1. Political Advantages Americans British
Fighting to defend independence
Democracy
Help of France
Well organized, respected gov’t.
#1 power in the world

2. Economic Advantages Americans British
Short supply lines
Live off the land
Benefits of empire – huge trading network
Many industries to create supplies

3. Social Advantages Americans British
Identity as “American” defined
Women help out…gain respect
Loyalists help out

4. Military Advantages American British
Guerilla warfare
“Home field” advantage
Goal – Independence
Good leaders – Washington
Help from others – Lafayette, von Steuben
#1 military power in world
Well-trained, well-disciplined troops,

5. Disadvantages for Americans?
MONEY!!! (limited)
SUPPLIES (low)
TRAINING (poor)
Disadvantages for British?
DISTANCE (England 2,000 miles away – difficult to communicate and coordinate.
FOREIGN MERCENARIES (Fighting for a pay check, not their own homes/freedom)

6. The Importance of...
BATTLE OF SARATOGA – turning point of the war...American victory encourages the French to support our cause!
VALLEY FORGE – American forces survive to fight again; better trained and organized army
Yorktown, VA – British General Corwallis “cornered” by French fleet off coast...surrenders to Washington 1781

7. Treaty of Paris - 1783 Great Britain recognized independence of U.S.
Set boundaries – Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River
Granted generous fishing rights to U.S. in the Grand Banks
Great Britain promised to leave American soil
U.S. promised to repay Loyalists for property lost during the Revolution

8. Effects U.S. officially recognized as independent nation
Type of New Government:
Republic based on representative democracy
3 branches of government, *balancing power*
Executive (president), Legislative (congress), Judicial (supreme court)
Separation of powers (no one gets too much power)
Power with the people, they VOTE