1. The
American
Revolution:

2. A. The Two
Sides

3. Britain Americans Desire to win Experience from F&I War
Advantages
World’s best Army & Navy
Desire to win
Experience from F&I War
Know the terrain
France & Spain
Disadvantages
Distance
Unfamiliar Terrain
Cost
Citizens did not support
No real Army
Only 100,000 in Continental Army
Most fought in local militia groups

4. Military Strategies The Americans The British
Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line].
Guerilla tactics  you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down
Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies.
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.

5. Washington’s Headaches
Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army.
Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben].

6. Tories vs. Patriots
Tories (Loyalists) – those that remained loyal to England (20% of population)
Patriots – those fighting for independence (45% of population)

7. The Loyalist Exodus Viewed as the enemy by Patriots
80,000 were forced to flee
Land was confiscated and sold to finance the war
50,000 fought with the British

8. B. Phase I:
The Northern Campaign

9. Bunker Hill (June, 1775)
Continental Army need to defend Boston from Br.
Strategic advantage was being on a hill
The British suffered over 40% casualties
Ran out of gunpowder & had to abandon
Seen as a Victory for the Americans

10. The Hessians 18,000 German mercenary troops hired by King George III
Startled Americans b/c they were known as “butchers”
Last straw – Dec of Independence signed

11. C. Phase Two:
The Middle Colonies

12. Initially successful for Britain
British take NYC and push Continental Army into New Jersey

13. Battles of Trenton & Princeton
Washington needs a victory
December 26, 1776 attacks & wins at Trenton
One week later, wins at Princeton
Not militarily important, but boosts morale

14. Battle of Saratoga (Oct 1777) “Turning Point” of the War
Most important battle of the Revolution
American victory ensures the aid of the French

15. Valley Forge (PA) Winter 1777-1778
Winter quarters of the Continental Army
Harsh conditions
2,500 of 10,000 die
Great training due to the help of General Von Steuben

16. Franco-American Alliance 1778
French helping since Dec. of Independence signed
Bitter about F & I War loss
Supply weapons
Marquis de Lafayette had been serving in the army
After Saratoga an alliance is formed between the two & French will send military aid
1779: Spain & the Dutch will join against Britain

17. D. Phase Three: The
South

18. Britain’s “Southern Strategy”
Britain thought that there were more Loyalists in the South
Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving.
Mistake: they had promised to free slaves
The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside

19. The Battle of Yorktown (1781)
With assistance of the French, Washington attacks Cornwallis at Yorktown
Cornwallis is forced to surrender
Count de Rochambeau
Admiral De Grasse

20. Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown:
“The World Turned Upside Down!”
Painted by John Trumbull, 1797

21. End of the War 1782 King George III sues for peace
Loss of Cornwallis
Growing costs
Multiple enemies
Increasing unpopularity in England
Will meet in Paris to discuss peace treaty

22. E. The Treaty
of Paris (1783)

23. Concessions Britain Independence
Land- east of the MS river, south of the Great Lakes, and north of Florida
The United States
Stop persecution of Loyalists
Recommend to states the return of Loyalist property
Pay off debts to Britain

24. North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783

25. Changes in American Society
Women in the war:
Women managed farms & businesses while men in war
Others traveled with the army
Brought out the idea of “Republican Motherhood”
Responsible for instilling democratic values in men
Abigail Adams