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American Revolution

Learn about the American Revolution and the Patriots' fight for independence from Britain. Discover key battles, the role of loyalists, and the hardships faced by the Patriots. Explore the victories that turned the tide of the war.

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American Revolution

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  1. American Revolution

  2. Patriots • Wanted the American Colonies to gain their independence from Britain • Felt they weren’t treated fairly by British, taxed without representation in the Government Choosing Sides Loyalists (Tories) Remained loyal to British Strong in South; Weak in New England Reasons: some remained members of the Anglican Church, others relied on jobs, didn’t think it was a big deal

  3. Difficult to raise money for war efforts • States had to recruit (local militia) • Soldiers signed one year contracts • Problem: constantly having to retrain army • Washington petitioned for longer terms • Women even fought in war • Margaret Corbin – took husbands place when he died • Mary Ludwig Hayes McCauley – Molly Pitcher b/c she would bring pitchers of water to battle • Deborah Sampson – disguised herself as a man Raising an Army

  4. Bunker Hill – General William Prescott tells Patriots “do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes” • British Commander – General William Howe • Patriots are forced to retreat after 3rd charge – lack of ammunition • Results: Patriots felt that they could stand up to British, and many more colonists joined the war efforts after Bunker Hill • Battle of Long Island • Lacking men and ammunition • Patriots are Outnumbered and Outmaneuvered • Many men had no socks, shoes, coats, or blankets • Leading toward a tough, brutal winter • Washington retreats back to Brooklyn, then ultimately to Manhattan • Results: showed both sides that this would not be a short easy war and many more men would die before its end • Nathan Hale – Hero of Long Island • American spy who was caught while gathering information in New York City. He was hung by the British, • famous last words which were "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country."  Early Defeats

  5. Lacking soldiers, Washington asks Congress to enlist free African Americans (only SC no African Amer fight) • Victories in New Jersey • During Winter 1776, British settle mostly in NY, but some troops in Trenton & Princeton (not expected to fight during Winter) • Washington Crosses the Delaware – sees opportunity to catch British off-guard (cross the Delaware River Christmas night) • Capture over 900 Hessian soldiers at Battle of Trenton • Hessians - hired mercenaries/soldiers to fight w/Brits (German) • Results: victory was a huge boost in morale for the Patriots, gain in supplies (ammo) • Leads toward Princeton – Patriots win there too! Patriot Gains

  6. British 3–pronged plan of attack • Gain Control of Hudson River (cut off NE from colonies) by meeting in Albany • Gen. Burgoyne – move South from Canada • Lt. Barry St. Leger – move East from Lake Ontario • Gen William Howe – move North from NYC • British Take Philadelphia • Brits win 2 battles near Philadelphia and capture the Capital (Sept 1777) under command of William Howe and General Cornwallis • Washington launches an attack on Germantown but fails (Oct 1777) • Able to slow the British plan in Philadelphia and with the Green Mtn Boys (Benedict Arnold) Ft. Ticonderoga Plan for British VictoryCapture of Philadelphia

  7. British General Burgoyne running low on supplies and retreated from Ticonderoga to Saratoga (October 1777) • Other British troops do not meet up to help, creating a huge problem for Burgoyne • Horatio Gates (Patriot) blocks path South • Surround Brits with army 3x size • Surrender of 5,700 British, hand over weapons while Colonists play Yankee Doodle Dandee • Results: Major Turning Point of the War, Morale was boosted • French and Spanish decide to aid the Americans (because there is a chance they could win) 1778 -1779 Battle of Saratoga

  8. Won’t find out about Foreign Support until Spring • General Howe spends Winter in Philly • George Washington set up for winter at Valley Forge (near Philadelphia) Very rough Winter • Greatest challenge is keeping the men alive and united • Lacked decent food, no shelter, missing shoes/blankets/shirts • Many deserted their duty • Built huts, volunteers sewed clothing, community helps gather food • Spirits skyrocket once word spreads about French • Frederich von Stuben and Marquis de Lafayette – help George Washington train army with discipline and techniques Valley Forge

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