The American Revolution & Confederation

1. The American Revolution & Confederation 1774-1787

2. First Continental Congress • Philadelphia 1774 • Purpose – respond to the British threats to their liberties • Most Americans had no desire for independence they wanted to protest parliament and go back to pre-French & Indian War relationship THE DELEGATES • diverse group of radicals & conservatives • Radicals – Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, John Adams • Moderates – George Washington, John Dickenson, • Conservatives – John Jay, Joseph Galloway, • No loyalists

3. Actions of the Congress • Passed measures to change British policy but not offend moderates & conservatives • Suffolk Resolves – issued by Mass. Called for the immediate repeal of the Intolerable acts & for colonies to resist them by making military preparations & boycotts • Declaration of Rights & Grievances – supported by moderates. Petitioned the King to redress (make right) colonial grievances & restore colonial rights. Recognized Parliaments authority to regulate commerce • Continental Association – a network of committees to enforce sanctions of the Suffolk resolves • If colonial rights were not recognized, delegates would meet again in May 1775 Those are fightin’ words!!

4. Fighting Begins • LEXINGTON & CONCORD – April, 1775 Br. General Gage was sent to seize colonial military supplies in Concord. Warned by Paul Revere the militia (minutemen) assembled on the green to face British. No one know who fired first shot. British destoryed some military supplies • On return march to Boston, Br. Forces were attacked by miitia in Lexington. • BUNKER HILL– June 1775, first official battle of Revolutionary war. Mass. Militia made up of farmers was attacked by the British at Breed’s Hill (wrong name) & took the hill, suffereing thousands of casualties. Colonists considered it a victory b/c they inflicted heavy losses on Br. Army.

5. Second Continental Congress • Philadelphia, May 1775 • Military Action – appointed George Washington commander-in-chief of new Continental (colonial) Army . Benedict Arnold told to raid Quebec. American navy & marine corps was organized • Peace Efforts - sent “Olive Branch Petition” to King George III which the King dismissed and declared the colonies in rebellion & forbade all trade & shipping with colonies • Why war & peace at congress? • Divided into two groups • New Englanders – wanted to declare independence • Middle Colonies – wanted resolution of conflict through negotiating a new relationship with Great Britain

6. Second Continental Congress • Common Sense: Jan. 1776. Thomas Paine, English. Argued for radical idea that colonies become independent states and breaking all ties with British monarchy in plain forceful language. Agrued it was contrary to common sense that a large continent be ruled by a small island. • Declaration of Independence: June 7, 1776 Richard Henry Lee (Virignia) introduced the resolution. Formed a committee to write an official statement. Adopted Lee’s on July 2, 1776; adopted Jefferson’s July 4th, 1776

7. Patriots • Most from New England & Virginia • 40% of colonial population • Most militia soldiers would fight then go home to work on farms then go back to service. • General Washington never had more than 20,000 troops at one time even though several 100,000 men fought • Continental army was always short on supplies, equipment and rarely paid. • African Americans – Both sides offered freedom to slaves who fought on their side. About 5,000 African Americans were patriots most were free citizens from the North who fought in mixed racial forces

8. Loyalists • Tories – those who maintained allegiance to the King after the majority party in Parliament. • 60,000 fought in British army, supplied them with food, arms • 20-30% of colonial population were considered Tories • Majority of population in New York, New Jersey and Georgia • Most moved abroad to England or Canada at end of war • Most were wealthier and more conservative than Patriots • Most government officials were Tories • American Indians – most supported British who promised to limit colonial settlements in the West. • Who’s son was a Tori? • Benjamin Franklin’s, William

9. The Battle of Saratoga, 1777 • Washington’s demoralized troops suffered through a bitter winter camped at Valley Forge. • In July 1777 a British force led by General John Burgoyne began a campaign designed to isolate New England from the rest of the colonies • American forces led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold thwarted the British plan by forcing Burgoyne to surrender 5,500 men at the Battle of Saratoga. • The Battle of Saratoga marked a crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War. The victory revived the colonial cause and helped convince France to declare war on Great Britain and openly support the American cause.

10. The French Alliance • What happened? • On February 6, 1778 France signed a treaty formally recognizing the United States. • The Franco-American alliance provided the United States with crucial diplomatic, financial, and military support. • What caused the French alliance? • France was an absolute monarchy that was not sympathetic to republican values. Instead, France was motivated by a desire to regain its prestige in Europe by avenging its humiliating loss to Great Britain in the Seven Years’ War. • Fearful of an American defeat, the French initially followed a cautious approach toward the rebellious colonies. They surreptitiously (secretly) provided vital military supplies including badly needed ammunition and fire arms. • The skillful diplomacy of Benjamin Franklin captivated the court at Versailles and helped persuade the French to support the American cause. • The American victory at Saratoga convinced French leaders that American had the resolve to defeat Great Britain.

11. Victory • Yorktown – 1781- last major battle. Br. Troops were trapped on peninsula & could not retreat or get reinforcements thanks to French navy. Geography was key! • Treaty of Paris 1783 (know year) – unpopular and expensive war in Britain was ended when Tories resigned & were replaced by Whigs who wanted to end the war. • Provisions: • Br. Would recognize U.S. as independent nation • Miss. River is western boundary • US got fishing rights off the Canadian coast • Americans would pay debts owed to Br. Merchants & honor Loyalist claims for property confiscated during war

12. Reasons Why America Won the Revolutionary War • Military reasons • British commanders underestimated the fighting ability of American soldiers. They also failed to implement a coordinated military strategy. • America’s vast size enabled its commanders to fight a defensive war, trading space for time. • Led by George Washington, America’s military commanders proved to be resourceful and resilient. • Diplomatic reasons • The British government was confused, inept, and divided. For example, prominent Whigs such as Edmund Burke and William Pitt sympathized with the American cause. • The French alliance provided indispensable military, financial, and diplomatic support. • Political reasons • The dispute with Great Britain over economic policies soon exposed irreconcilable political differences. • America lacked a monarchy or a hereditary aristocracy. Instead of fighting for the crown, American soldiers fought for republican ideals. John Adams noted that, “The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people.”

13. Organization of New Governments • State Governments -