2. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

3. Second Continental Congress (1775) Representatives from the colonies met in Philadelphia to discuss plans. Created Continental Army to prepare for war under the command of George Washington.

4. Declaration of Independence (1776) Written by Thomas Jefferson, in July 1776. Declared independence and created the United States of America. Purpose – Break ties & Create a new government – Create a government that would protect the rights and liberties of its citizens – Power comes from the people – Ideas don’t apply towards women, slaves, or Native Americans

5. Colonial Forces The Continental (Patriot) Army In the beginning, it was made up of farmers, frontiersmen, and townspeople who left their homes to fight the British. Many believed the war would be short. At first, they had to provide their own weapons, ammunition, and uniforms. Over time, they would be formed into regular units with uniforms and proper equipment.

6. ADVANTAGES: 1. They were fighting for their homes, families, lives, and freedom. 2. George Washington 3. They were fighting on their home ground. DISADVANTAGES: 1. Poorly trained army and no navy. 2. No $$ to fight a war. 3. Weak, inexperienced gov’t. 4. 2/3 of population were either Loyalists or didn’t care. 5. Poor equipment and lack of food. 6. Soldiers could leave at will. Continental Army

7. ADVANTAGES: 1. Professional army and navy. 2. Factories to make war materials. 3. $ to feed and supply an army. 4. Hessians and Indians on British side. DISADVANTAGES: 1. England’s supplies were across the ocean. 2. English soldiers were fighting because they were told to fight. 3. Land was large and unfamiliar. British

8. Major Battles Battle of New York 1776 Battle of Trenton 1776 Battle of Saratoga 1777 Battle of Yorktown 1781

9. Valley Forge – December 1777 “To see men without clothes... without blankets to lie upon, without shoes...without a house or hut to cover them until those could be built, and submitting without a murmur, is a proof of patience and obedience which, in my opinion, can scarcely be paralleled [matched].” - George Washington, quoted in George Washington: A Collection Soldiers built tents Some had no shirts or shoes Approximately 2000 men died of diseases and starvation; some froze to death

10. Help From Europe France and Spain helped the Patriots

11. War at Sea The French Navy helped the colonists. Continental Navy was formed and was in combat in early 1776 “I have not yet begun to fight!” John Paul Jones

12. Treaty of Paris (1783) The peace agreement between Great Britain and the United States – Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States