©2010, TESCC

War for Independence

“Gentlemen may cry peace, peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! … I know not what course others may take. But as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry A Patriot who supported independence

American colonial militia members who were supposed to be ready to fight at a minute’s notice Minutemen

Paul Revere was a messenger who rode to the towns to warn colonists of British advance toward Concord.

Battle of Lexington “The shot heard round the world”

Battle of Concord The British retreated to Boston.

©2010, TESCC Battles of Lexington & Concord st battles British soldiers hoped to capture Patriot weapons in Concord News of fighting angered and shocked the colonists

2 nd Continental Congress They reacted to news of fighting by deciding to create a Continental Army. George Washington was appointed to command the army.

Battle of Bunker Hill The Patriots were defeated.

©2010, TESCC Battle of Bunker Hill 1775 British victory British suffered more than 1,000 casualties Proved the Americans could fight bravely

George Washington The siege on Boston was successful because Washington used surrounding hills for attacks and for defense.

Some American military leaders wanted to invade British Canada and make it the “14 th colony.”

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” …..Nathan Hale

General Washington and 2,400 troops crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776.

©2010, TESCC Battle of Trenton 1776 The Patriots captured 900 Hessian soldiers, foreign soldiers from Germany The victory boosted the Patriots spirits!

Saratoga

Battle of Saratoga Benedict Arnold led a bold charge forcing the British army to retreat.

©2010, TESCC Battle of Saratoga 1777 Considered a “turning point” in the American Revolution Was the greatest win yet for the Americans Greatly boosted morale of the Patriots Led to increased foreign support for the Revolution

Foreign Support America formed an alliance with France for military support America also received help from Spain

Foreign Support Marquis de Lafayette, a Frenchman, fought for the Patriots because he believed in the Patriot’s cause.

Valley Forge – Winter of The Patriots suffered from food and clothing shortages. More than one-fifth of the soldiers died.

Baron Friedrich von Steuben, A Prussian army officer, improved discipline within the troops. He assisted Washington in teaching the troops basic military skills.

Captain John Paul Jones was a successful Navy officer.

Francis Marion was called the “Swamp Fox” because of his hit and run attacks.

Yorktown

British General Cornwallis surrendered his troops at Yorktown, Virginia. Battle of Yorktown

©2010, TESCC Battle of Yorktown 1781 Last battle of the Revolution American victory won by combined French and American forces General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington

©2010, TESCC Treaty of Paris of 1783 Officially ended the American Revolution Forced Britain to recognize American independence Established national borders of the United States

©2010, TESCC Why did America win? Americans fought on their own territory Americans got support and supplies from France and Spain Americans had a strong belief in the cause of independence

©2010, TESCC Independence is Won!