a successful merchant & banker. During the war he supported the Patriot cause. When the British captured New York in 1776, Salomon was imprisoned. Because he spoke many languages, the British thought he could help them deal with foreign merchants, so they let him out of prison. Unfortunately, prison had permanently damaged his health. In 1778, Salomon fled to Philadelphia. He loaned the new government more than $600,000, which was never repaid. Like many other Americans, Salomon had sacrificed his health & fortune to help his country survive.

Review the British Southern Strategy [1780-1781]

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) Count de Rochambeau Admiral De Grasse

Victory at Yorktown (1781) British General Lord Cornwallis retreats to the Virginia coast in order to resupply his army. Washington sends Generals Lafayette & Anthony Wayne to stop Cornwallis and pin him down on a peninsula. Washington & Rochambeau rush to Virginia while the French fleet sails to the Chesapeake Bay With the British trapped, the Patriots begin a siege & take key fortifications. On Oct. 19, Cornwallis surrenders.

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

The Terms of the Treaty of Paris, 1783 G.B. recognized the U.S. as independent G.B. to withdraw all troops from U.S. territory U.S. gains fishing rights in Canadian waters U.S. to pay British merchants what they owed Congress would advise the states to return property taken from Loyalists 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Why did the Americans Win?

Why did the Americans win? Fought on their own land – easier access to troops, supplies, & communication Knew the land & took advantage of wilderness fighting Help from other countries – France & Spain Motivation – it was a people’s movement based on determination & spirit

Sherman 8th Grade Football Team Defeats Ohio State!!!

What foreign countries surround the United States? How would you describe the United States’ borders after the Revolution? What foreign countries surround the United States?

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783

Costs of the War: 1) ~ 25,700 Americans died ~ 8,200 wounded 2) ~ 1,400 were missing 3) ~ 10,000 British died 4) U.S. debt of ~ $27 million

Emerging ideals & issues after the War 1) Republicanism (representative government) 2) more religious freedom 3) Some Americans wanted to end slavery* 4) Questions about the new country (debt, foreign affairs, taxes, military, government, laws, etc.)

An African-American Petition “They … humbly beseech Your Honors to … cause an act of legislation to be passed whereby they may be restored to the enjoyments of that which is the natural right of all men, and that their children, who were born in this land of liberty, may not be held as slaves after they arrive at the age of [21] years. So may the inhabitants of this state, no longer chargeable with the inconsistency of acting themselves the part which they condemn and oppose in others, be prospered in their present glorious struggle for liberty and have those blessings for themselves.” Underline the words in the passage that point out the irony of the colonists demanding freedom from Britain while holding thousands of African Americans in slavery. What plan for gradually ending slavery do the petitioners suggest?