1 Chapter 6-1 Fighting Begins in North Olive Branch – A symbol of peace; often used with a dove Patriots – Colonists who thought British were too harsh and unfair; chose to fight Loyalists – Colonists who stayed loyal to England Green Mountain Boys – A Vermont Militia  Led by Ethan Allen SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS met in Philadelphia (spring 1775); hoped to avoid war with England Sent “Olive Branch Petition” to King George III promising to stay loyal to king, but Intolerable (Coercive) Acts had to be repealed KKing was angry – sent 20,000 more troops to America to crush revolt MMany Patriots were convinced war was unavoidable FORT TICONDEROGA: British Fort in Northern New York EEthan Allen led Green Mountain boys to take the fort KKnew it had cannons Patriots could use TTook the fort and gained control over its weapons & gun powder; controlled key route into Canada CONTINENTAL ARMY – Patriot army set up by Second Continental Congress MMade George Washington the commander

2 Chapter 6-1 Fighting Begins in North OPPOSING SIDES  There were more Loyalists in the middle and southern colonies  High percentage Patriots in New England  Loyalists were persecuted by Patriots; many fled to Canada BRITISH DISADVANTAGES  3000 miles from home  Risked attack by civilians when out of cities  News & supplies took months to arrive from Britain BRITISH ADVANTAGES  Best trained army in the world  Strongest navy in the world  Had support of many colonists

3 Chapter 6-1 Fighting Begins in North Mercenary – soldier who fights for money Hessian – Prussian soldiers who fought for the British Neutral – not taking sides in a conflict or fight Enlist – to officially join – usually in the military OPPOSING SIDES  About 1/3 of colonists sided with Patriots  About 1/3 of colonists sided with Loyalists  About 1/3 of colonists tried to remain neutral PATRIOT DISADVANTAGES  Poorly organized & untrained  Few weapons – especially cannons  Little gunpowder and ammunition  Had no navy  Didn’t want to enlist for long terms & preferred to fight near their homes PATRIOT ADVANTAGES  Many owned their own rifles and were good shots  General Washington was a strong commander  Had determination to defend their homes  Had “home field advantage” because they knew the terrain

4 Chapter 6-1 Fighting Begins in North Blockade – Shutting a port to keep people and supplies from moving in or out. Redcoats – British soldiers THE FIGHT FOR BOSTON  6,000 British troops were stationed there  Militias surrounded city and wouldn’t let redcoats march out  Much fighting centered around Boston in early days of war BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL (Breed’s Hill)  Patriot Colonel William Prescott led 1,200 troops to Bunker Hill  Was looking for a good place to fire on British ships  Saw that nearby Breed’s Hill was even better and moved soldiers there  British General Howe led 2,400 redcoats to attack  Patriots were low on ammunition and out-numbered  To save ammunition, Prescott told his men, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”  Patriots lost the battle, but 1,000 redcoats died while only 400 patriots died  This first major battle showed the British that the Patriots were serious BRITISH LEAVE BOSTON  Washington reached Boston and had 16,000 soldiers  Used cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to scare British out.  British left the city but ordered a blockade of ALL colonial port cities

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