The American Revolution NC History

The Colonists Prepare Few Colonists wanted war with Britain, however many began to prepare for battle. Ordinary citizens armed themselves and trained to fight. They called themselves Minutemen because they could be ready to fight at a minute’s notice.

The Battle of Lexington and Concord. In Massachusetts governor General Thomas Gage was ordered to arrest two leaders of the Sons of Liberty. He was also required to confiscate any weapons and ammunition that had been stockpiled by the minutemen. John Hancock and Samuel Adams were in Lexington, a small town 20 miles North of Boston. The minutemen had hidden an arsenal in the nearby town of Concord. On April 18, 1775, 700 British “Red Coats” marched on Lexington.

The Midnight Ride The Sons of Liberty heard of the British plan and arranged a system to warn the Colonists between Lexington and Concord. Three messengers, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott, would ride on horseback along three different routes and warn the colonists.

The fate of the Riders Paul Revere was captured by Red Coats soon after he left Lexington. Dawes was thrown from his horse and captured. Prescott was the only one who managed to complete his route and warn the Colonists at Concord.

Battle of Lexington and Concord cont. By the time the British arrived in Lexington, 70 Minutemen had assembled on the village green (a common meeting area in the center of the town.) Both sides were under orders not to shoot. Somehow a shot was accidentally fired and the Revolutionary War began. No one knows which side fired the first shot.

The Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 Would become known as one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution. To gain control of the Charlestown Peninsula, the Americans built a fort on “Breed’s Hill.” The British were ordered to attack the fort and drive the Patriots out. The Americans fought bravely but were running low on gunpowder. Forced to retreat. Despite the loss of the Fort, the Patriots proved that they could stand up to the British in battle.

NC Battles Battles of Moores Creek Bridge: To prevent a meeting b/t Loyalists and the British, Patriots ambushed a group of loyalists along the road to Wilmington near Moores Creek. Battle of Guilford Courthouse: Patriots led by Nathaneal Greene fought Red Coats near what would be Greensboro NC. British technically won, but lost over ¼ of their soldiers.

NC was FIRST IN FREEDOM! Resolve: formal statement of purpose. The Mecklenburg Resolves severed the ties between England and Mecklenburg County, NC. Created an independent local government for Mecklenburg County. Drawn up more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. The Halifax Resolves made the very first official call for independence from England. Also urged that all the Colonies should declare independence together.

Battle of Yorktown October 19, 1781 The last battle of the Revolution. The Patriots were helped by more than 7,000 French Troops and the French Navy. The British Surrendered. The document called the “Treaty of Paris” officially ended the war. Britain recognized the Colonies Independence Officially set the borders of the new United States of America!

Revolutionary Personalities George Washington General in charge of the Continental Army. His excellent leadership resulted in Patriot victory despite many disadvantages. Lord Charles Cornwallis In charge of the British forces in the Southern Colonies.

Revolutionary Personalities cont. Nathaneal Greene Commanded Colonial Troops in the south. Known for his ability to defeat the British with a small number of men and just a few basic supplies. Benjamin Franklin America’s Ambassador to France. Convinced the French to aid the Patriots.