Revolution-

A war that changes a government Lexington and Concord

The first battle of the war Musket Bayonet

Weapons of the Revolution • Knowledge of the land • Well trained, experienced army • Good cause to fight for • World’s best navy

• Allies • Wealth • Rifles • Established government • Short lines of supply and • More weapons communication

• More supplies

Patriots:

Americans who supported Independence

Loyalists (Tories):

Americans who supported the British Thomas Paine

Common Sense The Second Continental Congress

• All 13 colonies represented • Met in Philadelphia • Included some brilliant men

The first two things they did were contradictory… 1. Created the Continental Army and Chose George Washington to be the Commander-in-Chief

He was chosen because he was:

• Experienced • Wealthy • Trusted • From Virginia

2. They Wrote the Olive Branch Petition Fort Ticonderoga May 10, 1775 The Americans capture much needed cannons there Bunker Hill

Americans take position overlooking Boston The British attack three times…

When the American ammunition runs out. Britain wins a “costly” victory

Casualties American : 450 British: 1054 The Siege of Boston

This gives Washington the tricks the Americans British into hope! leaving Boston

Without firing a shot!

The Declaration of Independence

The Committee:

Robert Livingston Roger Sherman John Adams Benjamin Franklin Thomas Jefferson

Their Task:

Declare Independence And Explain why The Declaration has 4 main parts 1. Introduction 2. The Purpose of Government “The Social Contract” The people and Government gets power from their government THE PEOPLE have “a deal” LIFE The government must protect LIBERTY basic rights PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

If a government does NOT do this, the people must get a new one that does. 3. The Indictment A list of things the king did wrong

For Example: 4. The Declaration

Congress votes to accept the Declaration on July 4, 1776

G.W. forced Britain to takes retreat New through York 3 states City for several months Washington is desperate – needs a victory Battle of Trenton

American victory over Hessians – hope is restored! General Burgoyne’s Plan: Divide and Conquer!

Control Cut off the New Hudson England Valley

VS.

General John Burgoyne General Horatio Gates “Gentleman Johnny” “Granny Gates” One British Army Stopped at Ft. Stanwix By Benedict Arnold A second Never goes further than Kingston The Battle of Saratoga

Casualties

U.S. - 330

Britain – 1135 6222 captured

Huge American victory – called the “Turning Point” Results of the Battle:

Burgoyne and his army surrenders British threat to New England is over France agrees to be our ally! The Hero of the Battle was Benedict Arnold

He would later become a traitor – and join the British side. Benedict-` -Arnold and West Point

The plot was Arnold agreed to give exposed – and West Point to the British Arnold escaped for to join the British £ 20,000 and a command in Army the British Army

The British attack the South – hoping for Loyalist support The Battle of Yorktown

VS

General General Charles Cornwallis George Washington

…and the French Army and Navy!

The British get trapped on the peninsula at Yorktown The French Navy defeats the British Navy – so Britain is totally cut off! Cornwallis surrenders! • War is over • U.S. is an independent nation • U.S. gets all the land East of the Mississippi (except Florida)