The American Revolution (1775-1783) J.A.SACCO

On the Eve of the Revolution ? Britain Americans Advantages ? Disadvantages

Loyalist Strongholds

Washington’s Headaches Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the other third were Loyalists, and the final third were neutral]. State/colony loyalties. Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben.

Exports & Imports: 1768-1783

Military Strategies The Americans The British Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line]. Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent war  you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down] Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. Break the colonies in half by getting between the No. & the So. Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. “Divide and Conquer”  use the Loyalists.

WAR IS INEVITABLE!!! After the British evacuate Boston in March 1776, several factors make a peaceful solution impossible Br. Destruction of Boston after evacuation Br. Use Hessians as mercenaries/ stir up Native American resistance on frontier Must declare independence if going to get assistance from a France King not address Olive Branch Petition Publication of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

The Declaration of Independence (July 2, 1776)? All men are created equal- slaves? Unalienable rights? Purpose of government? Governments created by? When governments become unjust? Thomas Jefferson

Britain on the Offensive-1776 After the Declaration of Independence, Br. land 30,000 men in the colonies. The British capture NY after the Battle of Long Island and force Washington across the Hudson River into NJ and then into Pa.

Washington Crossing the Delaware Dec.26,1776 Washington wins two major battles at Trenton Dec.26, 1776 and then Princeton on Jan.3, 1777.

Saratoga:1777 “Turning Point” of the War? Br. Gen. John Burgoyne trapped by American forces under Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold

NY and PA- 1777-1778 Britain attacks Phil. in Sept. 1777 and wins key victories at Brandywine and Germantown. Washington spends winter at Valley Forge. For the next three years, there are no major battles.

Britain’s “Southern Strategy” Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South. Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving. The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside Good US General: Nathanial Greene

The Southern Strategy [1780-1781]

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) Count de Rochambeau Admiral De Grasse

Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown: “The World Turned Upside Down!” Painted by John Trumbull, 1797

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783