1. American Fight for Independence

2. Second Continental Congress
1776 Colonies met again
Chose George Washington as Commander-in-chief of the army

3. George Washington Good choice as commander-in-chief
Brave and wise leader
Had been a general in the British army
He is one reason the Americans win the war

4. Boston 1776 The British beat the Americans attack on Boston in 1775
This was the Battle of Bunker Hill
Washington arrived
Regrouped the army – brought order
Attacked the British army in Boston again
March 1776 Britain leave Boston
Americas first victory

5. ‘Common Sense’ 1776 Many colonists still didn’t want full independence
Still felt loyal to Britain
Thomas Paine’s pamphlet ‘Common Sense’
Condemned the British rule in America
Called for complete American Independence
And he was British!
Convinced many Americans to want independence

6. Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress declared independence
Jefferson wrote a famous declaration
Called King George a Tyrant
And that America was justified in calling independence
Remember, the Enlightenment
Document passed on 4th July 1776
Independence Day!!

7. New York 1776 British winning war Beat Washington in New York
British army was stronger, better weapons
More disciplined
Had fresh supplies of soldiers crossing the Atlantic

8. Valley Forge 1776-77 The British now captured Philadelphia
Washington’s army forced to spend winter in Valley Forge
Trapped
Starving and freezing
Many men die
But Washington stays with them
Trains the army into better discipline, more professional
Trained by Baron Von Steuber

9. Turning Point Americans win Battle at Saratoga
France want revenge on Britain
Realise Americans have a chance
Decide to join the war on Americas side
This will help America win

10. French Help Very important for 3 reasons
French navy disrupted British supplies across Atlantic
French provided disciplined soldiers and weapons
British army had to split to protect other British colonies in the world – Why? Afraid France would attack them

11. Yorktown Oct 1781 Americans surrounded British army at Yorktown
French army stopped British reinforcement
Lord Grenwallis in charge of British army
Surrendered
War of Independence over
America had won

13. Why America Won Leadership of Washington French help
American tactics – often used guerilla tactics

14. US Constitutioni Document that sets out how country is run
Republic – no king
Democracy – first modern one!

15. Consequences of American Rev
Americans had defeated a huge empire and won independence – these revolutionary ideas would spread to other countries (France and Ireland)
America was a democracy – people had the power – no king – this idea spread.
Idea of equality and liberty influenced France – French soldiers who had fought came back with these American ideals
Caused the French Revolution because of the popularity of the ideas and also because it left French King bankrupt