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Chapter 6; Section 4. Other Battlefronts. Fighting on the Frontier. In the west settlers clashed with Native Americans , whose land they were invading. Native Americans choose sides. When the Revolutionary War began most Native Americans tried to remain neutral
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Chapter 6; Section 4 Other Battlefronts
Fighting on the Frontier • In the west settlers clashed with Native Americans , whose land they were invading.
Native Americans choose sides • When the Revolutionary War began most Native Americans tried to remain neutral • As war spread some Native American tribes did take sides. • In the West, many Indians joined the British to protect their lands from American settlers
Victory at Vincennes • George Rogers Clark led Virginia fighters against the British in the Ohio Valley with help from the Miami Indians • They captured forts Kaskaskia and Cahokia • Clark plotted a surprise winter attack on the British at fort Vincennes • When they reached the fort they spread out to make their numbersappear greater • The British commander was fooled by the strategy and surrendered
A Victory at Sea • Americans could do little against the powerful British navy • British ships blockaded American ports
A Victory at Sea • John Paul Jones: the most daring American captain • Jones commanded the Bohomme Richard in the battle against the British warship Serapis • Canons caught the Bonhomme on fire so Jones and his crew boarded the enemy ship Serapis and fought hand to hand combat. • Americans defeated the British’s warship.
African Americans in the battle for Freedom • At first the Continental Congress refused to let African Americans free or enslaved, join the army • The British offered freedom to any male slave who served the king • In response Washington changed his mind and let African Americans enlist
Comrades in arms • About 5,000 African Americans fought against the British • Some formed special regiments others served as drummers, fifers, spies, and guides and sailors
“All men are created equal” • Black patriots hoped that the Revolution would bring an end to slavery • The Declaration stated that “all men are created equal” • African American sent petitions to lawmakers asking for freedom • Some white leaders like James Otis, hoped the war would end slavery
“All men are created equal” • By the 1770’s slavery was declining in the North • During the Revolution some states like Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania moved to outlaw slavery. • Other states debated the issue.
Women in the War • Women also helped in the struggle for independence • When men went to war women took on added work • Planted and harvested crops to feed the continental army • Made guns and other weapons • Made shoes and wove cloth for blankets and uniforms • Many joined their soldier husbands at the front washing clothes, cooking and cared for the wounded (Martha Washington) • A few took part in battle