The American Revolution ( ) J.A.SACCO

BritainAmericans Advantages?? Disadvantages?? On the Eve of the Revolution ?

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:

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.

Opening Events Apr. 19,1775 Retreat from Concord Retreat from Concord

The Northern Campaign [ ] The Northern Campaign [ ] Americans capture Fort Ticonderoga ( May 10, 1775) and Crown Point (May 12, 1775) but fail to take Quebec (Dec.31, 1775)- Cannons captured at Ticonderoga later used in driving British at of Boston!!

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

WAR IS INEVITABLE!!! After the British evacuate Boston in March 1776, several factors make a peaceful solution impossible Br. Destruction of Boston after evacuationBr. Destruction of Boston after evacuation Br. Use Hessians as mercenaries/ stir up Native American resistance on frontierBr. Use Hessians as mercenaries/ stir up Native American resistance on frontier Must declare independence if going to get assistance from a FranceMust declare independence if going to get assistance from a France King not address Olive Branch PetitionKing not address Olive Branch Petition Publication of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”Publication of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

The Declaration of Independence (July 2, 1776)? All men are created equal- slaves?All men are created equal- slaves? Unalienable rights?Unalienable rights? Purpose of government?Purpose of government? Governments created by?Governments created by? When governments become unjust?When governments become unjust? Thomas Jefferson

Britain on the Offensive-1776 After Declaration of Independence, Br. land 30,000 men in the colonies. The British capture NY after the Battle of Long Island and force Washington across the Hudson River into NJ and then into Pa.After Declaration of Independence, Br. land 30,000 men in the colonies. The British capture NY after the Battle of Long Island and force Washington across the Hudson River into NJ and then into Pa.

Washington Crossing the Delaware Dec.26,1776 Washington wins two major battles at Trenton Dec.26, 1776 and then Princeton on Jan.3, 1777.

Saratoga:1777 “Turning Point” of the War? Saratoga:1777 “Turning Point” of the War? Br. Gen. John Burgoyne trapped by American forces under Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold

Britain attacks Phil. in Sept and wins key victories at Brandywine and Germantown. Washington spends winter at Valley Forge. For the next three years, there are no major battles.Britain attacks Phil. in Sept and wins key victories at Brandywine and Germantown. Washington spends winter at Valley Forge. For the next three years, there are no major battles. NY and PA

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 Good US General: Nathanial Greene

The Southern Strategy [ ]

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!”

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783