Winning the American Revolution

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: Why is Saratoga so important within the American Revolution? Why did Burgoyne face so many difficulties? 2. Notes: America wins the Revolution (20) 3. Yorktown Video Clip (10) 4. Revolutionary Timeline (15) 5. Loyalist vs Patriot: Aftereffects (10) 6. The story of Benedict Arnold (15)

The French help America Friedrich Von Steuban, a Prussian General helps Washington’s forces at Valley Forge Marquis de Lafayette also helps Washington’s forces, and works to ensure a French alliance with the Colonies.

The British Move South British forces move to Georgia after losing at Saratoga against Horatio Gates. Henry Clinton, a British General, along with Cornwallis would take Savannah and later Charles Town, SC by 1780. Over 5,000 Continental Soldiers taken prisoner. British forces were helped by slaves on plantations, most being promised freedom for working against the Colonists.

Southern Campaign and Losses As Cornwallis makes it into North Carolina, Patriot forces sever communication lines. Nathanial Greene, a Patriot, would fight against bands of men sent by Cornwallis, the most famous being at Cowpens. After a final battle at Guilford Courthouse cost Cornwallis ¼ of his troops, he moved into Virginia.

Yorktown Cornwallis makes his biggest mistake when he settles near Yorktown. It’s a peninsula, escape routes are limited. American and French forces head to Yorktown to take down Cornwallis and the remainder of the British forces. They block the harbor to prevent an escape by sea. After three weeks of battle, Cornwallis surrenders on October 17th, 1781. Official surrender occurs on the 19th.

Peace and the Future Peace talks begin in 1782, with four major countries represented. Britain wanted to avoid allowing America independence. France, supported independence, but wanted influence in North America. Spain, wanted land between Appalachian Mts and the Mississippi River. America, wanted their Colonies. When the treaty was signed in 1783, we gained all land East of the Mississippi.

What about the Colonists? Egalitarianism becomes a dominant phrase for white males. It is not money that defines the individual, but their ability and virtue. Natives were uncertain, knowing the Americans would likely continue their taking of territory for their own use. Loyalists – People loyal to Britain Patriots – People loyal to America