1. “The Shot Heard Round the World” Lexington and Concord
In April 1775, the British commander in Boston sent troops to Lexington
They were to seize provisions of colonial gunpowder and to capture the "rebel" ringleaders
Samuel Adams and John Hancock
At Lexington, 8 Americans were shot and killed
This incident was labeled as the "Lexington Massacre" 
When the British went on to Concord, they were met with American resistance
Over 300 casualties and 70 deaths
The British had a war, rather than a rebellion on their hands

3. Battle of “Bunker Hill”
June 17, 1775
Colonists could stand up to British troops

4. 2nd Continental Congress
De facto national government of colonies
May 10, 1775 – March 6, 1781

6. The Colonies Hover Between Peace & War
“No man was a warmer wisher for a reconciliation than myself, before the fatal nineteenth of April, 1775, but…”
July 8, 1775  Olive Branch Petition
A return to the “former harmony” between England and the colonies
King George III rejected
Ordered naval blockade of American coast
Publication of “Common Sense”
“I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many men.”

7. Advantages/Disadvantages
American
Advantages:
Fighting for a cause
Only had to NOT LOSE
Possible help from France
Disadvantages:
No Navy
No professional army
Mixed support for the war (1/3 Loyalists)
Lack of resources
British
Advantages:
World’s strongest Navy
Professional Army
Hired soldiers from Germany Hessians
Many resources
Disadvantages:
3,000 miles from America
Fighting a Guerrilla War
Lack of support in England

8. Divide and conquer the colonies
British Strategy
Divide and conquer the colonies

9. Battle of Trenton Surprise attack
American victory is a huge morale boost*
Enlistments were about to end!

10. Phase II: NY & PA [1777-1778] Saratoga: TURNING POINT OF THE WAR
British general Burgoyne gets trapped deep in New York. He loses his entire army to the colonists
Huge American victory convinces the French to support the colonists
Phase II:
NY & PA [ ]

11. British Shift to a Southern Strategy

12. The Battle of Yorktown

13. Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
The World Turned Upside Down
If ponies rode men and grass ate cows, And cats were chased into holes by the mouse If summer were spring and the other way round, Then all the world would be upside down.

14. Peace October 19, 1781 Peace negotiations in Paris 1782
Cornwallis’ forces surrender at Yorktown
Peace negotiations in Paris 1782
U.S., GB, Fr, Sp
J. Adams, B. Franklin, J. Jay  demanded GB recognize US independence before beginning negotiations
September 3, 1783 Treaty of Paris signed
US independent
Boundaries set
Br. to leave their forts
Debts to GB to be paid
Loyalists losses to be paid

15. Treaty of Paris
Declares the intention of both parties to "forget all past misunderstandings and differences" and "secure to both perpetual peace and harmony.” (Preface)

16. North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783

17. Impact on Society Egalitarianism*
A belief in the equality of all people
Ability, effort, and virtue defined one’s worth
(not wealth or family)
Native Americans
Population declined about 50% with F & I War and Revolution
No protection in Treaty of Paris  settlers moving west
A new government needed to be created