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Explore the pivotal events of the American Revolution from Lexington and Concord to the formation of the Continental Army and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Witness the bravery of the colonists as they faced the might of the British forces and the strategic decisions that shaped the course of the war. Discover the impact of key figures like George Washington and Ethan Allen in the fight for freedom. This captivating journey through history reveals the sacrifices and determination that led to America's independence.
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Lexington and Concord • News spreads quickly • 10,000-15,000 militia rushed towards Boston
Second Continental Congress • Convenes in Philadelphia on June 10, 1775. • Did not convene with the idea that they were going to split with England • The fighting Spread
Olive Branch Petition • A petition sent to King George III. • Declared loyalty to the King • Asked him to repeal Intolerable Acts
King George Reacts • He thinks the colonists want to create independent empire • Orders 20,000 more troops to region
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Green Mountain Boys • Leader Ethan Allen…(yes the furniture guy) really a blacksmith…led a group from Vermont
Fort Ticonderoga • Green Mountain Boys overpower guard on duty • They rush to room where British commander is and Ethan Allen says “Come out you old rat!”
When asked by whose authority, he answers “In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!”
What they win… • Supply of cannons and gunpowder • Control of a key route into Canada.
Continental Army Forms • Congress forms Continental Army in June • Washington becomes commander • He takes off for Boston
P’s Advantages • Many owned rifles and were good shots • Good commanders like George Washington • Determined to fight to defend their homes and property
British Advantages • Highly trained, experienced troops • Best Navy in the World • Many colonists supported British
P’s Disadvantages • Colonists poorly organized and untrained • Few Cannons and little gunpowder • No navy • Few colonists willing to leave home militias and join Continental Army.
British Disadvantages • Armies 3,000 miles from home • News and supplies took months to come from Britain • British soldiers risked attacks outside cities.
Loyalists • Colonists who remained loyal to Britain • Included wealthy merchants and former officials of Royal government
Loyalists • Some farmers and craftworkers also loyalists. • Mostly from middle and South
Loyalists • Tarred and feathered by P’s • Many fled to Canada, England, or to British controlled cities • When they fled, they would lose their homes, farms, and stores
Fight for Boston Battle of Bunker Hill
Boston • During the first year, 6000 British troops were located in Boston. • Colonists surrounded the city, wouldn’t let them out
Battle of Bunker Hill • On June 16, 1775, Colonel William Prescott led 1,200 minutemen up Bunker Hill across river from Boston. • Reason: They could fire at British ships in Boston Harbor.
Breed’s Hill • Prescott notices nearby Breed’s Hill is better so he sends troops there • British General William Howe sees the Americans at sunrise.
Breed’s Hill • He ferries 2400 redcoats to attack rebels positions. • As British approached, Patriots held their fire • When they finally fired, the British were first to retreat.
British Win • The strategy of the Americans, because they were low on gun powder was not to fire “until you see the whites of their eyes.” • After the third try, the British take Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill.
Their high price for victory • More than 1000 Redcoats were dead or wounded. • Americans numbered 400 dead or wounded.
RESULTS • Battle of Bunker Hill first major battle of Revolutionary War • American proved they could fight bravely. • British proved they would not be defeated easily.
George Washington Arrives • Arrives in Boston a few weeks after battle of Bunker Hill. • He quickly turns raw recruits into an army. • Soldiers from different colonies mistrusted one another but Washington won loyalty of his troops
Cannons Arrive • In January 1776, the cannons arrive from Fort Ticonderoga. • Washington places them in plain site overlooking Boston Harbor.
British Depart • General Howe moves his troops and 1,000 loyalists from Boston to Halifax, Canada in March.
BLOCKADE • King George III ordered a blockade of all colonial ports. • The King uses mercenaries, or troops for hire, from Germany to help fight the colonists. They are called Hessians