Chapter 8 America Secedes from the Empire, 1775–1783

I. Congress Drafts George Washington Second Continental Congress (Phila. May, 1775) – Select George Washington to head the army The choice was made with considerable misgivings Only a colonel, lost more battles than won He radiated patience, courage, self-discipline

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II. Bunker Hill and Hessian Hirelings 1775 to July 1776, fighting but no independence – June 1775 the colonists seized Bunker Hill Olive Branch Petition (July 1775) – Professed American loyalty to the crown George III proclaimed colonies in rebellion (8/75) – Rebellion a ‘hanging’ offense – Hired thousands of German (Hessian) troops

III. The Abortive Conquest of Canada In the north Portland, Maine burned (Oct. 1775) – Reprisal- U.S. daring Canadian invasion British succeed in middle colonies – January British set fire to Norfolk, Va. – March 1776 – Rebels forced to evacuate Boston In the South the rebels win two victories – February 1776 – rebels win in North Carolina – June 1776 stop an invading fleet at Charleston

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IV. Thomas Paine Preaches Common Sense Loyalty to the empire was deeply ingrained: Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776) – Real power “from the consent of the governed.” – Goal-convince people their cause-independence

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V. Paine and the Idea of “Republicanism” Paine was calling for a republic – All government gain authority from popular consent Individuals in a republic: – Sacrifice personal self-interest to the public good – The collective good of “the people” most important

VI. Jefferson’s “Explanation” of Independence An inspirational appeal for freedom was needed – To rally resistance at home. – To invite assistance for foreign nations Congress selected Thomas Jefferson to write The Declaration of Independence – Formally approved by Congress on July 4, 1776 – Had universal appeal- “natural rights”, had three parts Philosophical background List of Grievances Resolution / action to be taken

VII. Patriots and Loyalists War of Independence was a war within a war Many (most) colonists were apathetic or neutral Loyalists-aka “Tories”, supported England – Many were educated, wealthy, older, and cautious Patriots-aka rebels &“Whigs”, for independence – Revolution was a minority movement – Rebels took the task of “political education”

VIII. The Loyalist Exodus Before the Declaration in 1776 – Persecution of the Loyalists was relatively mild Harsher treatment began after the Declaration – Were regarded as traitors Some imprisoned, some hung – There was no wholesale reign of terror Several hundred thousand were permitted to stay ~80,000 were driven out or fled – The estates of the fugitives were confiscated and sold

IX. General Washington at Bay General Washington – Loss the Battle of Long Island (Sept 1776) Howe didn’t chase and crush defeated U.S. troops – Washington won at Trenton (December 26, 1776) – Victory at Princeton (Jan. 1777)

X. Burgoyne’s Blundering Invasion London plan to capture Hudson R. valley (1777) – Divided and conquer strategy Sever New England from the rest of the states British stopped at Saratoga on (Oct 1777) – Caused French to support America Washington moved to Philadelphia area – Defeated at Brandywine Creek and Germantown Washington retired to Valley Forge

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XI. Revolution in Diplomacy? France wanted to regain N. Am. Dominance – The loss in the Seven Years’ War rankled deeply U.S desperately needed help against the British The Model Treaty (summer 1776) w/Fremch – No political or military connections, only commercial Benjamin Franklin negotiated treaty in Paris

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XII. The Colonial War Becomes a Wider War France’s entry forced British to change strategy – Could no longer blockade the colonial coast – British decided to evacuate Philadelphia Spain & Holland entered in 1779 Russia, (1780) organized the Armed Neutrality – Most of Europe passive hostility toward Britain

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XIII. Blow and Counterblow 1780: French troops, gold & goodwill help The Southern campaign – 1780 General Benedict Arnold turned traitor Georgia was ruthlessly overrun in Charleston, South Carolina, fell in 1780 – General Greene reclaimed Georgia & South Carolina ‘Standing and retreating’ strategy (1781)

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XIV. The Land Frontier and the Sea Frontier The West was ablaze during the war – 1777: “the bloody year” on the frontier – 1784 Iroquois Treaty of Fort Stanwix (gave up land) George Rogers Clark Attacked Britain’s Ohio River forts ( ) America’s infant navy led by John Paul Jones – Helped by swift privateers Eventually British shippers/manufacturers wanted peace

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XV. Yorktown and the Final Curtain Cornwallis fell back to Yorktown, VA – French & American army marched to controlled land – French navy moved to controlled the sea The British were completely cornered Cornwallis surrendered (Oct., 1781) – George III planned to continue the struggle – Sporadic fighting for more than a year

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XVI. Peace at Paris In GB people were tired of war, had a new gov’t France wanted land / influence for their efforts Franklin, Adams, Jay – American negotiators – John Jay negotiated secretly with Britain (1782) The Treaty of Paris of 1783 – Britain recognized the independence of the U.S. – Granted generous boundaries – Return land of & no persecution of Loyalists – Debts long owed to British creditors had to be paid However, the debt promises were not carried out

XVII. A New Nation Legitimized Treaty of Paris (1783) terms were favorable America gained world recognition by winning

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