1. Revolution 1775 - 1783

2. The Original 13 - 1775

3. 1.a. Prelude To Independence  May 1775  The Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia  They are moving towards independence  Managing a war effort – who will lead?  George Washington – why? Not why you may think…  (1) He was from Virginia, the most populous colony and people from the southern colonies didn’t like the influence the northern colonies had.  (2) He was already wealthy and wouldn’t be motivated by seeking money.

4. George Washington

5. Second Continental Congress

6. 1.b. Prelude To Independence  July 1775  The Olive Branch Petition – professes American loyalty to King George III to prevent further hostility…he didn’t accept  August 1775  King George formally proclaims the colonies in rebellion  Any fighting was considered treason – punishable by hanging  October 1775 – The colonists attempt to invade British-ruled Canada in hopes of securing a 14 th colony  The invasion of Canada contradicted the Olive Branch Petition and shows that the colonists were not merely fighting a defensive war against Britain.

7. 1.c. Prelude To Independence  1776  Thomas Paine, a former corset-maker  Wrote a 47 page essay that would start a fire in colonies  INDEPENDENCE  Common Sense was important because it awakened the Americans to the brutality of Britain. It also called for independence and a republican government.

8. 2. Declaration of Independence  With the failure of the Olive Branch Petition, the Continental Congress asks Thomas Jefferson to draft a formal declaration of independence.  Jefferson was a Virginia lawyer  Young, only 33 when he wrote the Declaration  The rationale: The colonies are justified in breaking their ties with Britain because of the tyrannical misdeeds of King George III.  The colonists are no longer British subjects, but Americans.  Its impact would go far beyond the United States.  Considered one of the greatest writings in human history.  Not perfectly moral though, since Jefferson says “all men are created equal” while owning tons of slaves.

9. 3. The Military History of the War  The war is divided into three phases  1) Patriot Strongholds in Boston – 1775 - 76  2) New York / Pennsylvania Campaigns – the British attempt to separate the northern and southern colonies along the Hudson River – 1776 - 78  3) The Southern Campaign ending with the British defeat in the Battle of Yorktown, VA - 1778 – 81

10. 3. The Military History of the War  1) Gen. William Howe – defeated Washington in the Battle of Long Island (NY) in 1776.  2) Gen. John Burgoyne – Defeated by Continentals in the Battle of Saratoga.  3) Valley Forge – Washington and his men camped here in late 1777 for a miserable winter but received much needed training from Baron Von Steuben.  4) Saratoga – Continental victory. A major turning point of the war as it caught France’s attention.

11. 3. The Military History of the War  5) Nathaniel Greene – Wore down Lord Cornwallis in the Carolina Campaign.  6) Lord Charles Cornwallis – successful British general in the south; but was eventually cornered in Yorktown (1781).

12. 4. The Treaty of Paris 1783  The war is over – 1783  John Adams – the main negotiator at the Paris peace talks with Britain  Britain was very generous…why?  They wanted to give America a great deal of independence so they won’t be so quick to be close allies with France.