The American Revolution

1. The American Revolution 1778-1783

2. The Battle of Saratoga, 1777 • During the first 18 months of the war, Washington’s demoralized troops lost New York City and Philadelphia and then 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 Middle Atlantic colonies and thus cut the United States in two. • 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.

3. 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.

4. The French Alliance • What should you remember about the French Alliance? • The French alliance prevented any chance of an Anglo-American reconciliation. • French military and financial aid played a decisive role in enabling America to win the Revolutionary War. For example, American forces received vital French help during the Battle of Yorktown.

5. 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.”

6. The Treaty of Paris of 1783 • The Franco-American alliance influenced Great Britain to offer generous peace terms. • The treaty recognized the independence of the United States. • The treaty recognized American sovereignty over territories extending from the Mississippi River on the west, to the Great Lakes on the north, and to Spanish Florida on the south. • America pledged to compensate Loyalists whose lands had been confiscated by state governments.