1. The American Revolution Part Two 1775 - 1781

2. Ponder this…..  If the colonists offered to be peaceful instead of declaring independence, do you think the king would accept it?  Discuss and Answer

3. Last Chance at Peace  Olive Branch Petition – July 1775  Colonies ask for peace.  King George refused.  He would use the British navy to block American ships from leaving their port.  He would send thousands of hired German soldiers to fight in America.  GAME ON!!!  Colonial forces thought they were equal to British troops.  George Washington knew otherwise. Immediately begins to gather supplies and train the army.  Declaration of Independence  Adopted on July 4, 1776  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZfRaWAtBVg&feature=play er_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZfRaWAtBVg&feature=play er_embedded

4. Problems of the Army  1. New national army was made up of untrained and undisciplined volunteers.  2. Washington’s main goal was to keep the Revolution alive. Knew he needed a large, well-trained army.  3. Congress asked men to enlist for a year and then they could go home. Washington’s army never grew over 17,000 men.  4. Congress couldn’t supply the army with blankets, shoes, food, guns and ammo.  5. Women helped in all kinds of ways  Cooked, did laundry, nursed sick/wounded, fought in disguise, managed farms and businesses.  not really a problem, just shows not enough men (#3)

5. Britain Prepares  Viewed Americans as disorganized, inexperienced rebels  Many British officers refused to fight the Americans  British soldiers signed up for life which discouraged enlistment.  Britain hired mercenaries called “Hessians” from Germany.

6. Battle Tactics  The majority of Revolutionary War battles followed a standard sequence.  Battle would begin after the armies formed lines facing each other.  Field artillery (cannon) blast the enemy’s lines  Front line soldiers advance to 50-100 yards of the enemy and fire muskets.  Soldiers attack with bayonets while cavalry charge.

7. Guerrilla Warfare  Informal  Ambush tactics  Gave Americans a needed edge  Was considered dishonorable in European tradition

9. Battle of Trenton – December 1776  Hessian – hired soldiers (with British)  Crossed the Delaware River at night and marched during early morning hours to surprise the still sleeping Hessians who had been celebrating the night before.  Washington’s troops capture/kill 900 Hessians and gain supplies.  Importance: some colonists think we are doing good and join the army.

10. Britain’s Northern Strategy  Seize the Hudson River valley  Believed New England was the source of the rebellion  General John Burgoyne would lead a force south from Canada  Lt. Colonel Barry St Leger would come down the Mohawk Valley  General Howe would follow the Hudson north from NYC

12. Burgoyne’s Strategy  “Gentleman Johnny”  Threw elaborate parties to celebrate victories  August 4, Burgoyne learns Howe would not be meeting in Albany like planned  Needed Howe’s troops  St. Leger faced a small American force at Fort Stanwix.  Benedict Arnold sent a captured Loyalist and some Iroquios Indians to spread the rumor that he had a large army.  St. Leger and the British retreated  No one was left to rendezvous with Burgoyne

13. Battle of Saratoga – October 1777  Plan was to cut off New England from the rest of the colonies.  British attacked patriot forts.  Patriots charge over and over.  Burgoyne retreats to Saratoga.  Patriots surround the British and they surrender.  This is an EXTREMELY important victory! Turning point in the war.

15. Got Allies?  France thinks we can win and recognizes U.S. independence.  France and U.S. are now allies.  France provides funds, supplies, and troops.  France is allies with Spain – so they help us too.

16. Yorktown

17. Battle of Yorktown – October 1781  British make camp in Yorktown (a peninsula) to wait for supplies.  American and French troops surround the city.  The French navy stops British ships.  Britain is forced to surrender.  America WINS!!!

20. Treaty of Paris - 1783  Britain recognizes U.S. independence.  U.S. gains new land.  U.S. will repay its war debt. We owe lots of money!!!  Plus some other agreements.