Revolutionary War also known as the War for Independence The Americans fought against the British army and navy for their independence. The Loyalists were on Britain’s side. Britain soldiers a.k.a (Redcoats) The Patriots were the Americans who fought for independence.

The two battles that led to the American Revolution… The battle of Lexington The battle of Concord

Americans were fighting for their independence from Britain!

Second Continental Congress Met in Philadelphia Sam Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and John Hancock attended It created an army and navy and appointed George Washington to be commander in chief of the Continental Army.

Problems the American Army had: The army needed food and supplies. The soldiers were getting sick. The soldiers were not trained to fight. The soldiers did not have uniforms, or special army clothes.

Battles (just a few of the battles): Battle of Bunker Hill – (1775) British won Battle at Trenton – (1776) Americans won Battle at Saratoga – (1777) Americans won Battle at Charleston – (1780) British won Battle at Yorktown –(1781)Americans won The 13 colonies finally won their independence from Great Britain. 1783 peace treaty became final... a.k.a. Treaty of Paris

Battle of Bunker Hill

American’s Important People Marquis de Lafayette – a rich, Frenchman. He hired French soldiers to come with him to America. Friedrich von Steuben – German soldier who came to teach George Washington how to get his soldiers to fight better. Francis Marion – Swamp Fox; fought in SC

Britain’s Important People Important American Woman General Cornwallis- marched his armies toward Yorktown, he surrendered 1781 to the Americans. Important American Woman Molly Pitcher – brought water to the soldiers; real name (Mary Ludwig Hayes)

Battle of Yorktown

Women helped during the war: Ran shops and farms Raised money for the war Sewed shirts and knitted socks for the soldiers Spies and messengers Loaded cannons and brought water

Why Americans Won: All of Britain’s supplies had to come by ship All of Britain’s army bases had to be by the sea Americans were fighting on their own soil Americans were fighting for liberty, which is dear to their hearts Americans had important help from the French Americans had respected leaders