America Secedes from the Empire
It All Begins 2 nd Continental Congress All 13 colonies represented Hopes that king would remove “Acts” and began developing ideas to raise money for army/navy George Washington Elected as Commander of Colonial army
Bunker Hill and Hessian Hirelings Loyalists (Tories) vs. Patriots Fighting continues Ethan Allen + Benedict Arnold win at Ticonderoga Colonial victory at Breed’s Hill (aka Bunker Hill) Colonies had high ground + Britain decided to lead full frontal attack Lack of supplies hurts the colonial army Bunker Hill ruined any hope of the Olive Branch Petition Hired Hessians to put down this “rebellion”
Canada Eh? Colonies begin invasion of Canada Believe it cold be a 14 th colony and deprive Britain of a valuable base Unsuccessful in this mission Able to capture Montreal but not Quebec Fighting still continues in colonies Forced out of Boston Victories at Moore’s Creek Bridge and Charleston Harbor
Thomas Pain, Common Sense, and Such Americans begin to realize the necessity of separating from Britain Burning of Norfolk and hiring the Hessians Thomas Pain publishes Common Sense Pamphlet that criticized the British gov’t/King (also called for Republic) Reject monarchy and empire and embrace an independent republic First document suggesting American independence as well as constructing foreign policy
Jefferson Explains Independence “these United Colonies are, and of right tough to be, free and independent states.” Formal adopted “declaration” of independence by Richard Henry Lee Give Thomas Jefferson responsibility to give written explanation Declaration of Independence Leads to Declaration of the Rights of Man in France Loyalist Exodus Persecution of Loyalists mild (occasional tarring/feathering) Post Declaration -> harsher punishments
George Washington and the War Britain focusing on New York (Loyalist support) Colonies outnumbered 18k to 35k Battle of Long Island -> crushed by British Retreat using nightfall and fog into N.J. and eventually across DE River Battle of Trenton Re-crossed the DE River and led surprise attack on Hessians
Burgoyne’s Invasion Britain has plan to split colonies in 2 Gen. Burgoyne would push inland from Canada, Gen. Howe advance up the Hudson River Benedict Arnold keeps Britain from recapturing Fort Ticonderoga Slowly advancing Burgoyne + Howe attacks Philadelphia Howe believes he can clear path for Burgoyne Washington moves army to Philadelphia -> loses battles at Brandywine Creek and Germantown Britain settles down in Philadelphia leaving Burgoyne by himself Washington moves men to Valley Forge Burgoyne ends up surrendering at Battle of Saratoga to Horatio Gates
Diplomatic Affairs France wants revenge (suppress Britain from becoming superpower) Create alliance with colonial forces Colonies also wanted freedom of trade and of the seas Model Treaty -> treaty with France No political or military connection -> only a commercial connection Accept treats, however terms not outline France recognizes American independence Revolutionary War becomes a world war
Colonial War Expands Colonies + France + Spain + Holland Catherine the Great of Russia organizes “Armed Neutrality” War now fought in North/South America, Europe, Caribbean, and Asia France puts naval ships on coastline to counter British blockade Forces Britain to focus on New York not Philadelphia Attacked by G.W. but escaped -> kept in New York by Washington
Blow and Counterblow Comte de Rochambeau + 6k French troops arrive in colonies Morale weakened when Benedict Arnold becomes a traitor Felt his services were not appreciated Sold out West Point which commanded the Hudson River (6.3k Euros and officers commission) Plot detected and Arnold fled to British Britain decides to focus on Southern colonies with plan to move North Crucial colonial wins in the Carolinas (Gen. Nathanial Greene)
The Land/Sea Frontier Native Americans allied with both sides Treaty of Fort Stanwix Frist treaty between the United States and an Indian nation Native Americans ceded most of their land Revolutionary War did not stop Westward migration Colonial navy small -> destroyed British merchant ships Privateers -> “legal” pirates British shippers begin pressuring Parliament to end the war
The End Inflation of currency continued to increase Cornwallis falls back to Yorktown, VA after some other defeats Awaiting supplies and back-up troops British navy no longer superior G.W. marches 300 miles from N.Y. to meet with de Grasse and a French fleet Tag teamed Cornwallis who was now cornered Cornwallis surrenders troops on Oct. 19, 1781 at Yorktown
Peace at Last Britain was ready to come to peace Lost territory in the West Indies 3 Americans meet in Paris: Ben Franklin, John Adams, John Jay Asked to make no separate peace and consult with French at all times France torn on what to do; Spanish interests, etc. John Jay fearful France would help Spain over colonies Went secretively to Britain Treaty of Paris (1783) Formally recognized the independence of the United States Boundaries to Miss. Rvr in West, Great Lakes in North, and Florida in South
Changes begin to happen in America Loyalists were to be no longer persecuted and Congress recommended that their property be restored Britain changes as well America pays large strategic dividends Allowed army/navy to be rebuilt Eventually helps with war against Napoleon