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The Revolutionary War. How was the Continental Army able to defeat the British army?. Second Continental Congress: May, 1775. Second Cont Cong sends Olive Branch Petition to King George. Colonists debate two main issues: 1. Should we work things out with King George?
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The Revolutionary War How was the Continental Army able to defeat the British army?
Second Continental Congress: May, 1775 • Second Cont Cong sends Olive Branch Petition to King George • Colonists debate two main issues: 1. Should we work things out with King George? 2. Should we declare independence? • King rejects petition, SCC okays “Continental Army” led by George Washington, fight first battle at Bunker Hill Let’s give the King another Chance I don’t think so rebel scum!
Declaration of Independence: July 1776 • Thomas Jefferson writes Declaration of Independence • Jefferson writes: “All men are created equal and have right to life, liberty & pursuit of happiness” • Ratified July 2, 1776 and adopted July 4, 1776 • Video: What was important about Dec of Ind to colonists? Jefferson, Franklin & Adams work on new version of D of I
Colonial Support • Patriots: Supported independence (new opportunities), Loyalists opposed independence (things better w/ British) • African-Americans – some freedmen join Patriots but then British promise to end slavery causing many to join loyalists • Native Americans – hoped British won, saw American colonists as a threat to their lands
The War Begins • 1776: British strategy isolate Boston and then capture NY • Plan is working, Continental Army retreat to Pennsylvania • Washington crosses Delaware River into NJ, surprises British • 1777: Washington heads back to Penn but must retreat & gets stuck at Valley Forge • Cont. Army gets 1st win at Saratoga, NY (French help) • Video: What new techniques and weapons help the colonists?
America Wins the War! • Video: Why do the British lose the war? • British sign Treaty of Paris (1783) giving Americans 13 colonies plus land west to Mississippi River • 1781: Cornwallis trapped at Yorktown and surrenders • Americans want to create egalitarian society (but will it be??)
Map Time! Saratoga • Label these key events on your thirteen colonies map: Valley Forge Washington crosses Delaware Yorktown