THE EARLY YEARS OF THE WAR Chapter 7: Section 1

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How was it possible that American Patriots gained their independence from the powerful British Empire?

AMERICANS DIVIDED 20-30% of Americans were Loyalists 40-45% of Americans were Patriots Rest were neutral

AMERICANS DIVIDED The conflict divided Americans along social, religious, and ethnic lines. New England and Virginia had many Patriots Cities, New York State, and Southern states had many Loyalists Judges, councilors, and governors tended to be Loyalists. Why? American Revolution was the largest Native American War in history. All Native populations east of the Mississippi were caught up in the fighting Some joined the British because they feared Americans would take their land Others joined with the Americans because they lived within areas settled by the colonists and had previous positive relationships

PREPARING FOR WAR Patriot Army Formed from state militias Untrained, undisciplined, unprepared Men enlisted for one year Total army never numbered more than 17,000 Congress was unable to adequately supply the army Often lacked blankets, shoes, food, guns, and ammunition Great Britain’s Army Many British officers refused to fight the Americans British soldiers signed up for life Discouraged enlistment Hired mercenaries British mercenaries were called “Hessians” because many came from the German region of Hesse

DURING THE FIGHTING After suffering a defeat in New York, American morale was low Washington needed a victory Surprised the Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey Won a victory in Princeton eight days later Proved Washington was better than many had thought American army began to attract recruits as a result

SARATOGA: A TURNING POINT American General Horatio Gates faced off with British General John Burgoyne Due to heavy causalities, Britain was forced to retreat American Army followed the Red Coats to their camp in Saratoga, NY Fired upon the camp day and night Burgoyne eventually surrendered. The Battles of Saratoga prevented the British from separating the states Showed European countries that the Americans might win this war! France and Spain decide to help the Americans