1. Defend or Refute This Statement
Topic: Assessing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Britain and the Colonists in the Revolution
Do Now:
“The Revolutionary War was inevitable. America had outgrown it’s colonial system, and no longer dependent on Britain. It was also inevitable that the 13 colonies would defeat Britain; America was far greater in size, money, and population. America had every advantage.”
Defend or Refute This Statement

2. The First Continental Congress
Boston Tea Party and Intolerable Acts (1773/74)
1st Continental Congress convened in 1774
All colonies but Georgia represented
Drafted a list of grievances  rejected by Britain
Postponed further action to 1775

3. April 1775: Lexington and Concord
British to seize munitions and arrest rebel leaders
Minutemen
Colonials defeated at Lexington
Concord: Militia guerilla tactics
“shot heard round the world”
The Revolution begins!
How can the colonists fight this war?

4. Colonial Strengths Strong individual leadership Foreign Aid?
Washington, Franklin, John Adams
Foreign Aid?
Marquis de Lafayette
Baron von Steuben
Defensive War
“Home field advantage”
America’s “Moral Cause”

5. Colonial Weaknesses Colonial rivalry Weak continental congress
Inflation
Lack of supplies
Poorly trained soldiers
Regulars vs. Militiamen
Role of African-Americans
Most Americans remain “neutral”

6. British Concerns Pros Royal Navy Well-trained soldiers British wealth
Access to mercenary forces
Hessians & Indians
Cons
Long supply lines
Weak military leadership
Decentralized America
Internal disagreement
Edmund Burke and the Whigs
European concerns
Fear of France’s involvement
It’s a big British Empire…

7. Conclusion
Look at your answer for the Do Now question. Would you change your answer? Explain why/why not.