We’re not gonna take it any more!!!! Events Leading to The Revolution & Revolution

The ideas of the Enlightenment and the perceived unfairness of British policies provoked debate and resistance by the American Colonists!

British and French competed for the colonial interest which led to WAR! The French and Indian War: the French were driven out of Canada and their territories west of the Appalachian Mts. George Washington gained military experience. Colonists were happy UNTIL:

Steps taken to upset Colonists: New taxes were imposed on colonies to help pay for the war and to pay for protection. –Sugar Act –Stamp Act Proclamation of 1763 stated the colonies could not move west of Appalachian Mts.

Resistance to British Rule in the Colonies mounted: Colonists openly resisted paying taxes by tarring and feathering tax collectors The Boston Tea Party The Boston Massacre took place when British troops fire on an anti- British demonstrators.

The Colonists Responded: Parliament passed the “Intolerable Act” to punish the colonies for their rebellion at the Boston Tea Party. The 1 st Continental Congress was called, which asked for rights to be respected, but they did not want independence… Yet.

The Colonists were divided into three main camps during the Revolution The PATRIOTS –Supported independence and supplied the troops for the Continental Army The NEUTRALS –Tried to stay out of the controversy, wanting to be in good position after the war regardless of the outcome! The LOYALISTS –Remained loyal to Britain, enjoying economic ties and protection from the empire. ?

LoyalistStrongholds

Washington’s Headaches Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the other third were Loyalists, and the final third were neutral]. State/colony loyalties. Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben.

Exports & Imports:

The Key Battles of the Revolution:

Lexington and Concord; 1775 First Shots were fired as British troops engaged the "Minutemen" British troops looking for munitions, but were forced to retreat to Boston This is sometimes called the “Shot heard ‘round the world” because it started the American Revolution! Lexington and Concord

Phase I: The Northern Campaign [ ]

Bunker Hill; 1775 Actually, this battle was fought on Breed's Hill outside of Boston. The higher ground was used to bombard the British in Boston by the Patriots The British actually were successful at moving the Patriots from the hill, but they lost many men. This was when Samuel Prescott used the phrase, "Don't fire 'till you see the whites of their eyes!" Britain secured control of Boston

Bunker Hill (June, 1775) The British suffered over 40% casualties.

Military Strategies Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line]. Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent war  you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down] Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. The AmericansThe British Break the colonies in half by getting between the No. & the So. Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. “Divide and Conquer”  use the Loyalists.

New York City in Flames (1776)

Trenton/ Princeton; Christmas, 1776 Washington crossed the Delaware River and led a surprise attack on the Hessian soldiers who were mercenaries working for the British All were captured or killed

Phase II: NY & PA [ ]

Saratoga; 1777 This is considered the turning point of the war! After this victory the French King was convinced by Ben Franklin to assist the colonists. The French wanted revenge from their defeat in the French and Indian War!!!

Saratoga: “Turning Point” of the War? Saratoga: “Turning Point” of the War? A modern-day re-enactment

Valley Forge; Winter Washington's forces spent the winter outside Philadelphia It was a brutally cold winter and the men were under supplied There were many casualties, but Washington's ability to keep up American hopes saved the effort!

Britain’s “Southern Strategy” Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South. Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving. The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside [similar to U. S. failures in Vietnam!] Good US General: Nathanial Greene

Yorktown; 1781 British General Lord Cornwallis was trapped between Washington's forces and the French Fleet in Virginia Cornwallis surrendered during this siege, and it proved to be the final battle in the war.

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) Count de Rochambeau Admiral De Grasse

Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown: Painted by John Trumbull, 1797 “The World Turned Upside Down!”

Patrick Henry: An outspoken Patriot, and early advocate of Independence He is known for his famous speech, “GIVE ME LIBERTY, OR GIVE ME DEATH!!!” He helped persuade Virginia to call for independence.

George Washington: General of the American army, avoided any situation that threatened the destruction of his army, and his leadership kept the army together when defeat seemed inevitable His goal was to outlast the British, and he often used hit and run tactics!

Marquis de Lafayette A brave 20 year old French aristocrat who helped Washington by leading command in Virginia during the last year of the war. Help turn the tide against the British at Yorktown

Ben Franklin: Benjamin Franklin negotiated a Treaty of Alliance with France after the battle of Saratoga He became a popular man in France, and helped negotiate the treaty which ended the war!

Keys to Success: Ability to outlast the British Leadership of George Washington Hit and Run tactics (Guerrilla Warfare) Alliance with France; gave us much needed troops, supplies, money-- but most importantly-- ships!

Our Revolution inspired a New World, based on Democracy. The American Revolution was inspired by ideas concerning natural rights and political authority, and its successful completion affected people and governments throughout the world for many generations. The American rebels won their independence because the British Government grew tired of the struggle soon after the French agreed to help Americans.