Chapter 6 The American Revolution
6.1 A Nation Declares Independence 6.2 A Critical Time 6.3 The War Widens 6.4 Winning Independence
6.1 A Nation Declares Independence A. A Call for Independence January 1776Common Sense Published by Thomas Paine a pamphlet that argued reasons for independence from England -
Virginia Resolution Richard Henry Lee from VA Introduced a resolution to the 2 nd Continental Congress Asked for a committee to write a statement for separation
B. The Declaration of Independence Has 3 parts Preamble- List of Grievances- Dissolving of Bonds-
C. Impact of the Declaration July nd Continental Congress approved the document Signed on Aug 2 Changed the Course of War for independence
The presentation of the declaration
6.2 A Critical Time A Retreat From New York Washington & Gen Howe Fight the Battle of Brooklyn Washington was outnumber & didn’t have a navy Was forced to retreat through NJ to Pa
Battle of Brooklyn
B. Surprises for the British British forces occupied Philadelphia Washington attacks Trenton on Dec Captured all the Hessian troops Battle of Trenton follows, another small victory for Washington
C. The Turning Point The Battle of Saratoga GB Gen John Burgoyne wants to isolate New England from the rest of the states has a 3 prong approach from Canada, from the West, from New York City
King George orders the troops from NYC to Phila, this caused trouble for Burgoyne's plans The major conflict takes place in Saratoga NY The British surrender Oct 1777
Ended the threat of the British in New England Gave a major victory to Patriots Sends a message that the British will not have an easy victory ** Convinced other countries to help US
D. Help from Overseas The French Alliance Feb 1778 France signed a treaty with the Us to help fight the British France & her allies engaged on war in Europe against GB to stretch the British resources
France also sends use of her Navy to the US
Other foreign soldiers help Marquis de Lafayette
Baron Fredrik Von Stueben
Thaddeus Kosciusko
Casimir Pulaski
E. Valley Forge Winter Washington Army camp 20 miles west of Phila Kept an eye on the British movement Harsh winter, bad housing, little food diseases Low point of Washington
6.3 The War Widens A. People of the War African Americans fight on both sides of the war British offer freedom for those who join their army during this time the northern states gradually end slavery
Draft men enlisted for one year at a time army was always training new recruits many will dessert in harsh times
Women in the War Some fought as soldiers Some are spies Some pick up when men were injured
B. Fighting on the Western Frontier This is fighting west of Appalachian mts Indians sided with GB
Battle of Vincennes George Rogers Clark wins the battle & this help control the water way of the Wabash river American were able to remain in the Ohio river valley
C. War at Sea Continental Navy was created 1776 only a few ships were built John Paul Jones was the commander of the navy 1 major battle off the coast of England & Jones beats the British
6.4 Winning Independence A. Fighting Moves South GB begins to attack the US from the South capturing Savannah GA Charlestown SC
The Advancement was stopped in NC Frances Marion ( Fox Swamp) Stopped the British by using guerrilla tactics
Nathaniel Greene wins the Battle of Cowpens in Sc
Benedict Arnold the best trained officer in the US army Betrayed the US by selling the plans for West Point in 1780 Arnold escapes Washington’s men & eventually moves to England
B. Surrender General Corwallis retreated to Va, after the loss at the Battle of Cowpens He became trapped because the French navy arrived before the British Navy And he could not escape the Chesapeake Bay
He was cut off a land route by Washington's men After 3 weeks Corwallis surrenders to George Washington
C. Treaty of Paris Peace talks to formally end the war begin in 1782 Delegates includes Ben Franklin & John Adams
Terms ends the Revolutionary War recognizes the United States of America states were supposed to return loyalist land
April nd Continental Congress approved the Treaty the War was over Now we have to create a government