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Lexington & Concord and The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere The Redcoats are Coming!!!
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The First Continental Congress September 1774 – Met in Philadelphia – 56 Delegates Including John Adams and Samuel Adams Georgia – Only colony not to send a representative – Debated the best way to respond to the crisis taking place in Boston
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The First Continental Congress Outcomes – Delegates recommended that colonists continue to boycott British goods. – Assembled a list of 10 resolutions to present to the king. Declaration of Rights and Freedoms that the delegates believed colonists should possess – “Life, Liberty, and Property.” – Agreed to meet again in May 1775 if the King did not agree.
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Leading to Rebellion Tensions between the American colonists and the British soldiers got worse. British General Thomas Gage learned that two Patriot leaders, John Hancock and Samuel Adams were hiding out in the town of Lexington. He also learned that the Americans had been stockpiling weapons and military equipment in the town of Concord. He ordered approximately 800 British soldiers to arrest Hancock and Adams and seize the weapons.
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“One if by Land, Two if by Sea!” Paul Revere found out about General Gage’s plans and decided he needed to do something to help the Patriots. He would warn Hancock and Adams and the people of Concord. He arranged for friends to give a secret signal to let him know how the British troops would leave Boston. They were to put one lantern in the steeple of Old North Church if the British would be coming by land and two lanterns if they would be moving by sea. Finally Paul saw the signal… – two lanterns!
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Warning the Colonists On the other side of the river, Paul Revere and another patriot, William Dawes, rode in different directions to try and warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the British were on their way to arrest them. They also wanted to tell the colonists in the towns of Lexington and Concord that the British soldiers were on their way! The two men raced on their horses through the countryside, warning minutemen that the Regulars were coming!
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“The Regulars are out!” Paul rode his horse, Brown Beauty, into the night. When he reached the town of Lexington, he shouted warnings – “The regulars are out!” (The British are coming!) William Dawes arrived in the town soon after Paul. – They found the house where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying. – They warned them to leave or they would soon be arrested or killed.
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Adams’s Response Adams could barely control his excitement. “What a glorious morning this is!” – Adams was ready to fight for American Independence.
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Revere is Captured Paul and William Dawes met up with another Patriot, Dr. Samuel Prescott. – The three of them headed to Concord to warn of the British invasion. – They had not gone far before they were spotted by British soldiers. Dawes and Prescott escaped, but Paul was stopped. He managed to get away from the soldiers, but his horse was taken from him. – He had to walk back to Lexington, but he will always be remembered for his famous midnight ride. – Revere made it to Lexington in time to see the battle on the Lexington Green.
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Lexington April 19, 1775 – Fewer than 70 Minutemen gathered at the Village Green “Don’t fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!” – Captain John Parker – Suddenly a shot rang out.
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“The Shot Heard ‘Round The World!” No one knows who fired this “shot heard round the world”—but once the soldiers heard it, the fight began. – The Battle ended in 8 Minutes – Colonists had suffered 8 Dead 10 Wounded
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On To Concord… British moved to Concord to find weapons – Colonists had already removed them. – The British decided to set fire to the town buildings. “Will you let them burn the town down?” – Angry Colonist
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Colonists Fight Back As the British Retreated – Colonists used Guerilla Warfare-Minutemen Hiding behind trees and buildings. – Bright Red Coats were an easy target. British Reach Boston 50 Americans killed and 45 wounded or missing 65 British killed and 208 wounded or missing
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The American Revolution has Started!
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Henry Knox Major figure in American Independence, first Secretary of War, General in Continental Army, principal founder of U.S. Military Academy, co- founder of U.S. Navy.
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Nathanael Greene Revolutionary War General, studied law under Thomas Jefferson, led American forces in major battles, supreme commander of Continental Army in Sept., 1780; his battlefield strategy forced Cornwallis to Yorktown.
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General Charles Cornwallis General John Burgoyne Benedict Arnold William Howe All considered America one of the worst places to serve British Leaders
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Charles Cornwallis British general and colonial governor, served with distinction in American Revolution, won battle of Brandywine, captured Philadelphia in 1777 and Charleston in 1780, forced to surrender to Washington at Yorktown in 1781 ending the war.
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William Howe He led the British troops in attacking Breed's Hill Beat George Washington in the Battle of Brandywine and then he took over Philadelphia
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Benedict Arnold Early American hero of the Revolutionary War (1775-83) Played a crucial role in bringing about the surrender of British General John Burgoyne's (1722-92) army at Saratoga In 1779, he entered into secret negotiations with the British agreeing to turn over the U.S. post at West Point in return for money and a command in the British army. The plot was uncovered.
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France, Spain, Germany and Poland Hessian mercenaries from Germany The Marquis de Lafayette: Frenchman who supported American cause Huge percentage of American gunpowder came from France Other Key Players Marquis de Lafayette
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French citizen who joined Continental Army during Revolutionary War, ardent supporter of American Revolution, voted Major General by Continental Congress, commanded light division in Battle of Yorktown, close associate of George Washington.
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Other Key Players Bernardo De Galvez: Spanish lord in Mexico Baron Friedrich von Steuben: German military commander who helped train American troops Nathan Hale: American Spy “ I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
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Washington’s Headaches Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the other third were Loyalists, and the final third were neutral]. State/colony loyalties. Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army. Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben.
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Military Strategies Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line]. Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent war you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down] Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. The Americans The British Break the colonies in half by getting between the No. & the So. Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. “Divide and Conquer” use the Loyalists.
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British Strengths & Weaknesses Strengths: – Well-equipped, disciplined & trained army – World’s best navy – Help from loyalists, African-Americans, & Native Americans – Hired mercenaries: Germany Hessians Weaknesses: – War was not popular in GB – British citizens resented taxes to finance war – British sympathized with Americans – British fight in hostile territory – Leaders refused to adapt tactics to conditions in America
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American Strengths & Weaknesses Strengths: – Patriots fighting on own territory’ – Officers familiar with British fighting tactics – George Washington: great commander – French support Weaknesses: – Lacked well- supplied, equipped, stable fighting force – Never knew how many troops one had – Lack of supplies, money; blockaded
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Key Players in the War Patriots freedom from British control. Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Paine. 40 to 45 percent of the white population “Whigs” Loyalist not in favor of War About 15 to 20 percent of populatio n “Tories” or “Royalist” Neutralist Avoided taking sides About 50% of population Pacifism, Lack of Understand ing or status as immigrant were all factors
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Minorities Native Americans – Torn on which side would support their cause – Many joined British – Viewed as “Savage” villains by patriots African Americans – Hope of freedom – British offered escaped slaves emancipation – Continental Army promised freedom – Still, freedom was more a hope than a reality – Hypocrisy Women – Took on roles abandon by men – Often became impoverished – Flocked to army camps J A M E S _ A R M I S T E A D P a t r i o t _ S p y Author Unknown. Retrieved from http://africanamericanempowerment.blog spot.com/2009/05/unsung-african- american-heroes.html
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Life for Loyalist Men often tarred & feathered, beaten, or killed If they joined militia, property and possessions were confiscated – Women and children impoverished and homeless 20% forced to flee Original Author unknown Retrieved from http://www.historum.com/showthread.php?t=13813&page=14
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The War for Independence
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Battle of Bunker Hill - 1775 Bunker Hill located near Boston Actually on Breed’s Hill Red Coats victorious in third charge Americans ran out of ammunition Moral victory for American Army- could stand up to the British! “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” — Israel Putnam
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Bunker Hill Costliest battle for British during whole war British casualties 1,054 (2500) American casualties 441 (1400) British began to get nervous: Full-scale War! Washington took command of the army two weeks after this battle
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Fort Ticonderoga—1775 Key strategic location in New York It was located in a strategic area in that whoever controlled the fort also controlled vital troop movements. From Ticonderoga the American Army could deter British troops coming down from Canada Ethan Allen and about 125 Green Mountain boys attacked fort
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Ticonderoga The Fort was taken without firing a shot British officers and women and children were captured Cannons were taken from Ticonderoga to Boston Henry Knox: American Army top artillery commander Major hero of American Revolution
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Battle of Trenton—1776 Surprise attack the day after Christmas Washington crossed the Delaware Approximately 1000 German soldiers fighting for the British captured
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Trenton & Princeton American casualties were four at Trenton German leader, Colonel Rall mortally wounded Washington cleared British from central New Jersey at Princeton
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Brandywine September 1777 General Sir William Howe and General Cornwallis launch a full-scale British attack on General Washington Surprised and outnumbered by the 18,000 British troops to his 11,000 Continentals, Washington ordered his men to abandon their posts and retreat
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Brandywine This began the British occupation of Philadelphia. Congress, which had been meeting in Philadelphia, fled first to Lancaster, then to York, Pennsylvania, and the British took control of the city without Patriot opposition. Cost the Americans more than 1,100 men killed or captured & most of their cannon while the British lost approximately 600 men killed or injured
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Battle of Saratoga – 1777 The turning point of the war The biggest American victory at the time British General Burgoyne surrendered to American General Horatio Gates Approximately 5,000 British surrender to Washington
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Battle of Saratoga – 1777 After the American victory France changed its policies. Feb. 1778 France and American formed an alliance!!!!! (Franklin) France declared war on Britain the next month Spain declared war in 1779 Bernardo de Galvez chased British troops out of Louisiana and Florida.
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Burgoyne Diary “From the 20th of September to the 7th of October, the armies were so near, that not a night passed without firing…I do not believe that either officer or soldier ever slept…without his clothes…” — Burgoyne Diary
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Valley Forge – 1777-1778 American Army out of food and clothing Valley Forge briefly a refuge Supplies ran out and many died Washington appeals to Congress for help Low point for American Army Any deserters are shot
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Valley Forge – 1777-1778 Marquis de Lafayette joined Washington as an aide Friedrich von Steuben drilled the troops teaching them military discipline Battle more against the weather than the British
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Albigence Waldo “The army which has been surprisingly healthy hitherto, now begins to grow sickly…I am sick—discontented—and out of humor.” — Albigence Waldo (1777)
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The Southern Strategy [1780-1781]
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LoyalistStrongholds
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Britain’s “Southern Strategy” Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South. Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving. The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside [similar to U. S. failures in Vietnam!] Good US General: Nathanial Greene
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Savannah 1779 British routed the American defenders on December 29. With this victory, they took control of Savannah Allied losses at the Battle of Savannah numbered 244 killed, 584 wounded, and 120 captured, while British suffered 40 killed, 63 wounded, and 52 missing
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Charles Town 1780 First attempt failed in 1776 to be captured Arriving with a force of 3,500 men, Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell took the city without a fight on December 29, 1778 The defeat at Charleston was a disaster for American forces in the South and saw the elimination of the Continental Army in the region. In the fighting, Lincoln lost 92 killed and 148 wounded, and 5,266 captured
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Battle of Yorktown—1781 French blockade aided this final battle Escape for the British was impossible British General Cornwallis faced American forces approximately twice his size John Paul Jones
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Battle of Yorktown
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The End is near !!- Yorktown August 1, 1781 - After chasing American Gen. Greene's army without success, British Gen. Cornwallis and his 10,000 tired soldiers seek rest at the port of Yorktown, Virginia. August 14, 1781 - Gen. Washington abruptly changes plans and abandons the attack on New York in favor of Yorktown after receiving a letter indicating a 29-ship French fleet with 3000 soldiers is now heading for the Chesapeake Bay near Cornwallis. Gen. Washington and Gen. Rochambeau rush their best troops south to Virginia to destroy the British position in Yorktown.
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August 30, 1781 - The French fleet arrives off Yorktown, Virginia. De Grasse then lands troops near Yorktown, linking with Lafayette's American troops to cut Cornwallis off from any retreat by land. September 5-8, 1781 - Off Yorktown, a major naval battle between the French fleet and the outnumbered British fleet results in a victory for the French. The British fleet retreats to New York for reinforcements, leaving the French fleet in control of the Chesapeake. The French fleet establishes a blockade, cutting Cornwallis off from any retreat by sea. French naval reinforcements then arrive from Newport.
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September 28, 1781 - Gen. Washington, with 17,000 men, begins the siege of Yorktown. French cannons bombard Gen. Cornwallis and his 9000 men day and night while the Allied lines slowly advance and encircle them. British supplies run dangerously low. October 17, 1781 - As Yorktown is about to be taken, the British send out a flag of truce and surrender.surrender October 19, 1781 - As their band plays the tune, "The world turned upside down," the British army marches out in formation and surrenders. Hopes for a British victory in the war against America are gone. In the English Parliament, there will soon be calls to bring this long costly war to an end. October 24, 1781 – Ships with 7000 British reinforcements arrive but turn back on hearing of the surrender at Yorktown.
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Yorktown Approximately 8,700 British troops surrendered Pinned in by American and French Naval fleets General Benjamin Lincoln accepted the surrender sword British bands played “The World has Turned Upside Down”
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1783: The Treaty of Paris officially ends the Revolutionary War Peace negotiations began in April of 1782, involving American representatives Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and John Adams. The British representatives present were David Hartley and Richard Oswald The Treaty of Paris
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The Treaty of Paris—1783 Officially ended the American Revolution Set many geographic borders, including U.S. and Canada Florida was returned to Spain British merchants must be paid for lost items Loyalists must be paid for lost property
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With the United States…. Acknowledging the United States to be free, sovereign and independent states, and that the British Crown and all heirs and successors relinquish claims to the Government, property, and territorial rights of the same, and every part thereof; Establishing the boundaries between the United States and British North America Prisoners of war on both sides are to be released and all property left by the British army in the United States unharmed (including slaves)
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Economics Granting fishing rights to United States fishermen in the Grand Banks, off the coast of Newfoundland and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence Recognizing the lawful contracted debts to be paid to creditors on either side Great Britain and the United States were each to be given perpetual access to the Mississippi River Territories captured by Americans subsequent to treaty will be returned without compensation
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Loyalists The Congress of the Confederation will "earnestly recommend" to state legislatures to recognize the rightful owners of all confiscated lands "provide for the restitution of all estates, rights, and properties, which have been confiscated belonging to real United States will prevent future confiscations of the property of Loyalists
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On September 3, 1783, Great Britain also signed separate agreements with France and Spain, and (provisionally) with the Netherlands
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With Spain…. In the treaty with Spain, the territories of East and West Florida were ceded to Spain (without any clearly defined northern boundary, resulting in disputed territory resolved with the Treaty of Madrid), as was the island of Minorca, while the Bahama Islands, Grenada and Montserrat, captured by the French and Spanish, were returned to Britain.
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With France… The treaty with France was mostly about exchanges of captured territory (France's only net gains were the island of Tobago, and Senegal in Africa) but also reinforced earlier treaties, guaranteeing fishing rights off Newfoundland.
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With the Netherlands… Dutch possessions in the East Indies, captured in 1781, were returned by Britain to the Netherlands in exchange for trading privileges in the Dutch East Indies, by a treaty which was not finalized until 1784.
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Penalties inflicted on Loyalists Some Loyalists were “tarred and feathered” and put on ships bound for Canada or Great Britain Native Americans are ignored by British and persecuted by the US Some, notably Virginia, also defied Article 4 and maintained laws against payment of debts to British creditors. Individual British soldiers ignored the provision of Article 7 about removal of slaves. British not leave Great Lakes Area & boundary with FL not set=Problems later! The Aftermath:
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North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783
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