Chapter 6: The American Revolution Lesson 1: The War for Independence

The Two Armies Face Off

Once the war began, both the Americans and British thought it would be a short conflict.

The British thought they could crush the colonies. The Patriots thought the British would give up after losing a battle or two. The British thought they could crush the colonies.

Advantages Well-trained, experienced army Very powerful navy Larger population Wealth of a world-wide empire Fighting on their home ground Fought with determination to protect their land More at stake—their independence An unmatchable George Washington

Disadvantages Fighting in a far away land Hired, fighting for money Had to ship troops and supplies across the Atlantic Ocean Lacked a regular, experienced, strong army or navy Militia fought for a short time before returning home Short supply of weapons and ammunition Not all Americans supported the war

1 in 5, maybe as many as 1 in 3 Americans were loyalists Loyalists were strongest in Southern colonies, weakest in New England Supported Britain for different reasons: Members of Anglican church Depended on Britain for jobs Feared disorder Didn’t understand the commotion

Enslaved Africans were offered their freedom by both sides if they joined. Many would join the war, in hopes of earning their freedom. Many who joined the Loyalists would settle in Canada and Sierra Leone, Africa after the war was over.

Struggle to get behind Continental Congress Felt like 13 different wars Hard to get states to recruit new soldiers Needed a well-trained army Continental Army served one year at a time, despite Washington wanting three years.

Many women joined the effort as soldiers or nurses. Molly Pitcher Deborah Sampson Margaret Corbin Many women joined the effort as soldiers or nurses.

Early Gains

General William Howe sends 32,000 troops to New York.

General Howe and the British Army pushed George Washington and the American troops out of New York and into Pennsylvania. This was a huge blow to the Continental Army. They almost collapsed as many soldiers left for home or ran away. Washington pleaded with Congress for more troops.

In the Battle of Long Island, Nathan Hale is discovered as a spy and is executed. “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” –Nathan Hale

In the winter of 1776-77, the Continental Army almost collapsed as many soldiers left for home or ran away. African American soldiers began joining the Continental Army to raise its numbers. Over 5,000 joined from all states except South Carolina.

Lameul Hayes Peter Salem Lameul Hayes and Peter Salem were African Americans who joined the Continental Army.

On December 25th, 1776, George Washington took 2,400 Continental troops across the Delaware River and surprised 900 Hessians! This was a huge boost in morale to the American troops.

The British troops sent reinforcements under Lord Charles Cornwallis, but Washington led his troops away from them and went to Princeton where they drove the British away. Washington captured the cities of Trenton and Princeton from the British.

British Strategy

By 1777, the British Army hoped to cut the New England colonies away from the Middle colonies to isolate them. General Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the colonial capital, before moving north. He spent the winter in Philadelphia instead.

In August, American troops stopped St In August, American troops stopped St. Leger from advancing to Fort Stanwix, New York. The Americans, led by Benedict Arnold, forced the British to retreat. General Burgoyne’s army was not making much progress, but they did capture Fort Ticonderoga. After being defeated by the Green Mountain Boys in Vermont, General Burgoyne turns to go attack Saratoga in New York.

This was a huge turning point in the war. (**Support at Saratoga!**) In the “Battle of Saratoga”, General Burgoyne is surrounded by American forces and is forced to surrender over 5,700 soldiers to the Continental Army. This was a huge turning point in the war. (**Support at Saratoga!**) http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-saratoga/videos/battle-of-saratoga-turns-the-tide?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false