The American Revolution 1775-1783 Britain vs. the colonies (United States) Revolution- A war that changes the government Patriots – Americans who fought Britain for independence Loyalists – Americans who were loyal to Britain American Advantages British Advantages Knowledge of the land Superior Army More Allies Wealth Leadership More weapons Good cause to fight for Superior Navy Short lines of communication Better military training Use of rifles Strong form of Government Short supply lines Supplies Experienced soldiers Beginning of the War Lexington and Concord – April 19, 1775 First battle of the war, Britain wanted to take colonists’ guns away. Americans tried to prevent them, and fighting broke out. Casualties: U.S.- 49 Britain – 273 Result: The war begins May 10, 1775: the Second Continental Congress begins in Philadelphia. All 13 colonies are represented. Congress becomes the government of the U.S. during the war. Olive Branch Petition – Letter to King George III from Congress asking for peace. ( this request is ignored by King George III, who declares the colonists in rebellion) Congress creates the Continental Army, and chooses George Washington to be the Commander in Chief. Washington was chosen because: He had experience He was wealthy He had good character and charisma He was from Viginia Fort Ticonderoga May 10, 1775 Surprise attack by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys (with Benedict Arnold) Americans take the fort without firing a shot Americans gain much needed cannons! The Battle of Bunker Hill (a.k.a. Breed's Hill) June 17, 1775 The Americans want to force the British out of Boston. The British cannot allow the Americans to hold the high ground, so they attack! Results: Britain wins a costly victory. Casualties: U.S. 400 Britain: 1000 The Siege of Boston Evacuation: March 17, 1776 Washington forces the British to leave Boston without firing a shot! (He had cannons but no ammunition) Declaration of Independence Committee of 5 Chosen to write it: Roger Sherman -CT Robert Livingston - NY Benjamin Franklin - PA John Adams - MA Written by Thomas Jefferson-VA Four Main sections: 1. Preamble - introduction 2. Purpose of government- Main ideas: (Based on John Locke’s “Social Contract Theory” *Governments get their power from the people. *The purpose of government is to protect the people's basic rights *The people's basic rights are: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness *If the government does NOT protect the people's rights, they hav the right to rebel and get a new government that does. 3. Indictment - List of things the king did wrong. for Example: * Taxed us without representation * Closed Boston harbor * Killed our people * Violated our Rights 4. Declaration- Americans declare that they are no longer part of Great Britain, and are an independent nation called: the United States of America The Declaration of Independence was accepted by Congress on: July 4, 1776 The Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn Heights) August 27, 1776 Britain sent 32,000 troops (largest ever at that time) Washington defended with 19,000 troops Result: Washington's army was badly beaten, and the British took control of NYC. Casualties: Br. 400, U.S. 2000+ Aftermath of Long Island : A long Retreat Washington retreated through 3 states for 100's of miles. The outlook was grim indeed... The Battle of Trenton: A much needed victory for Washington and his men! December 26, 1776 Washington launches a surprise attack on Hessians and wins a stunning victory Casualties: Hessians - 900 captured 114Killed and wounded U.S. - 2 wounded The Winter at Valley Forge 1777-1778 Washington's troops spent a difficult winter at Valley Forge, outside of Philadelphia(occupied by the British). Due to Washington's leadership, and training they received from Baron von Steuben, the Continental Army not only survived, but improved! War in the South The British thought they could gain some victories in the south because there were so many loyalists there. They were right. They scored victories in Savannah, Ga and Charleston, S.C. as well as in other places. Eventually, British forces led by Gen. Charles Cornwallis were forced north into Virginia. Seeking reinforcements and supplies, Cornwallis headed for the York Peninsula on the coast, and set up camp at Yorktown, Virginia The Siege of Yorktown September 28-October 17 1781 Cornwallis and his army are surrounded by American and French forces. With defeat certain, the British surrender on October 17, 1781. Results of the Battle of Yorktown The War is OVER! The Treaty of Paris (1783) America is independent U.S. gains land east of the Mississippi .