A Revolution in America

Beginning a War April 18-19, 1775 Regulars march out to Concord to destroy ammunitions Locals are expecting the regulars Minutemen and militiamen are ready to respond Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts –“shot heard round the world”

Loyalist or Patriot? “Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace— but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” ~ Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

Loyalist or Patriot? “If I must be enslaved let it be by a King at least, and not by a parcel of upstart lawless Committeemen. If I must be devoured, let me be devoured by the jaws of a lion and not gnawed to death by rats and vermin.” ~Samuel Seabury, Anglican Clergyman from Connecticut

Patriots/Whigs ADVANTAGES: Home field: knew the land Emotional: fighting for freedom Strong leadership: Gen. George Washington DISADVANTAGES: Shortage of supplies No navy Weak government Gadsden Flag

British Army/Loyalists/Tories ADVANTAGES: Great navy Experienced army Larger number of available troops DISADVANTAGES: Distance from supplies Weak leadership Military strategies

Second Continental Congress Philadelphia, Ben Franklin, John Hancock, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson Extend peace and reconciliation to King George III -No response print money, establish post office, create committees to communicate

Common Sense Thomas Paine Pamphlet called for complete independence Accused king of tyranny 500,000 copies sold Influences colonial opinion in favor of independence

Common Sense I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense...O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth! Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Freedom hath been hunted round the globe. Asia, and Africa, have long expelled her—Europe regards her like a stranger, and England hath given her warning to depart. O! receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind."

Common Sense... we have every opportunity and every encouragement before us, to form the noblest purest constitution on the face of the earth. We have it in our power to begin the world over again. A situation, similar to the present, hath not happened since the days of Noah until now. The birthday of a new world is at hand, and a race of men, perhaps as numerous as all Europe contains, are to receive their portion of freedom from the event of a few months. ~Thomas Paine

Second Continental Congress a) Declaration of Independence -Thomas Jefferson -issues debated: slavery, women’s rights and total independence -four sections: 1. Preamble 2. Natural Rights 3. Grievances 4. Proclamation of independence b) declare war c) Commander of Continental Army: George Washington

Declaration of Independence Watch the clip and answer the questions: Why is the Declaration of Independence significant? What lines, phrases or words stick out to you? What does the Declaration of Independence achieve? What is not achieved?

War Between America and Britain 1776 = low point of war –Disadvantages were evident –“These are the times that try men’s souls.” -Thomas Paine

Washington crosses the Delaware-1776 Battle of Saratoga-1777 –Turning point of war: Americans prove to Europe their ability to win War Between America and Britain

Valley Forge-1778 Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown- October War Between America and Britain

End of a Revolution Treaty of Paris, 1783 –Formally ended the war between American Colonies and Britain –Britain recognized American Independence –Is this revolution successful or not? What is accomplished? What is not accomplished?

The Patriot Clip