By: Carol Fahringer

They were once 13 colonies. * Unhappy with their treatment by the British government. King Prime Minister Parliament Colonial governors

Patriot Patrick Henry’s speech “___________________________” Voiced colonial dissatisfaction that was not about money alone * Unhappiness because of lack of representation and respect Give me liberty or give me death! In the Virginia House of Burgess:

Earlier, they had refused to stand together. They didn’t realize the importance, despite warnings.

Patriots said it was only “Common Sense” Author, Thomas Paine’s argument intended to: Convince Colonists to seek independence Regarded British/American relationship as parent/child Said, as the child grows, they need to separate Thomas Paine To become free and independent of Britain.

American Patriots realized it would take a fight – a revolution to change the way things were. Not an easy task. They could no longer handle the tyranny – discrimination. They saw themselves as already somewhat independent on American soil. –In their decision making, –Financially with their growing economy, –By nature in their thinking.

So the American Revolution began. No one expected the fighting to last long. - Just till they came to their senses. But it did. By the 2 nd year negotiations for peace had failed. American patriots were all wanted for treason. Summer of 1776 they set about on a new path – looking and thinking forward.

The Declaration of Independence Written by Virginia Congressman, Thomas Jefferson, Aided by John Adams and Ben Franklin, Approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

Preamble Preamble (introduction) includes: 1. Abuse of human rights under British rule * Rights are from God (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) 2. Idea that government should be – –Contract – by people and between people & rulers Statement of Independence King George III – tyrant Familiar idea in America

Thomas Paine writes American Crisis “______________ _______________ ______________” * Urges support of the American army These are the times that try men’s souls… Midway through the war, things looked bleak - Battle of New York City – American’s fled.

Winter of 1776, America’s Continental army was desperate for a win, and they got it! Battle of Trenton, NJ Washington chooses Dec. 26 to attack a. Men rowed across Delaware River b. Attack early morning - Hessian’s sleepy c. No American Casualties – boosts morale

Battle of Saratoga, NY – Oct The following fall, they had to prove they could win the war – they needed help and fast! Battle of Saratoga, NY – Oct France enters the war officially.

Valley Forge – Winter * from disease or the cold * Not enough food or shelter – supply lines break down * German General Von Steuben trains Soldiers - strict disciplinarian * 2,400 American troops die

That winter, while things looked bleak but hopeful - The Continental Congress fled Philadelphia to York, Pennsylvania. While in York, they made some important decisions: Keep General Washington as Commander of the Army

Articles of Confederation Draft and approve - The “Articles of Confederation.” Referred to the “United States” for the first time, Created a framework for how the new government would be run, The first of it’s kind, it was a revolutionary document. The new nation’s first constitution:

At last, the Final Battle - Yorktown, Virginia Yorktown, Virginia – October 1781 ***British General Cornwallis surrenders Oct. 17 – American’s win! ***Fighting has ended in America - but there was still war… In the end, with the help of the French, Spanish, and Dutch the war was finally over and there could be peace.

Peace: Treaty of Paris Treaty of Paris – American Negotiators: * John Jay, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin American Revolution lasted 8 years, 6 years of fighting and 2 years of treaty negotiation.

Terms of the treaty: Recognize independence for the 13 colonies Gain additional land west to the Mississippi River Remove all British troops as soon as possible Gain fishing rights off the Canadian coast

United States of America Now the new nation, the United States of America, could move on. But it struggled. Early stresses almost caused the new government to fail. Could they resolve their issues? They would need an evolution. President George Washington