1. The Revolutionary War

2. "Shot heard 'round the world"
Lexington & Concord
"Shot heard 'round the world"
2 separate battles north of Boston.
Colonists had been stock piling ammunition
No one knows who fired first.
British suffered 237 death, colonists less than 100
British retreat back to Boston, they learn that the Americans mean business!
1st battles of American Revolution

3. 2nd Continental Congress
Elected George Washington as Commander in Chief of Patriot Continental Army
Congress agrees to assume responsibility of defense of ALL 13 colonies
Starting to operate as ONE ENTITY (country) instead of 13 separate ones

5. Common Sense Thomas Paine
“Common Sense” – Book released Jan. 1776
150,000 copies  2.5 million people (bestseller!)
Written in “common” & “simple” language so that all people could understand
Proposed that fighting for independence from Britain was “common sense”…no brainer, duh!
-- wanted the common people to elect ALL of the government
-- denounced the king as a tyrant that violated their NATURAL RIGHTS

6. “ The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind
“The period of debate is closed.
Arms as the resource decide the
contest … everything that is right
or reasonable pleads for
separation. The blood of the slain,
the weeping voice of nature
cries, ‘TIS TIME TO PART”
Thomas Paine
“Common Sense” 1776

7. The Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson is author but a Committee of Five are chosen to help edit
Adopted on July 4, 1776
“All men are created equal”
All men are born with natural rights that cannot be taken away by a gov’t  “unalienable rights”
Denounced king as a tyrant who made American independence necessary
Only edits made had to do with slavery, TJ’s original document was critical of it and southerners did not like that, wouldn’t ratify (approve)

8. Declaration of Independence
People have a natural right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
If a government does not respect people’s natural rights, the people have the right to form a new government.
The British government has repeatedly violated the American colonists’ rights! (LIST OF COMPLAINTS)
The American colonies are free and independent states, no longer ruled by the British government
--- By Thomas Jefferson

9. Umm, how about “we hold these truths to be … self-evident.”
Oh, Okay. Thanks, Ben!
Umm, how about “we hold these truths to be … self-evident.”
WHOA! wait a minute...

10. Because the king has flouted (violated) our natural rights the colonies are justified in cutting our connection!
We agree!
Lets sign!!!
We agree!
Lets sign!!!
We agree!
Lets sign!!!

11. Is this what really happened?
RAISED THEIR SPIRITS!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Battle of Trenton
Close up of Painting
Is this what really happened?
Washington & Continental Army
Cross the Delaware River on Christmas night
Surprise the British and Germans to take back New York
This victory raised the spirits of the army and the cause!

12. Winter at Valley Forge Army barely survives, army is in poor condition
Valley Forge is boot camp of 3,000 men
Supplies were low, morale was low, no shoes or coats BRRRRRRRR!
Baron Von Stueben and Marquis de Lafayette join with George Washington to help train the Continental troops and create a more disciplined army
Showed importance of Washington’s Leadership and of foreign alliances

13. *Turning point of the war*
Battle of Saratoga
*Turning point of the war*
British wanted to take control of New York to split colonies…Americans would have to surrender
British commander General John Burgoyne was leading his forces down the Hudson River to trap Americans
American commander General Horatio Gates took higher ground around Saratoga and had cannons pointing down
Geography’s impact: Americans took higher ground and controlled the entire are

14. *Turning point of the war*
Battle of Saratoga & French Alliance
*Turning point of the war*
American Patriots WIN!
This victory convinces
France to make alliance with Americans!
Ben Franklin = ambassador to France
negotiates Alliance
Marquis de Lafayette = French general
(aided Americans)
Supported cause of “liberty”
Revenge for French and Indian War
Now Americans will get more supplies, weapons, and SHIPS!!!!

15. Battle of Yorktown American Patriot victory!
Lord Cornwallis (British General of Military) surrenders to George Washington and Continental Army
GEOGRAPHY: British were trapped by land and by water thanks to French war ships, could not escape out to the Atlantic Ocean or bring in reinforcements
Ends the American Revolution! Treaty of Paris of 1783! ***United States recognized as an independent country!

17. The HORSE AMERICA, throwing his Master

18. Americans British Strengths: Strengths: Washington’s leadership
Organized & Experienced
world’s finest navy
Loyalist (Tories) in the colonies (spies)
Weaknesses:
Underestimated Americans
bright red coats
not supported in Great Britain
Strengths:
Washington’s leadership
knowledge of the land
guerilla warfare
Weaknesses:
Outnumbered
poor / lacking supplies

19. G.B. agreed to remove troops from US territory
Great Britain recognized USA
Northern border = Great Lakes
Western border = Mississippi River
Florida returned to Spain
G.B. agreed to remove troops from US territory
Loyalist would be returned their land
Treaty of Paris 1783

20. Great Lakes
USA!!
Mississippi
SPAIN