Early Years of the Revolution Struggling to build an army

Opposing Sides Patriots –supported Independence Loyalist – remained loyal to the king

Fort Ticonderoga May 1775 Green Mountain Boys under the command of Ethan Allen surprise the British and capture Fort Ticonderoga CANNON

Battle of Bunker Hill June 16, 1775 Colonel William Prescott (A) Bunker Hill/Breeds Hill over look Boston Americans run out of gun powder and are forced to withdraw “Don’t fire till you see the whites of their eyes”

Effect of Bunker Hill British victory because they take Breed’s Hill British lose over 1,000 men American morale very high – believed they won Siege of Boston – British eventually leave Boston Spring of 1776

Natural Rights Rights that belong to all people from birth - Life, Liberty, Property

Category EnglandUnited States Population Manufacturing Money Army Leaders Geography Navy Approximately 12,000,000 Approximately 2,800,000 (many loyal to England) Highly developed and flourishing. Practically none Richest country in the world. No money to support the war effort. Large, well-trained army plus, mercenary: Hessians All volunteer forces willing to fight but poorly trained. Best trained officers in the World. Many dedicated and able officers plus foreign leaders. Strange land with long distance to base of supplies Familiar land with easy access to limited amount of supplies Strongest navy in the world. No navy Preparations for War

John Adams Clip: Washington takes command of the Continental Army What challenges did the Continental Army face when George Washington took command?

Patriot Advantages 1.homeland 2.Fighting for an idea – DofI 3.British using Hessians (German Mercenaries – paid soldiers) 4.George Washington

Army Struggles Recruit – enlist soldiers Deserters – soldiers who ran away * Washington punished severely “If we ever hope to have success we must have men enlisted for the duration of the war”

Think Pair Share Where would you attack next if you were the British?

New York General William Howe (B) – 32,000 troops August 1776 – -Battle of Long Island -Harlem Heights Nathanial Hale (A) – proved brave and competent soldier “ I regret I have but one life to lose for my country”

Aftermath of New York Washington logistically and tactically defeated – British take New York Saves army through sneak retreat in the middle of the night People call for Washington to resign Enlistments dwindle and troops desert Disaster!

Washington’s Retreat

Washington in trouble? After the loss at New York the Hessians and British chased the Continental Army across New Jersey to Philadelphia Continental Army was separated and was on the verge of collapse Hessians made winter camp in Trenton New Jersey

Trenton Washington – On X-mas day army Crosses the Delaware and surprise attacks the Hessians sleeping in Trenton Crucial Victory and Turning Point Saves Washington’s Job and the Continental Army

EXIT CARD! How does George Washington defeat the Hessians at Trenton? What does the victory do for Washington and the Continental army?

British Plan Cut off New England from the Middle Colonies Capture the Hudson - General Burgoyne (B) brings 8,000 troops from Canada Benedict Arnold (A) – defeats British at Fort Stanwik Retreat to Fort Saratoga

Battle of Saratoga General Horatio Gates (A) Burgoyne surrounded by Gates and an army 3 x’s his size October 17, 1777 – Burgoyne surrenders

Effect of Saratoga Spoils Britain’s plan to cut off New England from the Middle Colonies Other countries see Saratoga and send aid 1. France sends generals 2. Spain sends rifles 3. Both send men