1. Virginians and the American Revolution Interactive Notes VS. 5b

6. Many Virginians made significant contributions to the American Revolution, or Revolutionary War era.

7. 1. Whites, enslaved African Americans, free African Americans, and American Indians all had different roles during the Revolutionary War. Virginians from all walks of life served in the Continental Army.

9. These patriots fought for independence from Britain. Soldiers were not the only citizens supporting the war effort. Brave farmers, merchants, traders, craftsmen and even ministers joined the fight for independence.

12. 2. Although many Virginians supported the war, some Virginians remained neutral. They did not take sides in the conflict.

13. 3. Other colonists called loyalists wanted to remain loyal to the king and their homeland of Great Britain.

15. 4. Some enslaved African Americans fought for a better chance at freedom. Some free African Americans fought for independence in the American Revolution.

18. 5. Many American Indians fought alongside both the Virginia patriots and the British. Some American Indians who joined the struggle with the British hoped to see the war as a way to stop more colonists from settling on their land. Other American Indian communities wee divided over which side to support in the war.

21. 6. Women also took on more responsibilities during the war. They drove wagons, rode with army supply trains, made gunpowder, sewed and repaired uniforms for the troops, and worked as nurses and cooks. Even the women who remained at home contributed to the war effort. These women ran their family farms and grew food for the men and women on the battlefields.

30. Draw a picture of a loyalist and of a patriot.

31. Patrick Henry

32. A Virginian by the name of Patrick Henry inspired patriots from other colonies when he spoke out against the unfair British tax laws. He believed that war was the only answer to the growing problems with Great Britain. In a famous speech in the city of Richmond, Virginia he stated:

33. “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me… give me liberty or give me death! ”

36. George Washington

37. A Virginia plantation owner by the name of George Washington was chosen as commander-in- chief of the Continental Army. Washington’s army of patriots was made up of brave men from all over Virginia and the other colonies. Washington provided much needed military leadership to the rough, inexperienced colonial troops.

39. James Armistead Lafayette

40. An enslaved African American from Virginia named James Lafayette served in the Continental Army. At the end of the war he was successful in gaining his freedom. He was famous for serving as a double agent against the British during the war.

44. Jack Jouett

45. Jack Jouett was a captain in the 16th regiment of the Virginia militia during the American Revolution. He found out that the British were planning to arrest Thomas Jefferson (the governor of Virginia at the time), Patrick Henry, and other important members of the Virginia legislature.

46. He rode horseback through the backwoods of Virginia to warn everyone (much like Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott!). It is because of him that the British did not capture these important assemblymen.

48. Thomas Jefferson

49. The Declaration of Independence was written on July 4, 1776 by Thomas Jefferson. It expressed the reasons for independence from Great Britain and ideas for self- government. It declared that the authority to govern belonged to the people rather than to kings. It stated that all people are created equal and have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

56. Just for fun….

58. Deep thoughts…

59. Revolutionary Star Wars?