Chapter 6 The American Revolution
- 1. The American Revolution Chapter 6 pp. 166 - 197
- 2. Section 1: Fighting Begins in the North Even while Congress tried to make peace with Britain, fighting began in New England.
- 3. Peace or War? At the 2 nd Continental Congress, the delegates tried to avoid war by sending King George the Olive Branch Petition. The King refused and sent 20,000 troops to crush the rebellion.
- 4. Green Mountain Boys Ethan Allen led an attack on Fort Ticonderoga in Vermont to steal cannons from the British.
- 5. What is and Who were “Patriots”? Patriots : the colonists who favored war with the British. What made someone a Patriot during the American Revolution? What makes someone a Patriot today?
- 6. Opposing Sides… Patriots + Good with firearms , many owned their own. + Strong leadership (George Washington) + The will to defend their homes/property + Knew the land well because they lived here --------------------------- - Lack of experience , not as organized British + Well trained and experienced + Excellent Navy + Had support of many colonists ------------------------------ - Far from home (news and supplies) - Did not know the land as well as their opposition.
- 7. Fight for Boston Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) June 16 th , 1775 Colonists first held Bunker Hill, but went to Breed’s Hill for better position. 1200 Colonial Militia vs. 2400 British Regulars After 3 attempts the British took Breed’s Hill (and Bunker Hill) 1000 British and 400 Colonial casualties
- 8. Section 2: The Colonies Declare Independence In July 1776, the colonies declared independence from Britain.
- 9. Common Sense by Thomas Paine Common Sense was Paine’s attempt to break some colonists’ loyalty to Britain. Stated that monarchy was wrong Colonies did not “owe” anything to Britain Staying under British control was bad for the colonies
- 10. Congress declares independence… Hard decision for Congress… they would be traitors to England and executed. Decided to have Thomas Jefferson draft a document that… Declared the colonies “ free and independent states.” Signed by the Continental Congress. JULY 4, 1776
- 11. The Declaration of Independence Parts of the Declaration Preamble: An Introduction Natural Rights: Rights that belong to all people from birth Wrongs done by The King : Justification for the Revolution Colonies Declare Independence : A formal statement of independence
- 12. Section 3: Struggles in the Middle States After a series of Patriot defeats, an American victory at Saratoga marked a major turning point in the Revolution
- 13. Battle of Long Island British - General William Howe Continentals – Gen. George Washington Summer 1776 on Long Island, New York British had a both land and sea forces and outnumbered the Americans by a lot. Washington’s forces fought into the fall but kept losing ground. A captured spy, Nathan Hale, said “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Washington suffered 1,400 casualties and had to retreat to Pennsylvania.
- 14. Battle of Trenton (Princeton) British – General Charles Cornwallis Continentals – Gen. George Washington December 26, 1776 – January 2, 1777 in Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey Washington crossed the Delaware river and ambushed Hessian Mercenaries at Trenton. Cornwallis saw campfires at Princeton, but they were part of a trap set by Washington. Victories gave Americans new hope .
- 15. Washington Crossing the Delaware How is the picture inspirational? How might it have inspired the colonials?
- 16. Battle of Saratoga British – General John Burgoyne Continentals – None listed (Green Mountain Boys were there) October, 1777 at Saratoga, New York Burgoyne recaptured Ft. Ticonderoga while trying to cut off New England from the other colonies. Many British loses led to them being surrounded at Saratoga. Burgoyne surrendered all his troops. Considered the turning point in the Revolution France was convinced to become America’s ally .
- 17. Camp at Valley Forge
- 18. Section 4: Fighting for Liberty on Many Fronts During the Revolution, Americans fought for liberty on many fronts and in many ways.
- 19. Summary of 6.4 Women: Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. Mary Ludwig Hayes (AKA “Molly Pitcher”) carried water to soldiers in battle. African Americans: Washington allowed eventually let free African-Americans fight. The American Navy let A.A. join from the start. Had many jobs including spies, drummers, and guides Many runaway slaves join the British The War on the Western Frontier: Native Americans fought mostly with the British. Fighting at Sea: John Paul Jones captured the British ship Serapis .
- 20. Section 5: Winning the War in the South After the British surrendered at Yorktown, Britain recognized the United States as an independent country .
- 21. Battle of Cowpens British - General Charles Cornwallis Continentals – Generals Nathanael Green and Daniel Morgan January 1781 at Cowpens, South Carolina Greene used local geography to gain an advantage . Morgan used a false retreat to ambush the British lines. “ Swamp Fox” Francis Marion used guerilla tactics. Americans won, setting up an advance up to Yorktown.
- 22. Battle of Yorktown British – General Charles Cornwallis Continentals – Gen. George Washington Spring through October 1781 in and around Yorktown, Virginia The Americans surrounded the British on land, while the French surrounded them at sea, creating a siege (land) and blockade (water). Without supplies, Cornwallis had to surrender. Last major battle of the American Revolution.
- 23. Tying It All Together… How did the untrained Continental Forces defeat the professional army and mercenaries of the British? (think of Rebels and Redcoats!) What about the words “Patriotism” and “Morale”?