Social Studies Notes Ch. 9 L1 The Declaration of Independence showed that the colonists meant business. Patriots supported the colonists, Loyalists supported Britain, and other remained neutral. This created lots of problems (families and friends were divided). The British destroyed some colonists possessions, colonists did the same to Loyalists/the British. Economic problems: Inflation becomes a huge problem for reasons like the decreasing value of Continentals. That Congress can not raise funds to pay for the war. Important women during the Revolution: Sybil Ludington rode to warn the British were attacking, Deborah Sampson and Margaret Corbin fought in battles, Mercy Otis Warren wrote about freedom, and Abigail Adams communicated with her husband John Adams about women’s rights.

Social Studies Notes Ch. 9 L1 African-Americans in the Revolution: James Armistead worked as a spy for George Washington. Many others joined the Continental Army in exchange for their freedom after the war. The British Army would also offer this opportunity to some slaves. Thayendanegea was a Mohawk leader who sided with the British, as many Native American tribes did. A smaller number would side with the colonies.

Social Studies Notes Ch. 9 L2 In July of 1775 George Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Comparing armies: CA was very under supplied, also they were untrained for the most part. The British Army also had supply problems, but not as badly as the colonists. The British had more than 3 times as many soldiers and were well trained. After defeat in the Battle of Long Island, many American soldiers were ready to give up. American troops crossed the Delaware to attack the Hessians at Trenton, NJ.

Social Studies Notes Ch. 9 L2 The Battle of Saratoga was actually two battles, during the second battle, General Burgoyne was forced to surrender to the Continental Army. This would mark the turning point in the war. The Continental Army will winter at Valley Forge, conditions will be very harsh. Two very important people that helped train the CA were Marquis de Lafayette and Friedrick von Steuben. Many countries in Europe will help the Americans, including France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Russia.

Social Studies Notes Ch. 9 L3 Nathaniel Hale was an American spy. John Paul Jones was an American Navy captain. Molly Pitcher (Mary McCauley) brought fresh water to troops and took her husband’s place in battle after he was wounded. Tadeusz Kosciuzko was Polish and joined the continental forces and helped establish West Point (a fort). The battles moved from the NE to the S when the British learned that the French were joining in on the American side. Savannah was the British’s first target in the south, after they would also take Charleston. Benedict Arnold would turn traitor and join the British, because he was mistreated by the CA.

Social Studies Notes Ch. 9 L3 Nathanael Greene commanded the American troops in the South. The American victory at Cowpens proved they could win in the South. The British army was weakened after the battle at Guilford Courthouse. It was not a victory for either side. British General Cornwallis setup at Yorktown. The French and Americans surrounded Cornwallis. After a few weeks Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans. This was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. The Treaty of Paris officially ended the war in America was independent.

Social Studies Notes Ch. 9 L4 Because of the DoI, after the war many people’s views changed. Many thought that slavery was wrong, these were abolitionists. The first group was started by Quakers in PA. Elizabeth Freeman was a slave who sued to be free. When the war ended the U.S. didn’t have enough money to pay soldiers, so they gave them land instead. This land was west of the 13 states. The Northwest Territory was between the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, and the Appalachian Mountains. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 said that once a territory had 60,000 people it could become a state. Slavery was not allowed in these new states.