1. American Revolution EQ: What is the American Revolution all about?

2. Second Continental Congress
Congress ruled colonies.
Created Continental Army.
Unanimously named George Washington as army commander.

3. British Advantages/Disadvantages
strongest navy
experienced army
lots of money
fighting in unfamiliar territory
ship supplies and soldiers from 3,000 miles away

4. Colonist Advantages/Disadvantages
not experienced army and navy
not much ammunition and weapons
1 in 5 colonist was Loyalist (Tory = loyal to king)
Less soldiers
GEORGE WASHINGTON
guerilla warfare (learned from Native Americans)

5. Battle at Bunker Hill Really called Breed’s Hill.
Colonists ran out of ammunition and had to withdraw.
Technically, British won, but sustained heavy losses (over 1,000 casualties)

6. America Divided 20-30% of Americans were Loyalists
40-45% of Americans were Patriots
Rest were Neutral
Who Fought?
New England and VA were split
African Americans fought for British and North (Banned in the south)
Largest Indian War in history

7. Preparing For War British Continental Army Prepared/Well Trained
Unenthusiastic about fighting war
Continental Army
Untrained/part-time volunteers
Never above 17,000 soldiers
Congress couldn’t
help with supplies
(No $)

8. Washington’s First Move
March 1776: British retreated from Boston
Moved Am. Army to New York
Months of fighting to control New York
9,000 Hessian Mercenaries arrived for British
December: Americans were defeated in Battle of Long Island
Retreated to Pennsylvania