American Revolution (Part 2) Washington Crossing the Delaware

The Second Continental Congress created a new Continental Army unlike the militias because they would come from all the colonies and be career military men. George Washington – was selected General in Chief of the new army (partly due to his leadership in the French and Indian War) He displayed extraordinary leadership abilities in this role.

George Washington Reorganized the army from the militias Secured additional equipment and supplies Started a military training program for volunteers to turn inexperienced soldiers into a professional army.

The Continental Soldier’s Life Enlistments were from 1 to 3 years They were not paid on a regular basis and usually earned small wages Insufficient housing for troops (spent most of the time in camps) Supplies of food, clothing, and equipment were scarce Stern discipline Constant threat of death or injury Morale was generally low (esp. with Britain’s early victories in the war)

Washington’s Greatest Victories Battles of Trenton and Princeton – Christmas night in 1776, Washington crossed the Delaware River to stage a surprise attack on a Hessian fort at Trenton. Hessians – German mercenaries (hired soldiers) who fought for Britain

Crossing the Delaware in the Snowstorm Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze

Significance of the Crossing Washington’s victory at Trenton and nearby Princeton where he defeated Lord Cornwallis helped to turn the tide in the Revolutionary War. These victories proved to Britain and the colonies that they could fight as well as an experienced European army. It boosted morale when the colonies gained control of New Jersey.

Washington’s Worst Moments Valley Forge -- After the British took over the capital city of Philadelphia, Washington and his troops were forced to spend the winter of at nearby Valley Forge. The soldiers were cold, hungry, and without adequate provisions during this entire winter. Disease spread rapidly through the camp.

Valley Forge Colonial army spent 6 months there and as the conditions worsened, almost 4,000 soldiers became too weak or ill to fight. Washington responded by ordering an intense training program (boot camp) that helped ensure future victories for the patriots.

Battle of Saratoga Turning point of the Revolutionary War Huge victory for colonists over the British troops in New York (the British headquarters) THE FRENCH BECAME OUR ALLY AFTER THIS BATTLE (helped us win the war)

Benjamin Franklin Served as a diplomat (ambassador) to France and convinced them to form a military alliance with the Colonists. France agreed to help us until Britain was defeated and America was independent. Faced with war with France, Britain was unable to use all their military strength against the colonies.

Importance of French Alliance Without the French assistance the colonies most likely would have lost the war They kept Britain from sending all their troops to the colonies Helped to train the colonial soldiers (with generals such as Marquis de Lafayette who also worked with Franklin and the French monarchs in deciding how to best win the war) Helped the colonists trap Cornwallis at Yorktown

The French were waiting on two things before they would help the colonists. 1.Declaration of Independence – to change the conflict from a civil conflict (war within one country) 2.Proof that the colonies had a chance of winning – Battle of Saratoga proved this (They did not want to be on the losing side of a conflict with Britain again)

Declaration of Independence Established by the Second Continental Congress Written by Thomas Jefferson who borrowed many ideas from John Locke Was intended to be a declaration to the world not just England (in hopes of gaining allies) Written so that others would sympathize with the colonies Gave the philosophical and legal reasons for independence from Britain

John Locke’s Beliefs Social Contract Theory – individuals are willing to give up some of their rights in order to form a necessary government Natural Rights – rights that are given to all by God and can never be taken away even by a government Purpose of Government – to protect these rights Governmental Power – comes from the consent of the governed (who can get rid of the governments they do not approve)

Battle of Yorktown War moved to the south with General Cornwallis leading the British Following several British victories, Cornwallis was defeated at the Battle of Cowpens in SC Cornwallis tried to pursue the colonial army but was trapped at Yorktown, VA by Washington, Lafayette, Rochambeau, and Admiral De Grasse He was forced to surrender (last major battle)

Treaty of Paris (1783) Ended the American Revolution U.S. was granted its independence and gained control of the lands east of the Mississippi River Spain was granted Florida France was granted a few African and Caribbean colonies