1. Session 4: The American Revolution
Military and Diplomacy

2. Class Objectives
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the Continental Army and the British Army.
Compare the 3 different sides during the Revolution and the aspects of each
Identify George Washington and the main generals and military leaders for the Continental and British armies
Explain the diplomatic actions of Jefferson and Franklin.
Define the major battles including the turning point and final battle of the war.
Explain the major events that ended the Revolution.

3. British Advantages in the War
Strong, well trained army and navy.
Strong, central government with available funds
Support of Loyalists and Native Americans

4. British Disadvantages in the War
Atlantic Ocean separating Britain from the American battlefields
Troops unfamiliar with the terrain of the Americas
Weak military leaders
Sympathy of some British politicians for the American cause.

5. American Advantages in the War
Home-field advantage
Leadership of George Washington and other officers
Inspiring cause of independence
Assistance from France and other European nations

6. American Disadvantages in the War
Untrained soldiers
Shortage of food, ammunition and supplies
Inferior navy
No central government to enforce wartime policies.

7. Loyalists vs. Patriots Loyalists (Tories)
American Colonists who remained loyal to the British during the war.
Felt that Britain was justified in taxing the colonies due to the protection they received during the French and Indian War.
Felt strong social and economic ties to Britain and believed the British would ultimately win the war.
It is estimated that about a third of the colonists remained loyalists throughout the war.

8. Loyalists vs. Patriots Patriots
Desired complete and total independence from England
Motto based from the quote of Patrick Henry “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”
Inspired by Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Made up the troops in Washington’s Continental Army and third of the colonial population.

9. Neutrals Neutrals Were undecided on the war.
Many disagreed with British policies but did not want to declare independence
Made up a third of the population.

10. Check for Understanding
What were the main advantages for the British during the war…what were the disadvantages?
What were the main advantages for the Americans during the war…what were the disadvantages?
What were the reasons why one would be a loyalist, patriot or neutral during the war?

11. George Washington
Kept his army intact during the war and never allowed a major loss at the hands of the British.
Secured major victories at Trenton, Monmouth and later Yorktown.
Wintered his army at Valley Forge, providing time for the Americans to regroup and train.
His leadership was one of the main reasons why the Americans were victorious in the war.

12. Activity
In pairs, fill in the sheet about Revolutionary War leaders on pages
Be sure to include the following information…what side they fought for, significance to the war, battles involved in, and military position/assignment.

13. Franklin and Jefferson
Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in addition to the their efforts in the Continental Congress made numerous trips to Europe to gain support for the American cause from France and other nations.

14. Activity
In pairs, fill out the sheet on the major battles of the Revolution on pages
Be sure to include the following information on the sheet…the year, who fought, who won, where it happened and the leaders at the battle (if available)

15. The End of the Revolution
With French assistance, Washington and the Continental Army are able to trap General Cornwallis at Yorktown.
After a month siege, the British army surrendered.
The Treaty of Paris 1783 officially ended the war and gave America its independence.

16. Check for Understanding
What were the major contributions of George Washington during the Revolution?
Who were the major war leaders for the British and the Americans, how were the Americans assisted by foreign military leaders?
What were the diplomatic contributions of Jefferson and Franklin?
What were the major battles and outcomes of the Revolution?
How did the war end, what treaty ended the war?

17. Next Class Homework: Note Check Session 5: Review for Test
Test Wednesday, October 8th