Chapter 7 The Early Years of the War

Essential Question How was it possible that American Patriots gained their independence from the powerful British Empire?

Important Terms George Washington- commander of the Continental army John Burgoyne- British army general in the Revolutionary war Joseph Brant- Mohawk chief allied with the British Benedict Arnold- U.S. army general in the Rev. War who later turned a traitor Horatio Gates- U.S. army Battle of Saratoga- a series of conflicts in 1777 near Albany,NY Neutral- not favoring either side Pacificist- opposes war Mercenary- professional soldier hired to fight for a foregin country Strategy- an overall plan of action Rendezvous- a meeting

Americans Divided On the issue of separating: 20% to 30% -Americans were loyalists 40% to 45% - Americans were Patriots Rest were Neutral – not favoring any side American Choose Sides Conflict divided Americas 1. Social 2. Religion 3. Ethnic Lines

Pacifists-opposed war- mostly Quakers Slaves were not to enlist afraid armed slaves would lead revolt. British- Gave enslaved slaves freedom if they fought for British. American Revolution Largest Indian War ◦ Some Indians sided with British- Because of Fear of land ◦ Some lived inside or around colonists fought for Americas.

Preparing for War George Washington – (1775)- Commander of Continental Army. Problems with Army State Militia – untrained and undisciplined Part time- not prepared for long war Cont. to fight to hold off until have a large army Supplies – lacking Women- took care of the men

Britain Prepares Many believed that Americans were unorganized, inexperienced, and were rebels. Problems ◦ Many British officers refused to fight Americans ◦ Not excited about the war Hired Mercenaries: Professional soldiers to fight for foreign country. Hessians- Germans

War in the Middle States British Goal- Control coastal cities- Control supplies and land troops Patriot Retreat ◦ General Howe- in New York – Battle of Long Island- Made General Washington to retreat to New Jersey. ◦ Thomas Paine- Published pamphlets called (The American Crisis) to urge Americans to continue to fight ◦ Knew some men would leave when time ended December 31.

Decmeber attacked at Trenton defeated Hessain (gained supplies) then later won at Princeton Made soldiers believe in General Washington

Britain’s Northern Strategy British were preparing a strategy: an overall plan for action. Their strategy was to take over the Hudson River 3 groups meet in Albany, New York General John Burgoyne- From Canada- captured Fort Ticonderoga Lt. Col. Barry St. Leger- Mohawk Valley

General Howe- Hudson River to New York City Benedict Arnold- Tricked them away from Fort Stanwix by telling people that the Americans had a large army and it works. General Gates- American- Blocked the British at Bemis Heights Benedict Arnold- Led attack at Freeman’s Farm made to retreat Battle of Saratoga- Forced the British to surrender due to lack of supplies and exhaustion

Turning Point of the War 1. keep America from being divided 2. Isolating New England States 3. Showed Europeans could win the war- So they helped.

Section 2 Important Terms Ally- a country that agrees to help another country achieve a common goal Desert- to leave a military duty without permission Privateer- a privately owned ship that has been granted permission by a wartime government to attack an enemy's merchant ship. Marquis de Lafayette- French aristocrat who volunteered to serve in Washington’s army Valley Forge- site in southeast Penn. where Washington and his army camped in the winter of

George Rogers Clark- frontiersman who helped defend the Western frontier John Paul Jones- sea commander who attacked British ships near the British coast Wilderness Road- a trail to Kentucky

Section 2 The War Expands Help from Abroad French still upset over defeat in French and Indian War Didn’t be come an ally until a Battle of Saratoga Ally: a that helps another country achieve common goal. King Louis 16 th – signed two treaties with Americans 1. sent supplies 2. troopers 3. Funds

France’s friend Spain got involved – They stopped British invasion from the southwest Galver – victories helped expand Spains Territory. British had to fight on land and sea once (Spain and France got involved in war) This made the British spread their military forces on many fronts 1. France- West Indies 2. Spain – West 3. American- Colonies

Foreign Officers Arrive Marquis De Lafayette – France- Soldier’s friend- bought clothes from his troops own money – Washington regarded him as a son.

Winter at Valley Forge Washington captured Valley Forge in Pennsylvania ◦ Hardships  Lacked shoes  Food  Warm Clothes  Malnutrition  Exposure  Diseases- small pox and typhoid fever Group of women from Philadelphia ten teams of oxen with supplies and 2000 shirts.

Patriotism Units the Army Desert- leave military duty without permission Baron Von Steuben- trained soldiers into skilled soldiers FRONTIER FIGHTING Frontier- Appalachian Mountains- Mississippi Daniel Boone- built wilderness trail Georges Roger Clark- Persuaded Governor Patrick Henry of Virginia to raise an army attack British forts on Frontier. To Break up Allies with Native Americans

Clark’s Army Clark’s victories gave Americans a hold on vast region between Great Lakes and the Ohio River. Caused British to spread troops into Midwest

War on Waves Britain 200 warship on the coasts- (Controlled Atlantic Trade Routes) Congress encouraged American Privateers- (to attack British ships) Privateer- A private owned ship to guarantee permission to attack British merchant ships.

John Paul Jones- Encouraged Americans to attack British ships along the coast of Britain. “I have not yet begun to fight”- John Paul Jones