5 The American Revolution: From Elite Protest to Popular Revolt

5 The American Revolution: From Elite Protest to Popular Revolt
1763‒1783

The American Revolution: From Elite Protest to Popular Revolt, 1763‒1783
5.1 Structure of Colonial Society Why did Americans resist parliamentary taxation? Eroding the Bonds of Empire What events eroded the bonds of empire during the 1760s? 5.2

The American Revolution: From Elite Protest to Popular Revolt, 1763‒1783
Steps Toward Independence What events in 1775 and 1776 led to the colonists’ decision to declare independence? Fighting for Independence Why did it take eight years of warfare for the Americans to gain independence? 5.3 5.4

Video Series: Key Topics in U.S. History
The Burdens of an Empire: 1763‒1775 The Stamp Act Boston Massacre The Boston Tea Party Home

Moment of Decision: Commitment and Sacrifice
Few Americans welcomed idea of colonial war Would have been safer, cheaper to accede to British demands Ordinary militiamen fought, risked death The ordeal gave new meaning to social equality Lecture Outline: Few Americans welcomed idea of colonial war Would have been safer, cheaper to accede to British demands Ordinary militiamen fought, risked death The ordeal gave new meaning to social equality Home

Lecture Outline: Image: The Patten Family Farmstead in Bedford, New Hampshire - Scots-Irish immigrants and others on the colonial frontier in the 1770s worked to keep their farms running and struggled to live normal lives even as Revolution engulfed the country. Home

Structure of Colonial Society
Breakdown of Political Trust No Taxation Without Representation: The American Perspective Justifying Resistance Learning Objective: Why did Americans resist parliamentary taxation? Home

1760s - optimistic postwar period Striking ethnic and racial diversity Young population Relative prosperity Lecture Outline: 1760s - optimistic postwar period Striking ethnic and racial diversity Young population 60 percent of population under 21 years old Relative prosperity Similar to that of the English Structure of Colonial Society

Breakdown of Political Trust
04/06/98 George III ascended to throne Aggressive role in government Upset Whigs by ignoring their role High turnover among top ministers Parliamentary Sovereignty English officials assumed that Parliament must have ultimate authority Little room for compromise Lecture Outline: George III ascended to throne Aggressive role in government Upset Whigs by ignoring their role High turnover among top ministers Based on king’s personal taste at the time Instability – bureaucrats who directed colonial affairs not sure what was expected of them Made narrow decisions or did nothing King showed little interest in colonies Parliamentary Sovereignty English officials assumed that Parliament must have ultimate authority Superseding any colonial legislation Colonists did not share this view Little room for compromise Key Terms: Whigs: In mid-eighteenth century Britain, the Whigs were a political faction that dominated Parliament. Generally, they opposed royal influence in government and wanted to increase the power of Parliament. In America, a Whig party coalesced in the 1830s in opposition to President Andrew Jackson. The American Whigs supported federal power and internal improvements but not territorial expansion. The Whig party collapsed in the 1850s. Parliamentary Sovereignty: Principle that emphasized Parliament’s power to govern colonial affairs. Structure of Colonial Society 2 2 2 2

Lecture Outline: Image: Political Cartoons - Cartoons became a popular way of criticizing government during this period. Here, King George III watches as the kilted Lord Bute slaughters the goose America. A cabinet member holds a basket of golden eggs at rear. At front left, a dog urinates on a map of British America. Structure of Colonial Society

No Taxation Without Representation
04/06/98 Previous colonial role in British empire vague Assumptions about personal liberties, property rights, representative institutions 1763 – clarifying ideas Colonial assemblies – similar to Parliament Virtual representation Representation chosen by the people Lecture Outline: Previous colonial role in British empire vague Assumptions about personal liberties, property rights, representative institutions 1763 – clarifying ideas Colonial assemblies – similar to Parliament Authority over taxation and expenditure Assumed major role in policymaking and routine administration Britain did not step in to protest Virtual representation Members of Parliament represented everyone in the empire, not specific groups Representation chosen by the people Representative assembly should mirror constituents Parliament does not represent Americans Parliament should not tax Americans Structure of Colonial Society 3 3 3 3

Justifying Resistance
04/06/98 Political ideology Not fully understood by Loyalists and British rulers John Locke Commonwealthmen – English writers Newspapers Lecture Outline: Political ideology Not fully understood by Loyalists and British rulers John Locke Natural and inalienable rights Life, liberty, and property Consent of governed - contract Rebellion against arbitrary government justified Commonwealthmen – English writers Power must be countered by virtue Bad government reflects sin and corruption Colonists saw British officials as sinful and corrupt Newspapers Ensured wide dissemination of political confrontations Most colonial men literate Easily available Key Terms: Loyalists: Colonists sided with Britain during the American Revolution. Structure of Colonial Society 4 4 4 4

Discussion Question Why did Americans resist parliamentary taxation? Lecture Outline: During the 1760s, British rulers claimed that Parliament could make laws for the colonists “in all cases whatsoever.” Americans challenged the concept of “parliamentary sovereignty.” Drawing upon the work of John Locke, the English philosopher, they insisted that God had given them certain natural and inalienable rights. By attempting to tax them without representation, Parliament threatened those basic rights. Structure of Colonial Society

Eroding the Bonds of Empire
Paying Off the National Debt The Protest Spreads Fueling the Crisis Surge of Force The Final Provocation: The Boston Tea Party Learning Objective: What events eroded the bonds of empire during the 1760s? Home

Following Seven Years’ War Large, expensive debt Army remained in colonies Pontiac’s Rebellion Frontier racism Colonists determined to settle trans-Appalachian West Proclamation of 1763 banned settlement in trans-Appalachian West Lecture Outline: Following Seven Years’ War Large, expensive debt Army remained in colonies Colonists doubted the army’s value Not enough to ensure peace on frontier Pontiac’s Rebellion Exposed the British army’s weakness Frontier racism Paxton Boys Murdered Christian Indians, near Penn Colonists determined to settle trans-Appalachian West Proclamation of 1763 banned settlement in trans-Appalachian West Eroding the Bonds of Empire

Paying Off the National Debt
George Grenville attempted to reduce England’s war debt Finance minister Colonists would have to contribute to maintenance of army Revenue Act of 1764 (Sugar Act) Colonists claimed unconstitutional Merchants and gentry protested; most colonists ignored Designed to raise revenue Lecture Outline: George Grenville attempted to reduce England’s war debt Finance minister (chancellor of the exchequer) Colonists would have to contribute to maintenance of army Revenue Act of 1764 (Sugar Act) Colonists claimed unconstitutional Merchants and gentry protested; most colonists ignored Designed to raise revenue Redefined relationship between Britain and colonies Former Navigation Acts were to regulate trade Eroding the Bonds of Empire

Link to MyHistoryLab asset: Read the Document, “James Otis, The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved (1763)” Lecture Outline: Image: James Otis - James Otis, Jr. (1725–1783) of Massachusetts was a brilliant lawyer, a prolific writer, and a strong supporter of colonial rights. He is credited with being one of the first Patriots to declare that “Taxation Without Representation is Tyranny!” Eroding the Bonds of Empire

The Protest Spreads 04/06/98 Stamp Act of 1765 Colonists must purchase stamps Protests against act Patrick Henry and the Virginia Resolves Stamp Act Congress Sons of Liberty Boycott of British goods Stamp Act repealed Passed Declaratory Act Lecture Outline: Stamp Act of 1765 Colonists must purchase stamps For newspapers, legal documents, and printed matter Impacted ordinary citizens Stamp distributors placed in all colonies Protests against act Patrick Henry and the Virginia Resolves Virginians had the right to tax themselves United the gentry and the mass of the population in protest Stamp Act Congress Petitioned the king and Parliament for repeal Sons of Liberty Protest included riots, mob violence, and boycotts Tar and feathering Boycott of British goods Mobilized colonial women Stamp Act repealed Passed Declaratory Act Stated Britain’s supremacy over colonies Key Terms: Stamp Act of 1765: Placed a tax on newspapers and printed matter produced in the colonies, causing mass opposition by colonists. Stamp Act Congress: Meeting of colonial delegates in New York City in October 1765 to protest the Stamp Act, a law passed by Parliament to raise revenue in America. Eroding the Bonds of Empire 5 5 5 5

Link to MyHistoryLab asset: Read the Document, “Benjamin Franklin, Testimony Against the Stamp Act (1766)” Lecture Outline: Image: Map 5.1 Colonial Products and Trade - Although the American colonists produced many agricultural staples that were valuable to Britain, they were dependent on British manufactures such as cloth, metal goods, and ceramics. Eroding the Bonds of Empire

Fueling the Crisis 04/06/98 Charles Townshend – new finance minister Townshend Revenue Acts American Board of Customs Commissioners New York governor to veto all bills until Quartering Act followed Sons of Liberty reacted Organized boycotts Lecture Outline: Charles Townshend – new finance minister Townshend Revenue Acts Taxed American imports of paper, lead, glass, and tea Funds were to pay salaries of royal governors and imperial officers Free them from dependency on colonial assemblies American Board of Customs Commissioners Created to collect duties New York governor to veto all bills until Quartering Act followed Quartering Act, required colonists to house British troops Housed in barracks, taverns, and vacant buildings Provided with firewood, candles, beer, and other items Sons of Liberty reacted Organized boycotts Americans would not purchase British goods until Parliament repealed unconstitutional taxation Eroding the Bonds of Empire 5 5 5 5

Lecture Outline: Image: Daughters of Liberty - The boycott movement drew many colonial women into popular politics. In this 1774 woodcut, a Daughter of Liberty stands ready to resist British oppression. Eroding the Bonds of Empire

Surge of Force 04/06/98 Tension - British troops sent to Boston 4,000 regular troops Competed in spare time for jobs Pamphleteers – troops were conspiracy March 5, 1770 – Violence erupted English soldiers fired on civilian crowd Boston Massacre Lecture Outline: Tension - British troops sent to Boston 4,000 regular troops From Ireland and Nova Scotia Competed in spare time for jobs Work in short supply in Boston Pamphleteers – troops were conspiracy Oppressed Americans and took away their liberties Collected illegal revenues March 5, 1770 – Violence erupted English soldiers fired on civilian crowd Were being harassed by young boys and street toughs outside customs offices Throwing rocks and snowballs May have panicked and fired Killed five Americans Boston Massacre Paul Revere’s engraving of massacre is best seller Victims became martyrs Used as propaganda Key Terms: Boston Massacre: A violent clash between British troops and a Boston mob on March 5, Five citizens were killed when the troops fired into the crowd. The incident inflamed anti-British sentiment in Massachusetts. Eroding the Bonds of Empire 5 5 5 5

Surge of Force (continued)
04/06/98 New finance minister – Lord North Repealed Townshend duties Except duty on tea Samuel Adams Believed repeal did not mean liberty Kept cause alive Suggested committees of correspondence Lecture Outline: New finance minister – Lord North Repealed Townshend duties Had angered colonists and hurt English manufacturers Encouraged Americans to develop own industries Except duty on tea Reminder to colonists that rulers still believed in Declaratory Act Samuel Adams Believed repeal did not mean liberty Kept cause alive Publicity – reminder of tea tax Public anniversaries of repeal of Stamp Act and Boston Massacre Suggested committees of correspondence Communicated grievances to villagers throughout Massachusetts Copied in other colonies Key Terms: committees of correspondence: Communication network formed in Massachusetts and other colonies to communicate grievances and provide colonists with evidence of British oppression. Eroding the Bonds of Empire 5 5 5 5

Link to MyHistoryLab asset: Read the Document, “Boston Gazette, Description of the Boston Massacre (1770)” Lecture Outline: Image: The Boston Massacre - This etching by Paul Revere shows British redcoats firing on ordinary citizens, an event known as the Boston Massacre. In subsequent editions, the blood spurting from the dying Americans became more conspicuous. Eroding the Bonds of Empire

The Final Provocation: The Boston Tea Party
04/06/98 Parliament passed Tea Act Lowered price for tea Tea tax still collected in American ports Undercut colonial smugglers Colonists turned back ships before they unloaded Governor in Boston insistent Ships sat in harbor Lecture Outline: Parliament passed Tea Act Lowered price for tea Helped the East India Company Saved from bankruptcy Tea sold directly to American retailers Cut out British wholesalers Eliminated duties paid in Britain Tea tax still collected in American ports Devious scheme – taxation without representation Undercut colonial smugglers Sold smuggled Dutch tea Colonists turned back ships before they unloaded Governor in Boston insistent Ships sat in harbor Tea would not return to England Patriots would not let ships unload Eroding the Bonds of Empire 5 5 5 5

The Final Provocation: The Boston Tea Party (continued)
04/06/98 Boston Tea Party Protesters dumped tea into the harbor Stunned Lord North Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) Closed the port of Boston Restructured Massachusetts government British officials to be tried in England Quartering of troops Lecture Outline: Boston Tea Party Protesters dumped tea into the harbor Dressed as Mohawk Indians 340 chests of tea worth £10,000 Stunned Lord North Treated British authority with contempt Destroyed private property Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) Closed the port of Boston Until city compensated East India Company for lost tea Restructured Massachusetts government Upper house of legislature became appointed rather than elected Limited town meetings to one per year British officials to be tried in England Little chance they would be found guilty Quartering of troops Could be quartered anywhere, including uninhabited private buildings Key Terms: Boston Tea Party: Raid on British ships in which Patriots disguised as Mohawks threw hundreds of chests of tea owned by the East India Company into Boston Harbor to protest British taxes. Coercive Acts: Also known as the Intolerable Acts, the four pieces of legislation passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party to punish Massachusetts. Eroding the Bonds of Empire 5 5 5 5

The Final Provocation: The Boston Tea Party (continued)
04/06/98 King George III supported Coercive Acts Appointed Thomas Gage as new royal governor of Massachusetts Confirmed colonists’ fears Denial of constitutional liberties Moderates shaken by vindictiveness of act Other colonies sent supplies Lecture Outline: King George III supported Coercive Acts Appointed Thomas Gage as new royal governor of Massachusetts Confirmed colonists’ fears Denial of constitutional liberties Moderates shaken by vindictiveness of act Other colonies sent supplies Show of support Eroding the Bonds of Empire 5 5 5 5

Discussion Question What events eroded the bonds of empire during the 1760s? Lecture Outline: Wars in America cost British taxpayers a lot of money. Parliament concluded that the colonists should help reduce the rising national debt, but when it passed the Stamp Act (1765), Americans protested. Ordinary colonists boycotted British manufactured goods. Taken aback, Parliament repealed the hated statute, while maintaining in the Declaratory Act (1766) its complete legislative authority over the Americans. Eroding the Bonds of Empire

Steps Toward Independence
Shots Heard Around the World Beginning “The World Over Again” Learning Objective: What events in 1775 and 1776 led to the colonists’ decision to declare independence? Home

04/06/98 September First Continental Congress Met in response to Coercive Acts Colonial leaders Differences of opinion Intercolonial “Association” created Halted commerce with Britain until Coercive Acts repealed Lecture Outline: September First Continental Congress Met in response to Coercive Acts Colonial leaders John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Christopher Gadsden, and George Washington Differences of opinion Middle colonies – proceed with caution Radical members - “Suffolk Resolves” Urged forcible resistance Intercolonial “Association” created Halted commerce with Britain until Coercive Acts repealed Key Terms: First Continental Congress: At a meeting of delegates from 12 colonies in Philadelphia in 1774, the Congress denied Parliament’s authority to legislate for the colonies, condemned British actions toward the colonies, created the Continental Association, and endorsed a call to take up arms. Steps Toward Independence 12 13 13 13

Shots Heard Around the World
Conflict - April 19, 1775 Gage sent troops to seize rebel supplies Paul Revere warned colonists Skirmish broke out in Lexington Nothing found in Concord by British Fighting spread upon return to Boston All along road between Lexington, Concord, and Boston Battle of Bunker Hill Lecture Outline: Conflict - April 19, 1775 Gage sent troops to seize rebel supplies Evening of April 18th Paul Revere warned colonists Lexington militia stood on village green as troops arrived No one planned to fight, but someone fired Skirmish broke out in Lexington, Massachusetts Eight Americans dead Nothing found in Concord by British Fighting spread upon return to Boston All along road between Lexington, Concord, and Boston Battle of Bunker Hill Outside Boston British took the hill British suffered 40 percent causalities Steps Toward Independence

Beginning “The World Over Again”
Second Continental Congress Took control of war Formed Continental Army Issued paper money to purchase supplies Refused to declare independence British responded Prohibitory Act German mercenaries hired Urged slaves to rebel Lecture Outline: Second Continental Congress Took control of war Met in May 1775 Country needed central leadership Formed Continental Army George Washington commander in chief Not from Massachusetts a plus Massachusetts already had too much power Issued paper money to purchase supplies Refused to declare independence British responded Prohibitory Act December 1775 – blocked colonists’ trade Blockaded ports Seized American ships on high seas German mercenaries hired Urged slaves to rebel Key Terms: Second Continental Congress: A gathering of colonial representatives in Philadelphia in 1775 that organized the Continental Army and began requisitioning men and supplies for the war effort. Steps Toward Independence

Beginning “The World Over Again” (continued)
Thomas Paine January Common Sense Convinced ordinary colonists to sever ties with Britain July 2, Independence voted by Congress Declaration of Independence Lecture Outline: Thomas Paine January Common Sense Essay became a bestseller Power came from the people Convinced ordinary colonists to sever ties with Britain July 2, Independence voted by Congress Declaration of Independence Written mainly by Thomas Jefferson Specific grievances against George III and the British government “All men are created equal” Key Terms: Common Sense: Revolutionary tract written by Thomas Paine in It called for independence and a republican government in America. Steps Toward Independence

Table 5.1 Chronicle of Colonial-British Tension
Lecture Notes: Image: Table 5.1 Chronicle of Colonial-British Tension Steps Toward Independence

Link to MyHistoryLab asset: Read the Document, “Thomas Paine, ‘Common Sense’ (1776)” Lecture Outline: Image: Thomas Paine - The message of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense was clear and direct. Paine’s powerful argument called for “the Free and Independent States of America.” He assured ordinary Americans not only that they could live without a king, but also that they would win the war. Steps Toward Independence

Link to MyHistoryLab asset: Watch the Video, “The American Revolution As Different Americans Saw It” Lecture Outline: Image: Congress Voting Independence - Oil painting by Robert Edge Pine and Edward Savage, The committee Congress appointed to draft a declaration of independence included (center, standing) John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and (center foreground, seated) Benjamin Franklin. The committee members are shown submitting Jefferson’s draft to the speaker. Steps Toward Independence

Discussion Question What events in 1775 and 1776 led to the colonists’ decision to declare independence? Lecture Outline: In 1775, following battles at Lexington and Concord, militiamen from throughout New England descended upon Boston, besieging the British troops encamped there. In response, the Continental Congress formed the Continental Army and appointed George Washington commander. In 1776, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense convinced ordinary colonists that a republic was a better form of government than monarchy, and Congress declared independence. Steps Toward Independence

Fighting for Independence
Building a Professional Army “Times That Try Men’s Souls” Victory in a Year of Defeat The French Alliance The Final Campaign The Loyalist Dilemma Learning Objective: Why did it take eight years of warfare for the Americans to gain independence? Home

British confident of victory Larger population, more resources Naval supremacy Britain’s military situation Long supply lines America a vast area to be conquered Had to crush the spirit of independence British underestimated Americans’ commitment Lecture Outline: British confident of victory Larger population, more resources Naval supremacy Britain’s military situation Long supply lines For both troop movement and supplies Unreliable lines of communication America a vast area to be conquered Might gain ports, but could not take all areas Had to crush the spirit of independence British underestimated Americans’ commitment Military of past European fights rarely fought over ideals Wanted to be paid Were soldiers by vocation Fighting for Independence

Building a Professional Army
Washington built fighting force Rejected guerilla warfare strategy Survival depended on soliciting foreign aid Failed to understand political importance of militia African Americans in the Revolution Supported side that promised freedom Two all-black units in Continental Army Lecture Outline: Washington built fighting force Rejected guerilla warfare strategy Continental army to be a fighting force and symbol of the republican cause Survival depended on soliciting foreign aid Shaped wartime strategy Avoided “general actions” that might destroy army Failed to understand political importance of militia Seldom altered outcome of battle Maintained control of large areas not occupied by British Compelled support of war by ordinary people African Americans in the Revolution Supported side that promised freedom New England militias attracted slaves with promises of emancipation Southern slaves more likely to side with British Relocated to Nova Scotia, Florida, and Jamaica after the war Some returned to West Africa Two all-black units in Continental Army Rhode Island and Massachusetts Fighting for Independence

How Did the American Revolution Unfold?
Where did the Americans have military successes? Which regions were Loyalist and Patriot strongholds? What position did the major cities play in the conflict? Fighting for Independence

Lecture Outline: Image: The idealized prominence of General George Washington as a war leader is shown as he meets with other generals and officers of the American colonies in a large state room. Fighting for Independence

“Times That Try Men’s Souls”
General Howe replaced Gage for British Simple police action not enough 50,000 British troops sent to colonies Fighting shifts to New York Goal - cut New England off Washington forced to retreat Howe issued pardon for all who swore loyalty to Britain Lecture Outline: General Howe replaced Gage for British Simple police action not enough 50,000 British troops sent to colonies Fighting shifts to New York Goal - cut New England off Washington forced to retreat Persuaded Howe that few Americans supported the war Howe issued pardon for all who swore loyalty to Britain More than 3,000 in occupied areas took up the offer Failed Soldiers and officers treated loyal Americans as inferior Rebel militia retaliated against any who deserted Patriot cause Fighting for Independence

“Times That Try Men’s Souls” (continued)
Washington crossed Delaware River American prospects appeared bleak Washington had some successes Captured 900 Hessians in Trenton Washington captured Princeton Victories cheered Patriots The Patriot cause revived But many feared the frontier Lecture Outline: Washington crossed Delaware River American prospects appeared bleak Lacked basic supplies Many men were preparing to go home “These are the times that try men’s souls” – written by Thomas Paine Washington had some successes Captured 900 Hessians in Trenton British troops were dispersed for winter Easier to attack Washington captured Princeton Victories cheered Patriots The Patriot cause revived But many feared the frontier Native American support of British Fighting for Independence

Lecture Outline: Image: Map 5.2 The American Revolution, 1775– Battles were fought in the colonies, on the western frontier, and along the Gulf of Mexico. The major engagements of the first years of the war, from the spontaneous rising at Concord in 1775 to Washington’s well-coordinated attack on Trenton in December 1776, were fought in the northern colonies. In the middle theater of war, Burgoyne’s attempt in 1777 to cut New England off from the rest of the colonies failed when his army was defeated at Saratoga. Action in the final years of the war, from the battles at Camden, Kings Mountain, Cowpens, and Guilford Courthouse to the final victory at Yorktown, occurred in the South. Fighting for Independence

Victory in a Year of Defeat
British strategy Cut off New England from other colonies Lure Continental army into decisive battle Burgoyne defeated at Saratoga Surrendered to General Horatio Gates Howe took Philadelphia Washington’s army wintered at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Disease killed Americans Lecture Outline: British strategy Cut off New England from other colonies Burgoyne came down from Canada Force of British regulars, German mercenaries, Canadian and Loyalist militiamen, and Native American warriors Joined Howe’s army – had come up from Albany Lure Continental army into decisive battle Burgoyne defeated at Saratoga Surrendered to General Horatio Gates Howe took Philadelphia Instead of supporting Burgoyne Washington’s army wintered at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Disease killed Americans 2,500 died Fighting for Independence

The French Alliance French helped colonists Revenge for defeat in Seven Years’ War Sent supplies early in Revolution Marquis de Lafayette Effects of Saratoga Convinced France that colonists were serious enough to become formal allies British sued for peace to prevent Franco-American alliance Lecture Outline: French helped colonists Revenge for defeat in Seven Years’ War Wanted to embarrass British Sent supplies early in Revolution Negotiations involved secret agents and fake trading companies Did not officially recognize American independence Stakes too high for King Louis XVI to openly back cause that had little chance of success Marquis de Lafayette Embraced American cause Had been forbidden to interfere by the French king Became aide-de-camp to Washington Effects of Saratoga Convinced France that colonists were serious enough to become formal allies Treaty of Amity and Commerce Commercial relations with United Sates Treaty of Alliance If France and Britain went to war, agreed to reject treaty unless independence of the United Sates was assured Surrendered all claims to British territories east of the Mississippi No claims to recover Canada British sued for peace to prevent Franco-American alliance Forced to fight French in the Mediterranean, in India and the Indian Ocean, in the Caribbean, and on the coast of West Africa Had to divert resources from American theater to other areas Talk of French invasion of London Fighting for Independence

Lecture Outline: Image: Map 5.3 Spain Entered the Revolutionary War as an Ally of France in By 1781, Spanish forces operating out of New Orleans and St. Louis had captured British forts in the Mississippi Valley and the Midwest from Baton Rouge and Natchez to as far north as the modern state of Michigan. On the Gulf Coast, Spanish amphibious forces led by Count Bernardo de Galvez had also overrun British posts from what is now Mobile, Alabama, to Pensacola in what was then the British colony of West Florida. Spain retained these Gulf Coast ports and regained all of Florida in the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Fighting for Independence

The Final Campaign Southern colonies – Britain’s last chance Southern strategy turned war into bitter guerrilla conflict Partisan warfare weakened British army Cornwallis moved British into Virginia Began to fortify Yorktown Washington joined with French Cornwallis surrendered Treaty of Paris 1783 End of Revolution Lecture Outline: Southern colonies – Britain’s last chance Southern strategy turned war into bitter guerrilla conflict Loyalists willing to take up arms for crown if they received support from regular army Spring 1780—English captured Charles Town Fortifications had decayed Colonists dug trenches and reinforced walls to no avail Partisan warfare weakened British army Tory raiders – little interest in serving as regular soldiers Preferred night riding, plundering, and murdering neighbors who they held grudges against October 1780 – backwoodsmen annihilated British and Tory forces at Kings Mountain, North Carolina Men who had supported independence or were victims of Loyalist guerrillas given chance to strike Most vicious fighting of the Revolution Cornwallis moved British into Virginia Began to fortify Yorktown Apparently planning to establish base on coast Washington joined with French Cornwallis surrendered October 19, 1781 To Washington’s combined French and American forces Treaty of Paris of 1783 End of Revolution Established boundaries on the north and south Gave Americans fishing rights in the North Atlantic Key Terms: Yorktown: Virginia market town on a peninsula bounded by the York and James rivers, where Lord Cornwallis’s army was trapped by the Americans and French in 1781. Treaty of Paris 1783: Agreement establishing American independence after the Revolutionary War. It also transferred territory east of the Mississippi River, except for Spanish Florida, to the new republic. Fighting for Independence

Lecture Outline: Image: Battle of Yorktown - French assistance on land and sea helped the Americans to defeat the British in the American Revolution. In this French print of the battle at Yorktown, French ships block the entrance of Chesapeake Bay, preventing British vessels from resupplying their troops on land. Yorktown, which was unknown to the French artist who made this print, is depicted as a European walled city. Fighting for Independence

The Loyalist Dilemma More than 100,000 Loyalists left United States at war’s end Imperial officeholders and ordinary citizens Basic ideology similar to Patriots Rebellion as endangering “life, liberty, and property” Loyalists treated poorly by both sides British never fully trusted Loyalists Lecture Outline: More than 100,000 Loyalists left United States at war’s end Imperial officeholders and ordinary citizens Resettled in Canada, England, the West Indies, or Africa Basic ideology similar to Patriots Rebellion as endangering “life, liberty, and property” Loyalists treated poorly by both sides British never fully trusted Loyalists They were Americans Treated as second-class citizens in Britain Fighting for Independence

Discussion Question Why did it take eight years of warfare for the Americans to gain independence? Lecture Outline: After a string of American defeats, which exposed weaknesses in military training and recruitment, a victory at Saratoga in 1777 convinced the French to form an alliance with the rebelling colonists. In 1781, supported by French soldiers and warships, Washington forced a British army under General Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. The shooting war effectively ended following this surrender, and American diplomats negotiated a favorable peace settlement in 1783. Fighting for Independence

Conclusion: Preserving Independence
04/06/98 End of American Revolution meant beginning of constructing new form of government What would the new government look like in terms of distribution of power? Would it be a government of the elite or a government of the people? Lecture Outline: End of American Revolution meant beginning of constructing new form of government What would the new government look like in terms of distribution of power? Would it be a government of the elite or a government of the people? 26 25 25 25

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5 The American Revolution: From Elite Protest to Popular Revolt

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