Revolutionary War… And Independence

1. Revolutionary War… And Independence b. Explain the reason for and significance of the French alliance and foreign assistance and the roles of Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis de Lafayette. c. Analyze George Washington as a military leader; include the creation of a professional military and the life of a common soldier, and describe the significance of the crossing of the Delaware River and Valley Forge. d. Explain Yorktown, the role of Lord Cornwallis, and the Treaty of Paris, 1783. SSUSH5 The student will explain specific events and key ideas that brought about the adoption and implementation of the United States Constitution. a. Explain how weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and Daniel Shays’ Rebellion led to a call for a stronger central government.

2. First Shots to First Victory • Lexington and Concord • First shots of the Revolutionary War, “Shot heard round the world” • Bunker Hill • First important stand for the colonial militia, after the battle the became the Continental Army, led by George Washington • Was still a British victory… or was it?

3. George Washington… America’s First General • General of the Continental Army… • Chosen not because of his military prowess, but because of his character. • Well known throughout the colonies he became the face of the struggle for independence. • George Washington was a political choice, and often was resented by other generals in his army.

4. From Trenton to Saratoga… Our French Allies Join In • Battle of Trenton • Christmas Day 1776 • Washington led a night crossing of the Delaware River, and morning attack on Hessian Soldiers • Why? • Perfect Victory, followed by a victory at Princeton over British troops. His army now has hope and reenlisted. • For the British, the war had continued.

5. Philadelphia Falls, 1777 • British wish to conquer New York, once and for all. • Three Pronged attack: Gen. Howe did not get the message. • Invaded Philly from Maryland • Cut off by George Washington at Brandywine Creek • But failed to arrest Continental Congress • Winter Set in

6. Saratoga 1777 • Battle of Saratoga • BG Burgoyne approached Saratoga from the North and BG Howe was supposed to meet him from the South- Americans win due to ambush from militia and leadership of AG Benedict Arnold • Turning point in the war, after this victory the French officially recognize our independence. • French agree to send troops to our aid, the tide was turning

7. Valley Forge • Washington’s winter camp. Troops received training from Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben. • Camp was terrible, men died from exposure and starvation. • Vaccination kills some but saves more. • New Continental Army

8. Yorktown and Independence • Lord Cornwallis led British troops into Virginia • When confronted with a larger colonial army he retreated to Yorktown, which was a peninsula. • Colonial and French forces pin him there and force his surrender. The World Turned Upside Down

9. USA • Treaty of Paris 1783 • United States are granted full independence. • Spain gets Florida back and France gets New Orleans. • British lose their valuable North American Colonies.

10. Building a New Government • Articles of Confederation • Adopted during the Revolutionary War by the Continental Congress. • States acted independently tied together loosely by a weak central government. • Federal Government was kept weak out of fear of another “King”

11. Daniel Shay exposes the problems with the A.O.C. • Shay’s Rebellion • Rebellion of poor farmers in Massachusetts, upset over taxes. • Rebellion grew and there was no army to stop it. • This pushed many to support the cause for a stronger federal government • Daniel Shay played a key role in the drafting of our constitution, many would not have supported it without the fear his rebellion caused.