The War for Independence-Revolutionary War

1. The War for Independence-Revolutionary War • Second Continental Congress-meetsto determine a response (to battle of Lex./Concord) Outcomes= George Washington appointed to lead Continental Army Olive Branch Petition=offeredto the king in attempt to restore rights and peace 1776-Common Sense-Written by Thomas Paine convinces the colonies to declare independence…

2. The War for Independence-Revolutionary War • The Declaration of Independence: Written by Thomas Jefferson Adopted by the Second Continental Congress officially states the reasons for declaring independence ideas: government comes from the consent of the governedthe purpose of government is to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (natural rights) when a government becomes abusive, it is the right of the people to change or abolish it.

3. Is this what this would have really looked like?

4. Notes #4: The War for Independence: Revolutionary War • The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) • Also known as the American War for Independence Who fought??? 1. The British (under General Cornwallis) and their German allies “hessians”. -slaves (some) -loyalists (colonists who were loyal to the crown) 2. The Colonists (continental army and local militias) & eventually the French.

5. Valley Forge : Would you have quit? In the winter of 1777 and 1778, George Washington commanded several thousand patriot soldiers who spent the winter at Valley Forge, 18 miles outside of Philadelphia. It was not an easy time. You will assess what you would have done if you were a soldier there.

6. The Revolutionary War • Your name is Levi Zendt. Most folks call you “Uncle Levi.” You are a prosperous, third generation Pennsylvania Dutch farmer with foodstuffs to sell. In September, the British army under William Howe occupied nearby Philadelphia and set up comfortable quarters for the winter. Last month, the American Continental Army under George Washington made its rough winter camp at Valley Forge, just a few miles west of your farm. You are a Quaker and hate war, but business is business. • Last week you sent your nephews to both camps to get prices offered by the two armies. Your nephews returned with this price list: • To which army are you going to sell your foodstuffs and why? • If most of your neighbors do as you do, what impact will it have on the American army at Valley Forge?

7. Group readings • You will all read the background essay and answer the respective questions. Hold on to this paper! • In your group, you will take turns reading out the 4 different documents and record your answers on your own paper. Everyone should be participating. • Make sure you take good quality notes and record good answers – you will be using this to respond independently.

8. Notes #4: The War for Independence: Revolutionary War • Colonial Advantages: -fighting from “home” -”spirit”/beliefs -smart generals -French aid -George Washington • Colonial Disadvantages -lack of money and supplies -inexperienced -few ships -not used to fighting together • British Advantages: -well trained -Best military in the world -money -Native Americans • British Disadvantages -fighting away from home -lack of knowledge from the land -tired/lack of spirit

9. Notes #4: The Revolutionary War: • Major Campaigns of the War: • The first wave (1775-1778) -fighting began in the Northern/Middle colonies (NY, NJ). center of colonial protests: British trying to diffuse -BUT-Washington captured a major Hessian detachment in Trenton, New Jersey (BIG victory) -Major Patriot win: The Battle of Saratoga ResultFrench sign alliance with Patriots and agreed to fight against the British. Battle of Saratoga

10. Notes #4: The Revolutionary War: • The victory at Saratoga would be a MAJOR turning point of the wary because the Patriots would get the foreign assistance necessary. 2. Second-Wave -Fighting moves to the Southern colonies (Virginia) British tried to move “up” from the South through VA -several battles on the way help to weaken the British supplies. *Famous example= The Battle of Guilford Courthouse

11. Notes #4: The Revolutionary War • Battle of Guilford Courthouse • Nearing the end of the war British General Cornwallis chased Nathaniel Greene to Virginia then to Greensboro. • Battle last only 90 minutes with Greene setting up three waves of soldiers • Even though technically Americans lost it was big blow to the British because they lost a lot of men. • Thinking that Virginia was more important Cornwallis left leaving Greene to take down generals in N. and S. Carolina Battle of Guilford Courthouse

14. Notes # 4: The Revolutionary War • British continue to loose important regiments, supplies, and spirit. • Washington’s Victory at Yorktown VA (1781) --by the time the British arrived in VA, they were met against Washington’s army. --The French navy fought the British off of the Chesapeake Bay --Cornwallis’s army is captured and forced to surrender.(October, 17, 1781) The war is over! Colonial Victory!

15. Notes #4: The Revolutionary War • Treaty of Paris (1783) -signed September 3, 1783 -Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States and agreed to a Mississippi boundary line in the west. -Florida is passed back to Spain