1. American Revolutionary War 1775-1783
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2. First Continental Congress
In 1774 delegates met in Philadelphia to decide what to do about the situation.
56 delegates including John and Samuel Adams.
One delegate wanted to make peace.
Patrick Henry said there was no way to avoid a fight.
In the end they reached a compromise –
They decided to continue to boycott British goods and warned colonial militias to be ready to fight.
They sent delegates to the king asking for basic rights.
The king refused.

3. John Adams Lawyer and politician
Defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre
Represented Massachusetts in the Congress
Strong supporter for independence

4. “The British are Coming!”
Local militia members began calling themselves minutemen because they would be ready at a minute’s notice.
Much of the weapons and ammunition were stored in Concord.
A British general decided to go raid the ammunition.
The Sons of Liberty learned of the plan.
Sent men riding ahead to warn the minutemen.

5. Paul Revere & Wentworth Cheswell
Paul Revere rode ahead to warn the minutemen.
When Wentworth Cheswell heard the shouts he ran to warn others as well.
Many people made rides warning of the British coming.

6. The “Shot Heard round the World”
The minutemen beat the British to the ammunition.
They decided to make a line at Lexington to stop the British.
The first shot of the Revolutionary War.
The British marched on to Concord, few weapons remained.

8. Second Continental Congress
In 1775 representatives from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia again.
They had to decide how to react to the fighting.
Congress made plans to create a Continental Army – chose George Washington to command the army.
One last attempt at peace – Olive Branch Petition – King rejected the offer

9. George Washington A soldier in the French and Indian War
Delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress
Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army throughout the Revolutionary War

10. Thomas Paine Wrote a pamphlet called Common Sense
It was written in common language and distributed throughout the colonies
Urged colonists to break free from Britain

11. Second Continental Congress
1776 the Congress created a committee to write a document declaring independence from Britain.
In reaction to King George III’s refusal to acknowledge the colonial requests
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were among others in the committee.
Wrote the Articles of Confederation which would serve as a new form of government for the young country.

12. Thomas Jefferson
A delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress
A member of the committee to write the Declaration of Independence
Primary author of the Declaration of Independence

13. Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776
“All men are created equal”
Discussed unalienable rights – which are basic rights guaranteed to people naturally
These rights included – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Listed grievances against the King of England

14. Grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence
Taxation without representation
King has absolute power
Colonists not allowed to speak out against King
Quartering Act forced colonists to house troops
Allowed homes to be searched without a warrant
No trial by jury of peers

15. Abigail Adams Wife of John Adams Served as his support and confidant
Reminded John to “remember the ladies” who had no political voice

16. Choosing Sides Patriots – fought for independence from Britain
Loyalist/Tories – remained loyal to Britain
Neutrals – chose neither side

17. Washington Crossing the Delaware. (Battle of Trenton)

18. Battle at Sea John Paul Jones Considered the founder of the U.S. Navy
Led raids on British vessels during the American Revolution

19. Saratoga Considered a major turning point of the war
France joined the colonists after this battle.
This tipped the scale in favor of the colonists

20. Benjamin Franklin He spent most of the Revolutionary war in France
He represented the colonies
He negotiated an alliance with France
He negotiated the Treaty of Paris which ended the war

21. Winter at Valley Forge
After suffering several defeats, Washington took his army to Valley Forge for the winter of 1777.
Many of the men suffered frostbite and starvation
The men were trained by a Prussian officer into a more professional army.

22. Help From Other Countries

23. Bernado de Galvez
Spanish nobleman and governor of the Spanish province of Louisiana
Protected American ships in the port of New Orleans
Helped transport war supplies
Took up arms and fought to protect Louisiana

24. Marquis de Lafayette From France Fought in the American Revolution
Commanded forces as a major-general in the colonial army
Fought in the Battle of Yorktown

25. James Armistead A slave in Virginia
Marquis de Lafayette recruited him as a spy for the Continental Army
Contributed to the victory at Yorktown

26. Haym Salomon Jewish immigrant to America
Helped finance the Revolutionary War
Arrested by the British as a spy
Used by the British as an interpreter for their German troops
Helped American prisoners escape and encouraged German soldiers to desert the British army
Was a business man who helped with the finances of the war.

27. Victory at Yorktown Final battle of the Revolutionary War
The battle lasted for weeks
The surrender of General Cornwallis brought an end to the war

28. Treaty of Paris 1783 Independence formally recognized by Britain
New borders established
North to Canada
West to the Mississippi River