A New Nation at WAR!! The Revolutionary War begins as Minutemen in Massachusetts exchange shots at Lexington & Concord with the REDCOATS.

Americans pick sides Patriots-Believed in complete independence from Britain Provided troops for the army. Loyalists or Tories-remained loyal to Britain based on cultural & economic ties. Believed taxation was necessary for protection.

A Declaration of Freedom 1776! “WE hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”“Government gets its power from the people” If a government violates these rights; “abolish it and institute a new government .” Thomas Jefferson

Ethan Allen & the Green Mountain Boys Ethan Allen is best known for the capture of Fort Ticonderoga at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War and his leadership of the Green Mountain Boys.

The Battle of Great Bridge on December 9, 1775 MAJOR BATTLES Resulted in the capture of Norfolk by the Americans and the complete destruction of Norfolk on January 1, 1776. The Battle ended the rule of the British Crown in Virginia. Loyalists fled with the British.

Major Battles Dec. 26th 1776-Battle of Trenton Washington crossed the Delaware River and surprises the Hessians to get weapons. The American victory was the first of the war, and helped to restore American morale.

Ben Franklin asks the French for Help! Congress sent Franklin to France in December, 1776 to secure French aid for the Revolution.

Battle of Saratoga Colonial victory that marked the turning point of the war. Convinced France and Spain to aid the rebels One quarter of the British forces in North America thus surrendered, and, while many battles were yet to be fought, American Independence was assured.

Trouble at Valley Forge Dec. 1777-78 Colonists suffered through a brutal winter at Valley Forge Thomas Paine writes “the CRISIS” urging people to support the war and fight for Liberty. “ “These are the times that try a man’s soul!”

Victory at Sea! September 23, 1779-John Paul Jones defeats a British warship in the North Sea. When asked to surrender; Jones declared," Surrender NEVER, I have not begun to fight."

American TRAITOR General Benedict Arnold conspired to turn his command of West Point over to the British in exchange for a British commission and money.

Battle of Yorktown, VA 1781

VICTORY at Yorktown, VA 1781 America got help from the French Navy at the Battle of Yorktown and was able to force Cornwallis to surrender.

Help from France French nobleman who helped the Americans at Yorktown Marquis de Lafayette

Treaty of Paris Signed- 1783 On September 3, 1783, a peace treaty was formally signed between Great Britain and the United States. This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War.

Help from Everyone BLACKS WOMEN About 5,000 Wives had to handle Served in the Continental Army. Some slaves escaped to the North. WOMEN Wives had to handle the family business Mend Clothing Made ammunition Cooked for troops Some served in Combat

Factors Leading to America’s Victory 1. The British government grew tired of the struggle. 2. Benjamin Franklin negotiated a Treaty of Alliance with France. 3. The leadership of Washington British underestimated the colonists strong desire to be FREE.