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Shannon Slaughter St. Clair County High School
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The Redcoats Are Coming... Paul Revere, William Dawes and Dr. Samuel Prescott make their midnight ride to warn the Minutemen of approaching British soldiers.
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Lexington and Concord – spring of 1775
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Battle of Lexington 1775 Preparation for violent uprisings against the British began in the winter of 1774, because King George III sent his army men out to the colonies to quell all opposition towards the crown.Preparation for violent uprisings against the British began in the winter of 1774, because King George III sent his army men out to the colonies to quell all opposition towards the crown. Militias formed within the colonies.Militias formed within the colonies. Military leaders –Military leaders – –Thomas Gage /British military leader Massachusetts --Confiscate weapons owned by the colonists –Goal -- capture the patriots Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who were thought to be staying in the town of Lexington.
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Lexington -- continued The patriots set up “alarm” systems to warn of the British’s advances on any given city – Revere / Dawes / PrescottThe patriots set up “alarm” systems to warn of the British’s advances on any given city – Revere / Dawes / Prescott The British underestimated the colonist’s courage, aim and ability to train to fight so quickly. Captain John Parker led the militia in Lexington (77 soldiers) -- not a win but wanted to let British know the seriousness and competitiveness of colonial militiaThe British underestimated the colonist’s courage, aim and ability to train to fight so quickly. Captain John Parker led the militia in Lexington (77 soldiers) -- not a win but wanted to let British know the seriousness and competitiveness of colonial militia 8 colonists died in the “SKIRMISH”8 colonists died in the “SKIRMISH” SIGNIFICANCE OF OUTCOMESIGNIFICANCE OF OUTCOME FIRST SKIRMISH (shots fired) of the Revolutionary WarFIRST SKIRMISH (shots fired) of the Revolutionary War
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Battle of Concord 1775 The British troops continued marching on towards Concord after the Lexington shooting.The British troops continued marching on towards Concord after the Lexington shooting. News of the shooting spread to other towns nearby and the militia men gathered in the path toward Concord.News of the shooting spread to other towns nearby and the militia men gathered in the path toward Concord. Once they arrived at Concord, the British soldiers began searching the houses for firearms.Once they arrived at Concord, the British soldiers began searching the houses for firearms. Militiamen advanced on the British, and took control of North Bridge which led the way to Concord.Militiamen advanced on the British, and took control of North Bridge which led the way to Concord. As the militia approached they saw the British burning their homes and supplies and ran out to save them.As the militia approached they saw the British burning their homes and supplies and ran out to save them.
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Battle of Concord After the British soldiers retreated, the militiamen followed until the British started to shoot.After the British soldiers retreated, the militiamen followed until the British started to shoot. This was the first time the Americans, purposely opened fire on the British.This was the first time the Americans, purposely opened fire on the British. British encountered severe, unrelenting firing from 100s of militiamen, hiding behind walls, buildings, and trees.British encountered severe, unrelenting firing from 100s of militiamen, hiding behind walls, buildings, and trees. Range was too great for the militiamen’s muskets and the British escaped with few casualties.Range was too great for the militiamen’s muskets and the British escaped with few casualties.
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Battle of Concord The patriots had committed themselves to warfare, and made their intentions very clear.The patriots had committed themselves to warfare, and made their intentions very clear. Colonists began to believe that the British had to respect their lives, liberties and private property.Colonists began to believe that the British had to respect their lives, liberties and private property. The British retreated from the colonists which gave the colonists a sense of confidence and a chance of gaining their rights.The British retreated from the colonists which gave the colonists a sense of confidence and a chance of gaining their rights.
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North Bridge / Concord, MA
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shot heard ‘round the world – Concord – 1775 WHY?
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2 nd Continental Congress 1775 - 1781 A more radical and more distinguished group than the First Continental Congress.A more radical and more distinguished group than the First Continental Congress. The de facto government of the U.S. during the war until the Articles of Confederation are adopted in 1781.The de facto government of the U.S. during the war until the Articles of Confederation are adopted in 1781. Washington is appointed Commander in Chief, nominated by John Adams.Washington is appointed Commander in Chief, nominated by John Adams. Dickinson -- “Olive Branch Petition,” sent to King George IIIDickinson -- “Olive Branch Petition,” sent to King George III Congress creates a Navy and Marine Corps Congress creates a Navy and Marine Corps Congress petitions Canada to join in war against Britain, they decline – Canada becomes refuge for loyalistsCongress petitions Canada to join in war against Britain, they decline – Canada becomes refuge for loyalists In July, 1776, the Second Continental Congress performs its most significant act—it declares INDEPENDENCE In July, 1776, the Second Continental Congress performs its most significant act—it declares INDEPENDENCE
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BritainAmericans Advantages Money/ Population/ Technology / Training / Navy / Marksmanship / George Washington / Home field (defense) / Cause / Hit and Run Tactics / Disadvantages Unpopular in Britain (citizens) / Distance / Leadership / VOLUNTEER ARMY / lack of financial resources / initially no foreign aid On the Eve of the Revolution ?
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LoyalistStrongholds
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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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Exports & Imports: 1768-1783
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Military Strategies Attrition -- to get the British to quit and go home Movement – smaller army can defeat a larger army by getting them on the move Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent / defensive war you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down] Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies. The AmericansThe 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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Phase I: The Northern Campaign [1775-1776]
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Fort Ticonderoga – New York The fort was built by French to protect their fur routes & was a significant route between Canada and the colonies.The fort was built by French to protect their fur routes & was a significant route between Canada and the colonies. Colonists wanted to control water routes in Canada where many British soldiers were located.Colonists wanted to control water routes in Canada where many British soldiers were located. Benedict Arnold, Henry Knox and 400 of his men along with Ethan Allan’s Green Mountain Boys took all 55 cannons and their men back to Boston.Benedict Arnold, Henry Knox and 400 of his men along with Ethan Allan’s Green Mountain Boys took all 55 cannons and their men back to Boston. The Continental Congress ordered that the fort be kept guarded.The Continental Congress ordered that the fort be kept guarded. Significance -- it was the colonists first offensive / cannons – Guns of TiconderogaSignificance -- it was the colonists first offensive / cannons – Guns of Ticonderoga
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Bunker Hill (June, 1775) The British suffered over 40% casualties.
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Battle of Bunker Hill – 1775 The British won the Battle of Bunker Hill. PERSPECTIVEThe British won the Battle of Bunker Hill. PERSPECTIVE *The Rebels wanted to drive the British out of the colonies and out of Boston. On *June 16, 1775 the rebel army went to Breed’s Hill near Boston and set up camp, ready to defeat the British.*The Rebels wanted to drive the British out of the colonies and out of Boston. On *June 16, 1775 the rebel army went to Breed’s Hill near Boston and set up camp, ready to defeat the British. The intent of the Battle was to win the territory of Bunker Hill // Breed’s Hill.The intent of the Battle was to win the territory of Bunker Hill // Breed’s Hill. The patriots waited to open fire until the British were within 40 yards. “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!!” – why? Lack of ammunitionThe patriots waited to open fire until the British were within 40 yards. “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!!” – why? Lack of ammunition
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Battle of Bunker Hill – cont. The Rebels did not retreat from Bunker Hill until they ran out of bulletsThe Rebels did not retreat from Bunker Hill until they ran out of bullets The British won the battle, because of possession of the field, but they were not left without casualties.The British won the battle, because of possession of the field, but they were not left without casualties. Over 1,000 British Redcoats were killedOver 1,000 British Redcoats were killed American rebel fatalities were less -- 400 men or lower.American rebel fatalities were less -- 400 men or lower. The British leaders at Bunker Hill were Thomas Gage and William Howe – skilled tacticians at warfareThe British leaders at Bunker Hill were Thomas Gage and William Howe – skilled tacticians at warfare American leaders were William Prescott, Israel Putnam and Joseph WarrenAmerican leaders were William Prescott, Israel Putnam and Joseph Warren
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Battle of Bunker Hill Significance of the Battle of Bunker HillSignificance of the Battle of Bunker Hill –1/6th of all British officers killed in the war died here. –No turning back. King George III declared the colonies in rebellion and that all patriots were guilty of treason and should die a traitor’s death. –British became cautious throughout the war due to their casualties. –British leave Boston in 1776 headed to NY
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Significance Continued British naval blockade of the coloniesBritish naval blockade of the colonies German mercenary soldiers hired (Hessians) because war was so unpopular in BritainGerman mercenary soldiers hired (Hessians) because war was so unpopular in Britain Colonies officially in rebellion (treason)Colonies officially in rebellion (treason)
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Bunker Hill
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New York City in Flames (1776) – Americans ousted / low morale
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Declaration of Independence (1776)
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Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson / aided by Benjamin Franklin / John Adams influenced by JOHN LOCKEWritten by Thomas Jefferson / aided by Benjamin Franklin / John Adams influenced by JOHN LOCKE “all men are created equal; and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS”“all men are created equal; and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS” Were all men created equal? Equal opportunity?Were all men created equal? Equal opportunity? Formal Declaration of separation from Britain / basically a declaration of war… because – England was denying the colonists their basic right - freedomFormal Declaration of separation from Britain / basically a declaration of war… because – England was denying the colonists their basic right - freedom “We must all hang together for assuredly we will all hang separately!” – Ben Franklin“We must all hang together for assuredly we will all hang separately!” – Ben Franklin
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Thomas Paine: The American Crisis
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Thomas Paine – American Crisis Thomas Paine – The American CrisisThomas Paine – The American Crisis –Read to Washington’s soldiers before the Battle of Trenton in 1776 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 his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.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 his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
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The American Crisis December 23, 1776 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 by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value
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Turning Point Battles during NY Campaign 1776 into 1777 Battle of Trenton, NJ ---- Why?Battle of Trenton, NJ ---- Why? What happened?What happened? Myth / Legend vs. Truth --Myth / Legend vs. Truth -- Results?Results?
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Battle of Trenton, NJ 1776 Washington’s troops were low on morale after his defeat at Long Island, NY and the enlistments of his men were almost up – needed a victory before winter quartersWashington’s troops were low on morale after his defeat at Long Island, NY and the enlistments of his men were almost up – needed a victory before winter quarters Hessian troops stationed across the river in Trenton had taken few measures to fortify their position.Hessian troops stationed across the river in Trenton had taken few measures to fortify their position. Christmas Day, 1776, Washington led 2400 men across the icy Delaware River and took the sleepy and Christmas cheer-filled garrison by surprise. After less than an hour of fighting, the Hessians surrendered. Only two Americans were killed; more than 900 Hessian mercenaries were taken prisonerChristmas Day, 1776, Washington led 2400 men across the icy Delaware River and took the sleepy and Christmas cheer-filled garrison by surprise. After less than an hour of fighting, the Hessians surrendered. Only two Americans were killed; more than 900 Hessian mercenaries were taken prisoner
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Washington Crossing the Delaware Painted by Emanuel Leutze, 1851
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Defeat the German (Hessian) mercenaries (hired by the British because of lack of support in Britain – few volunteersDefeat the German (Hessian) mercenaries (hired by the British because of lack of support in Britain – few volunteers 900 Hessians were captured after Washington famously crossed the Delaware River from PA into NJ900 Hessians were captured after Washington famously crossed the Delaware River from PA into NJ Enlistments increase, Morale is higher, Continental Congress is supportive, GAIN CONFIDENCE that had been lost after NYCEnlistments increase, Morale is higher, Continental Congress is supportive, GAIN CONFIDENCE that had been lost after NYC
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Turning Point Battles CONT. Battle of Princeton, NJBattle of Princeton, NJ Cornwallis left NY with 9,000 soldiers to capture Washington (Washington had 6,000)Cornwallis left NY with 9,000 soldiers to capture Washington (Washington had 6,000) Left 1200 behind at a fort in Princeton, NJLeft 1200 behind at a fort in Princeton, NJ Washington had set up a defensive position back across the Delaware River in PAWashington had set up a defensive position back across the Delaware River in PA Conferred with war council including General Arthur ST. CLAIR about evacuating their position that NIGHT and attacking the Princeton fort next dayConferred with war council including General Arthur ST. CLAIR about evacuating their position that NIGHT and attacking the Princeton fort next day
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Princeton Cornwallis had Washington in his sights but chose to wait til following dayCornwallis had Washington in his sights but chose to wait til following day Washington left 500 men behind to keep fires burning and dig trenches in attempt to fool the British – WORKEDWashington left 500 men behind to keep fires burning and dig trenches in attempt to fool the British – WORKED Washington took the fort and looted the town then escaped to Morristown, NJ for winter quarters.Washington took the fort and looted the town then escaped to Morristown, NJ for winter quarters. Americans really began to understand they could win this warAmericans really began to understand they could win this war
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Battle of Princeton, NJ 1777 Cornwallis marched 6000 soldiers toward Trenton to catch Washington who had camped on the Delaware River.Cornwallis marched 6000 soldiers toward Trenton to catch Washington who had camped on the Delaware River. Cornwallis, being the typically over-cautious British general that he was, postponed his attack until the morning and sent his army to bed. Cornwallis, being the typically over-cautious British general that he was, postponed his attack until the morning and sent his army to bed. Washington employed the old leave-the-campfires- burning trick and slipped around the British army and marched on Princeton.Washington employed the old leave-the-campfires- burning trick and slipped around the British army and marched on Princeton. Fighting started to the north. Cornwallis got troops ready but when he got to Princeton, Washington had driven the British garrison from the town and was on his way Morristown, New Jersey where he established an easily defended winter camp.Fighting started to the north. Cornwallis got troops ready but when he got to Princeton, Washington had driven the British garrison from the town and was on his way Morristown, New Jersey where he established an easily defended winter camp.
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Phase II: NY & PA [1777-1778]
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Saratoga: “The MAJOR TURNING POINT BATTLE” of the War? WHY? Saratoga: “The MAJOR TURNING POINT BATTLE” of the War? WHY? A modern-day re-enactment
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Battle of Saratoga, NY 1777 The Battle of Saratoga was one of the most important battles of the American Revolution.The Battle of Saratoga was one of the most important battles of the American Revolution. Roughly 10,000 British soldiers under British General “Gentlemen Johnny” Burgoyne’s had advanced from Canada in the summer of 1777.Roughly 10,000 British soldiers under British General “Gentlemen Johnny” Burgoyne’s had advanced from Canada in the summer of 1777. Over the course of the summer the colonial force grew to roughly 15,000 men.Over the course of the summer the colonial force grew to roughly 15,000 men. The British attempted to move on Saratoga on September 19, 1777. A day long fight over a clearing in the woods resulted, and is known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm.The British attempted to move on Saratoga on September 19, 1777. A day long fight over a clearing in the woods resulted, and is known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm.
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Battle of Saratoga – cont. Unable to advance on September 19th, the British built fortifications near Bemis Heights and on October 11 attempted again to advance on Saratoga.Unable to advance on September 19th, the British built fortifications near Bemis Heights and on October 11 attempted again to advance on Saratoga. They were defeated by colonial forces led by Benedict Arnold and Anthony Wayne.They were defeated by colonial forces led by Benedict Arnold and Anthony Wayne. At the end of the day, the British were driven from their fortifications.At the end of the day, the British were driven from their fortifications. The British force then retreated and were immediately blocked by colonial forces.The British force then retreated and were immediately blocked by colonial forces. Surrounded and badly outnumbered, South of Fort Ticonderoga, Burgoyne had little option.Surrounded and badly outnumbered, South of Fort Ticonderoga, Burgoyne had little option. He surrendered on October 17, 1777He surrendered on October 17, 1777
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Battle of Saratoga -- Significance Because of the Colonial Army’s defeat of the British at the Battle of Saratoga, France joined the war on the side of the Americans.Because of the Colonial Army’s defeat of the British at the Battle of Saratoga, France joined the war on the side of the Americans. Up until the battle, the American forces had yet to win a European style battleUp until the battle, the American forces had yet to win a European style battle
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Winter of 1777-1778 Valley Forge, PAValley Forge, PA Marquis de LaFayetteMarquis de LaFayette Young French General / aide de camp of George WashingtonYoung French General / aide de camp of George Washington Encourages Washington to stay with troopsEncourages Washington to stay with troops Works troops harder / DOES NOT feel sorry for themWorks troops harder / DOES NOT feel sorry for them Casimir Pulaski – Prussian GeneralCasimir Pulaski – Prussian General Works troops as wellWorks troops as well
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Valley Forge, PA 1777-1778 Starvation, Disease, and Exposure killed nearly 2,500 colonial soldiersStarvation, Disease, and Exposure killed nearly 2,500 colonial soldiers Inadequate supplies (food, water, clothing, blankets, etc.)Inadequate supplies (food, water, clothing, blankets, etc.) Baron von Steuben – Prussian drill master charged with drilling the soldiers – taught them greater skill in fighting, marksmanship, charge with bayonets, and maneuver in small groups.Baron von Steuben – Prussian drill master charged with drilling the soldiers – taught them greater skill in fighting, marksmanship, charge with bayonets, and maneuver in small groups. French AID began to arrive – improve morale, more suitable provisions for ArmyFrench AID began to arrive – improve morale, more suitable provisions for Army
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Phase III: The Southern Strategy [1780-1781] BIG CHANGE – WHY?
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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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The Battle of Yorktown (1781) Count de Rochambeau Admiral De Grasse
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Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown: Painted by John Trumbull, 1797 “The World Turned Upside Down!”
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Treaty of Paris Negotiations 1783 LORD NORTH RESIGNED – WHIG LEADERS control Parliament / America wanted CANADA – Britain – NO WAY Negotiators – Franklin, John Jay, Issues Resolved – American INDEPENDENCEAmerican INDEPENDENCE fishing rights in Newfoundlandfishing rights in Newfoundland prewar debts owed British creditorsprewar debts owed British creditors American restitution of property of Loyalists that was confiscated during the warAmerican restitution of property of Loyalists that was confiscated during the war provided for the evacuation of British forces from the thirteen states.provided for the evacuation of British forces from the thirteen states.
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North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783
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EFFECTS of the REVOLUTION on American Society New political ideas (republic / democracy / influenced by Enlightenment)New political ideas (republic / democracy / influenced by Enlightenment) New state constitutions – gov’t plans implementedNew state constitutions – gov’t plans implemented Voting rights expansion (enfranchisement / suffrage)Voting rights expansion (enfranchisement / suffrage) Freedom of ReligionFreedom of Religion Educational gainsEducational gains American painters (culture begins to develop)American painters (culture begins to develop)
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Effect of the War on Women / African Americans and Native Americans Women gained more rights – some had served in the Continental Army – Molly Pitcher / served as spies etc. Now could divorce/ gain access to educationWomen gained more rights – some had served in the Continental Army – Molly Pitcher / served as spies etc. Now could divorce/ gain access to education Af. Americans – No more slavery in North / however still discrimination – low paying jobs, no voting rights, etc.Af. Americans – No more slavery in North / however still discrimination – low paying jobs, no voting rights, etc. Natives – continue struggle with European immigrants – lost rights because they joined sides with British.Natives – continue struggle with European immigrants – lost rights because they joined sides with British.
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Wholesale Price Index: 1770-1789 Continentals – paper money issued by Congress to finance the war -- INFLATION
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Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Strongholds at the End of the War
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Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation A unicameral Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law]. 13 out of 13 to amend. Could not regulate INTERstate commerce Representatives were frequently absent. Could not tax or raise armies. No executive or judicial branches.
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State Constitutions Republicanism. Most had strong governors with veto power. Most had bicameral legislatures. Property required for voting. Some had universal white male suffrage. Most had bills of rights. Many had a continuation of state- established religions while others disestablished religion.
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Occupational Composition of Several State Assemblies in the 1780s
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Indian Land Cessions: 1768-1799
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Disputed Territorial Claims Between Spain & the U. S.: 1783-1796
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State Claims to Western Lands
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Land Ordinance of 1785
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Northwest Ordinance of 1787 One of the major accomplishments of the Confederation Congress! Statehood achieved in three stages: 1.Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the territory. 2.When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners elect territorial legislature. 3.When population reached 60,000 elect delegates to a state constitutional convention.
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The United States in 1787
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American Exports, To & From Britain: 1783-1789
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Annapolis Convention (1786) 12 representatives from 5 states [NY, NJ, PA, DE, VA] GOAL address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that limited trade and commerce between the states. Not enough states were represented to make any real progress. Sent a report to the Congress to call a meeting of all the states to meet in Philadelphia to examine areas broader than just trade and commerce.
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Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-7 Daniel Shays Western MA Small farmers angered by crushing debts and taxes. Massachusetts refused to print more money – which makes it available to poor people
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Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-7
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There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders. -- George Washington
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