The American Revolution

  Turn to the next page in your notebook. Title it: American Revolution: Strengths and Weaknesses  Then, divide the paper into 4 squares  Label with these subtitles:  British strengths  British weaknesses  American strengths  American weaknesses Setting up your paper

  You need to access a History Alive textbook and turn to Chapter 7, sections 2 and 3

  Recall: Lexington & Concord the first battle of the war (April 1775: over a year before the DOI)– a tie  Recall: Bunker Hill the 2 nd battle of the war (June 1775: again, over a year before the DOI)– a British victory  Recall: DOI approved 4 July 1776– officially declares a war b/c the colonies declare their independence Important Events of the War

  New York; October 1777  Up until this battle, the colonists’ cause looked hopeless  Colonists win this battle  France entered the war on the side of the Colonists as a result of Saratoga  The French supplied money, men, weapons and warships Turning Point: Battle of Saratoga

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania December 1777

  history/videos/george-washingtons-life-changing- battle#george-washingtons-life-changing-battle history/videos/george-washingtons-life-changing- battle#george-washingtons-life-changing-battle

  In late 1777, the British had captured both New York and Philadelphia.  Washington’s Continental Army made camp at Valley Forge for it’s strategic location between Philadelphia and the new headquarters of the Continental Congress.  The winter was very harsh and the Continental Congress was not providing even basic supplies to the troops.  Washington shared the hardships of his troops and won their respect.  Today you will read journal and letter excerpts from officers and soldiers written during their 4 months of encampment at Valley Forge. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania December 1777

 Valley Forge Primary Source Analysis  Read 6 Primary Source documents written by 3 members of the Continental Army, describing their experiences that winter at Valley Forge.  Read the document aloud.  Analyze what the author is saying.  Consider these questions in your discussion: 1.Who is the author? 2.What was his duty at Valley Forge? 3.What are the conditions that the soldiers are experiencing at Valley Forge? 4.What are the feelings and attitudes of the author about these experiences? 5.What does this document reveal to you about the time period?  Write your Document Analysis answers.  Sketch your visualization. No stick figures. At least 5 details.

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  The Colonists officially “won” the war at Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781  The Colonists’ victory in this battle– and in the war– was due to French involvement  It would take another 2 years for the peace treaty to be negotiated Surrender: Yorktown

  The Treaty of Paris officially ended the Revolutionary War  Major outcomes of the treaty negotiations: United States of America was granted official recognition New borders for USA: Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River, Great Lakes to Florida All British troops were to leave USA Loyalists could return to USA and not be prosecuted Treaty of Paris (1783)

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The United States of America laid down from the best authorities, agreeable to the Peace of (Published in London, 1783.)

  Who appeared to be the likely WINNER of the war?  WHY?

  Given that we know the outcome of the war…and that we know the differences in strengths and weaknesses… why did the Americans win? What factors were most important?