Chapter 7The Early Years of the War

Essential QuestionHow was it possible that

American Patriots gained their independence from the powerful British Empire?

Important Terms George Washington- commander of the Continental

army John Burgoyne- British army general in the

Revolutionary war Joseph Brant- Mohawk chief allied with the British Benedict Arnold- U.S. army general in the Rev. War

who later turned a traitor Horatio Gates- U.S. army Battle of Saratoga- a series of conflicts in 1777 near

Albany,NY Neutral- not favoring either side Pacificist- opposes war Mercenary- professional soldier hired to fight for a

foregin country Strategy- an overall plan of action Rendezvous- a meeting

Americans DividedOn the issue of separating:20% to 30% -Americans were loyalists40% to 45% - Americans were PatriotsRest were Neutral – not favoring any

sideAmerican Choose SidesConflict divided Americas

1. Social2. Religion3. Ethnic Lines

Pacifists-opposed war- mostly QuakersSlaves were not to enlist afraid armed

slaves would lead revolt.British- Gave enslaved slaves freedom

if they fought for British.American Revolution Largest Indian War

◦Some Indians sided with British- Because of Fear of land

◦Some lived inside or around colonists fought for Americas.

Preparing for War

George Washington – (1775)- Commander of Continental Army.

Problems with ArmyState Militia – untrained and

undisciplinedPart time- not prepared for long warCont. to fight to hold off until have a

large armySupplies – lackingWomen- took care of the men

Britain PreparesMany believed that Americans

were unorganized, inexperienced, and were rebels.

Problems◦Many British officers refused to fight

Americans◦Not excited about the warHired Mercenaries: Professional

soldiers to fight for foreign country.Hessians- Germans

War in the Middle StatesBritish Goal- Control coastal cities-

Control supplies and land troopsPatriot Retreat

◦General Howe- in New York – Battle of Long Island- Made General Washington to retreat to New Jersey.

◦Thomas Paine- Published pamphlets called (The American Crisis) to urge Americans to continue to fight

◦Knew some men would leave when time ended December 31.

Decmeber 25 1776- attacked at Trenton defeated Hessain (gained supplies) then later won at Princeton

Made soldiers believe in General Washington

Britain’s Northern Strategy

British were preparing a strategy: an overall plan for action.

Their strategy was to take over the Hudson River

3 groups meet in Albany, New York

General John Burgoyne- From Canada- captured Fort Ticonderoga

Lt. Col. Barry St. Leger- Mohawk Valley

General Howe- Hudson River to New York City

Benedict Arnold- Tricked them away from Fort Stanwix by telling people that the Americans had a large army and it works.

General Gates- American- Blocked the British at Bemis Heights

Benedict Arnold- Led attack at Freeman’s Farm made to retreat

Battle of Saratoga- Forced the British to surrender due to lack of supplies and exhaustion

Turning Point of the War

1. keep America from being divided

2. Isolating New England States3. Showed Europeans could win the

war- So they helped.

Section 2 Important TermsAlly- a country that agrees to help another

country achieve a common goalDesert- to leave a military duty without

permissionPrivateer- a privately owned ship that has

been granted permission by a wartime government to attack an enemy's merchant ship.

Marquis de Lafayette- French aristocrat who volunteered to serve in Washington’s army

Valley Forge- site in southeast Penn. where Washington and his army camped in the winter of 1777-1778

George Rogers Clark- frontiersman who helped defend the Western frontier

John Paul Jones- sea commander who attacked British ships near the British coast

Wilderness Road- a trail to Kentucky

Section 2The War ExpandsHelp from AbroadFrench still upset over defeat in French and

Indian WarDidn’t be come an ally until a Battle of

SaratogaAlly: a that helps another country achieve

common goal.King Louis 16th – signed two treaties with

Americans1. sent supplies2. troopers3. Funds

France’s friend Spain got involved – They stopped British invasion from the southwest

Galver – victories helped expand Spains Territory.

British had to fight on land and sea once (Spain and France got involved in war)

This made the British spread their military forces on many fronts1. France- West Indies2. Spain – West3. American- Colonies

Foreign Officers ArriveMarquis De Lafayette – France-

Soldier’s friend- bought clothes from his troops own money – Washington regarded him as a son.

Winter at Valley ForgeWashington captured Valley Forge

in Pennsylvania◦Hardships

Lacked shoes Food Warm Clothes Malnutrition Exposure Diseases- small pox and typhoid feverGroup of women from Philadelphia ten teams

of oxen with supplies and 2000 shirts.

Patriotism Units the ArmyDesert- leave military duty without

permissionBaron Von Steuben- trained soldiers into

skilled soldiersFRONTIER FIGHTING Frontier- Appalachian Mountains-

MississippiDaniel Boone- built wilderness trailGeorges Roger Clark- Persuaded Governor

Patrick Henry of Virginia to raise an army attack British forts on Frontier.

To Break up Allies with Native Americans

Clark’s ArmyClark’s victories gave Americans

a hold on vast region between Great Lakes and the Ohio River.

Caused British to spread troops into Midwest

War on WavesBritain 200 warship on the

coasts- (Controlled Atlantic Trade Routes)

Congress encouraged American Privateers- (to attack British ships)

Privateer- A private owned ship to guarantee permission to attack British merchant ships.

John Paul Jones- Encouraged Americans to attack British ships along the coast of Britain.

“I have not yet begun to fight”- John Paul Jones