1. Chapter 7: The American Revolution
Section 1: The Early Years of the War

2. Vocabulary neutral: not favoring any one side
pacifist: someone who is opposed to all war
mercenary: professional soldier hired to fight for a foreign country
guerrillas: small bands of fighters who weaken the enemy with surprise raids and hit and run tactics

3. Americans Divided American Colonists: 20% - 30% loyalists
40% - 45% patriots
30% - 40% neutral
African Americans fought for both sides
British offered freedom for any slaves fighting with them
Native Americans fought for both sides

4. Problems for the Army Only about 17,000 soldiers Soldiers lacked:
Blankets, shoes, food, guns, ammo
Women:
Cooked, laundry, nurses

5. Britain Prepares Little support for the war
Trouble recruiting soldiers
Hessians: German mercenaries hired by the British to fight in America

6. Patriot Retreat
1776
Washington, and the Continental Army lose several battles near New York City
Thomas Paine writes “The American Crisis” to boost Patriot spirits
Colonists win the Battle of Trenton on Christmas 1776
first significant victory for Washington

7. Britain’s Strategy Control Hudson River and the New England Colonies
Attack south from Canada
Attack south from up state New York
Attack north from New York City
Plan failed when NYC army, led by Howe, attacked Philadelphia instead

8. Battle of Saratoga October 17, 1777
Turning point of the American Revolution
American Leader: Horatio Gates
British Leader: John Burgoyne
After Americans win, the French decided to help (ally)