STARTER Who do you think fired the first shot a Lexington and Concord, the British or the Colonists?

The American Revolution, pt.2 09/22/14 Unit 1

Struggling Toward Saratoga After Lexington and Concord The colonists had declared independence. The colonists are divided. The Continental Army was stationed Valley Forge for the winter(outside Philadelphia). Many died (2,500) due to harsh winter weather. The British were located in Philadelphia.

The British had previously retreated from Boston in March 1776, moving the war to the Middle Atlantic States. The British plan is to stop the rebellion by isolating New England, so they seize New York City.

Defeat in New York British General William Howe and Admiral Howe sailed into the New York Harbor in the Summer of 1776 with 32,000 soldiers along with German soldiers. Washington had 23,000 men. Outnumbered, untrained and poor equipment Late August the battle for NY ended, the Americans retreated. Late Fall the British had pushed Washington’s Army across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. HE had 8,000 men left some men left some deserted or had been killed or capture.

Crossing the Delaware: The Battle of Trenton 1776, Christmas night, Washington and 2,400 men in small rowboats crossed the Delaware River. 8 O’clock the next morning they arrived at Trenton, New Jersey which was held by the German soldiers (Hessians). Washington and his small army attacked them by surprise killing 30 and capturing 918 and seizing six cannons. Another victory was gained against the British stationed at Princeton. Washington and his Army went to a Winter Camp near Morristown Northern New Jersey.

The Fight for Philadelphia Spring 1777 – General Howe began his campaign to seize the American capital at Philadelphia. The Continental Congress fled the city. Washington and his troops was unsuccessfully at blocking the British. General Howe settled in Philadelphia with the hospitality of the loyalist.

Victory at Saratoga British General John Burgoyne joined his troops with General Howe’s troops. The Continental Congress appointed General Horatio Gates to command the Northern Dept. of the Continental Army. The British and the Continental Army clashed with Burgoyne losing several hundred men. American troops surround Burgoyne at Saratoga where Burgoyne and his troops surrendered on October 17, 1777.

A Turning Point In the War French were still upset with the British after they were defeated in the French and Indian War. The French sent weapons to the Patriots since early The Victory at Saratoga caused the French to trust in the American Army and they agreed to support the Revolution – French recognized the American Independence and signed an alliance or treaty of cooperation. The terms were that the French would not make peace with Britain unless they recognized American Independence.

Winning the War British move their operations to the South. British claim early victories in South Carolina. Washington orders Nathaniel Greene to go after Cornwallis. General Howe was replaced with General Cornwallis; the British troops and Cornwallis retreat from the Carolinas to Yorktown. American and French troops move into Yorktown; British troops surrender with Cornwallis raising the white flag at Yorktown. October 19, 1781 – Washington and the French generals accept British surrender.

Seeking Peace: The Treaty of Paris – peace talks begins in Paris. Representatives from four nations attended: U.S., France, Great Britain and Spain. The continental Congress chose John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay of N.Y. to negotiate. They demanded that Britain recognize American Independence; the British agreed and the talks officially opens. Sept the Treaty of Paris was signed.

Impact of the War Egalitarianism – belief in the equality of all people; only applied to White males. America set out to build a stable government of the people. Unsolved matters – the protection of lands belonging to Native Americans. A timetable for British Evacuation of their American forts.

Military Strengths and Weakness Great Britain Strengths Strong, well-trained army and navy Strong central government with available funds Support of colonial Loyalists and Native Americans Weakness Large distance separating Britain from battlefields Troops unfamiliar with terrain Weak military leaders Sympathy of certain British politicians for the American cause

Military Strengths and Weakness United States Strengths Familiarity of home ground Leadership of George Washington and other officers Inspiring cause of the independence Weaknesses Most soldiers untrained and undisciplined Shortage of food and ammunition Inferior navy No central government to enforce wartime policies.

Videos Lexington and Concord Crossing the Delaware Battle of Saratoga