The American Revoltion Unit 2 Notes 1

The American Revolution

John Locke Natural Rights What are they? 1. Life 2. Liberty 3. Property

John Locke Social Contract Theory Citizens have the rights to replace their government if it is failing

Montesquieu Best form of government = separation of powers 3 branches of government

Which U.S. document states.. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

The War for Independence

Lexington and Concord April 1775 First military fighting of the Revolution

British Troops Numerous Well-trained Well-equipped

Continental Army Inexperienced Poorly equipped How to raise money for the war?

Patriots/Loyalists

Northern Campaign Washington lost New York City (1776) Loss at Battle of White Plains (Oct 1776)

Quote, Thomas Paine “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

Crossing the Delaware Dec. 25, 1776 Washington crossed the Delaware River Victory at Trenton and Princeton

What challenges did Washington face with the Continental Army?

Saratoga (June 1777) American victory in NY Turning point of the war France entered on the side of the US

Valley Forge Winter soldiers died

Quote, Valley Forge “Our troops are in general almost naked and very often in a starving condition. All my men except 18 are unfit for duty for want of shoes, stockings and shirts... Poor Jack has been necessitated to make up his blanket into a vest and breeches. If I did not fear starving with cold I should be tempted to do the same.”

Foreign Military Leaders Marquis de Lafayette Baron von Steuben

General Cornwallis Cornwallis – arrived as the British leader in the South Expected Tories (Loyalists) to support them

Yorktown (1781) Cornwallis invaded VA after defeats in NC and SC French navy arrived Oct – British surrender

War in the South,

Treaty of Paris John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Signed in 1783

Treaty of Paris