1. The American Revolution
Chapter 7-1

2. ESSENTIAL QUESTION
HOW WAS IT POSSIBLE THAT AMERICAN PATRIOTS GAINED THEIR INDEPENDENCE FROM THE POWERFUL BRITISH EMPIRE?

3. The Early Years of the War
Americans divided on the issue
Approx 20-30% Loyalists
Approx 40-45% Patriots
The rest were Neutral

4. Primary Sources Patriots Loyalists
“Shall a body of men in Great Britain who know nothing of us – invest themselves with a power to command our lives and properties...”
“They call me a brainless Tory ; but tell me, which is better – to be ruled by one tyrant 3000 miles away, or my 3000 tyrants not one mile away?”

5. Preparing for War AMERICAN
George Washington – commander of Continental Army
Enlist for only one year – then go home
Inability to supply army with blankets, food, guns
Women helped in the camps – cooked, nursed sick & wounded
BRITISH
General William Howe
Experienced army
But some not want to fight Americans
Signed up for life – which discouraged enlistement
So hired mercenaries German hessians

6. WAR in MIDDLE STATES
(In Chapter 6) Washington forced British out of Boston March 1776
July 1776 British arrived in New York – British won Battle of Long Island August 1776
August to December continuous fighting – Washington forced to retreat and cross Delaware River into New Jersey
Before enlistment end Dec 31...Washington plan to row across Delaware River on 12/25/1776 – surprised British and won Battle of Trenton and Battle of Princeton

7. Victory at Trenton & Princeton
These two victories showed that Washington and American Army could win
It attracted more New Recruits into American Army

8. BRITAIN’S NORTHERN STRATEGY
CONTROL THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY
1. General John Burgoyne – march down from Canada
2. Lt. Colonel Barry St. Leger – march down Mohawk Valley
3. General Howe – march north along Hudson from NYC
BRITISH STRATEGY UNRAVELS
1. General Burgoyne – waiting for Howe & Leger
2. Lt.Col Leger – tricked into retreating
3. General Howe – changes course and captures Philadelphia instead

9. BATTLE of SARATOGA General Burgoyne defeated by General horatio gates
A MAJOR TURNING POINT IN THE WAR
BRITISH WOULD NOT ISOLATE NEW ENGLAND
Showed europeans that America might win war
Some europeans joined americans to help