American Fight for Independence

Second Continental Congress 1776 Colonies met again Chose George Washington as Commander-in-chief of the army

George Washington Good choice as commander-in-chief Brave and wise leader Had been a general in the British army He is one reason the Americans win the war

Boston 1776 The British beat the Americans attack on Boston in 1775 This was the Battle of Bunker Hill Washington arrived Regrouped the army – brought order Attacked the British army in Boston again March 1776 Britain leave Boston Americas first victory

‘Common Sense’ 1776 Many colonists still didn’t want full independence Still felt loyal to Britain Thomas Paine’s pamphlet ‘Common Sense’ Condemned the British rule in America Called for complete American Independence And he was British! Convinced many Americans to want independence

Declaration of Independence The Continental Congress declared independence Jefferson wrote a famous declaration Called King George a Tyrant And that America was justified in calling independence Remember, the Enlightenment Document passed on 4th July 1776 Independence Day!!

New York 1776 British winning war Beat Washington in New York British army was stronger, better weapons More disciplined Had fresh supplies of soldiers crossing the Atlantic

Valley Forge 1776-77 The British now captured Philadelphia Washington’s army forced to spend winter in Valley Forge Trapped Starving and freezing Many men die But Washington stays with them Trains the army into better discipline, more professional Trained by Baron Von Steuber

Turning Point Americans win Battle at Saratoga France want revenge on Britain Realise Americans have a chance Decide to join the war on Americas side This will help America win

French Help Very important for 3 reasons French navy disrupted British supplies across Atlantic French provided disciplined soldiers and weapons British army had to split to protect other British colonies in the world – Why? Afraid France would attack them  

Yorktown Oct 1781 Americans surrounded British army at Yorktown French army stopped British reinforcement Lord Grenwallis in charge of British army Surrendered War of Independence over America had won

Why America Won Leadership of Washington French help American tactics – often used guerilla tactics

US Constitutioni Document that sets out how country is run Republic – no king Democracy – first modern one!

Consequences of American Rev Americans had defeated a huge empire and won independence – these revolutionary ideas would spread to other countries (France and Ireland) America was a democracy – people had the power – no king – this idea spread. Idea of equality and liberty influenced France – French soldiers who had fought came back with these American ideals Caused the French Revolution because of the popularity of the ideas and also because it left French King bankrupt