Revolutionary War Patriots vs. Loyalists ~20% Loyal to GB ~20% Strong Patriots ~60% Undecided Americans are much more successful at convincing people of their cause Used – publicity (Common Sense), violence, and humiliation.

Gambling on the Win        

Military strength (strongest in the world at the time British Strengths Military strength (strongest in the world at the time Professional and well-trained troops $$$$$ British Weaknesses Fighting a war far from home (supplies take a long time to arrive) Geographic vastness of the colonies Had to defeat the Americans AND convince them to abandon independence

$$$$ (would not be able to feed, clothe, and supply troops) American Weaknesses $$$$ (would not be able to feed, clothe, and supply troops) Lack of military experience American Strengths Home field advantage and knowledge of the land GLORIOUS CAUSE: fighting for liberty, independence, and the right to self-rule Help from the French (comes later)

George Washington Leader of the Continental Army

Marquis de Lafayette French advisor to Washington Major general in colonial army

Battle of Trenton Surprise attack on group of Hessians in Trenton NJ Dec 24, 1776 Washington sailed his men across the Delaware River Surprise attack on group of Hessians in Trenton NJ Washington men captured 900 Hessian troops 1200 weapons w/o losing a single man Boosted American morale and inspired men to enlist in Continental Army

Battle of Princeton (1777) About 10 days later… Washington defeats a British regiment No surprise attack here Trenton & Princeton increase morale for Americans…who were on a losing streak

Valley Forge (1777-78) No battle just horrible winter, Penn. Continental army against ropes No food, no supplies Many quit and die over diseases Washington NEVER left his men!!! Baron von Steuben steps in to help Washington

Baron von Steuben At Valley Forge he trains what’s left of the Continental army into a fierce fighting force Troops go from near death to ready to fight This group of men will be the core ones that win the last few battle for American in the end

Battle of Saratoga (1777) October 7, 1777 - Saratoga, NY GB general surrendered his entire troops - 400 killed, 695 wounded, 6,222 captured (compared to just 300 casualties for the Americans) *TURNING POINT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR* After this victory, the French are convinced to enter the war on the side of the Americans and sign the Treaty of Alliance (1778) France recognized USA as a independent nation

Battle of Yorktown (1781) October 19, 1781 - Yorktown, VA Last major battle of Revolutionary War George Washington’s men with assistance of French forces secured surrender of British General Charles Cornwallis The capture of 8,000 British troops turned the British public against war and peace negotiations begin several months later.

Treaty of Paris (1783) Signed September 3, 1783 formally ended the American Revolution ▪ Britain recognizes America as a country ▪ Mississippi River is western border of US Nov. 24, 1783 - last British troops leave New York City USA promise to repay debts to Great Britian Promised not to punish Loyalists who chose to remain in USA

Treaty of Paris (1783)