The American Revolution

Class Objectives• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the

Continental Army and the British Army.

• Compare the 3 different sides during the Revolution and the aspects of each

• Define the major battles including the turning point and final battle of the war.

• Explain the major events that ended the Revolution.

British Advantages in the War

1. Well-trained army and biggest navy in the world.

2. Strong government with lots of $$$

3. Support of Loyalists and Native Americans

British Disadvantages 1.Far from home –

had to get men and supplies across an ocean

2.Troops unfamiliar with the land

3.Weak military leaders and old style of fighting

4.Lack of support in Britain for a long, expensive war

American Advantages 1. “Home-field

advantage” – familiar with the land

2. Strong leader in George Washington

3. Guerilla warfare tactics

4. Inspired by the fight for independence

5. Help from France and other European nations

American Disadvantages

1. Untrained soldiers, fewer people

2. Shortage of food, money, ammunition and supplies

3. Small, weak navy

4. No central government to enforce wartime policies

What do you think?

• Based on their advantages and disadvantages, which side do YOU think should win, and why?

• Write a clear thesis statement to answer this question. (One sentence!)

Loyalists vs. Patriots

Loyalists (Tories)– American Colonists who

remained loyal to the British during the war.

– OK for Britain to tax the colonies due to the protection they received during the French and Indian War.

– Felt strong social and economic ties to Britain and believed the British would win the war.

– About a third of the colonists remained loyalists throughout the war.

Loyalists vs. Patriots Patriots

– Desired complete and total independence from Britain

– Motto based from the quote of Patrick Henry “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”

– Inspired by Common Sense by Thomas Paine

– Made up the troops in Washington’s Continental Army and third of the colonial population.

Neutrals Neutrals

– Were undecided on the war.

– Many disagreed with British policies but did not want to declare independence

– Made up a third of the population.

Activity

• Read each colonist profile. With your group, decide whether you think that colonist would be a Loyalist, a Patriot, or Neutral. Explain your reasoning.

George Washington• Kept his army intact during

the war and never allowed a major loss at the hands of the British. He was good at retreating.

• Secured major victories at Trenton, Monmouth and later Yorktown.

• Wintered his army at Valley Forge, providing time for the Americans to regroup and train.

• His leadership was one of the main reasons why the Americans won the war.

Ben Franklin

• Ben Franklin (in addition to the his efforts in the Continental Congress) made numerous trips to Europe to gain support for the American cause from France and other nations.

• Arranged the Treaty of Alliance with France!

First Shots at Lexington and Concord: First “Skirmish” of

the War• In 1775, British troops march to Concord to seize a stockpile of weapons and arrest John Adams and John Hancock.

• Paul Revere rode quickly from Boston to alert the two men and to warn the Massachusetts militia men in Lexington and Concord to be ready for the British.

• American “minute-men” intercepted British forces at both Lexington and Concord and fire the first shots of the Revolutionary War. The British retreat to Boston.

Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)

• After Lexington and Concord, the British Army was pinned down by Boston Harbor by the Continentals

• Britain’s General Gage decided to attack militiamen at Breeds Hill (Bunker Hill) who had dug in north of Boston.

• The British advanced uphill several times in straight lines to attack the militiamen.

• This frontal assault cost the British over 1000 troops. The colonists “won” the battle, losing only 450 (even though they lost the hill).

The Second Continental Congress

Actions of the 2nd Continental Congress, Philadelphia 1775:

1. Sent the King George III “The Olive Branch Petition” -- a letter asking for peace

2. Named George Washington Commander of the Continental Army

3. Drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. (Thomas Jefferson)

Battle of New York (1776)

Who Fought: • Continental Army vs.

British Regulars

Leaders Present: • General George

Washington and General William Howe

Significance: • The British routed the

Americans in Long Island. Washington's army dropped to only 8,000 men

Battle of Trenton (1776)Who Fought:

• Continental Army vs. German Hessians

Leaders Present:• George Washington

Significance: • With Washington’s army in

disarray, papers about to expire, he needed a major victory. On Christmas Eve Washington attacked Hessians in Trenton for a major victory.

Battle of Saratoga (1777)Who Fought

• British Regulars, Mohawk Indians, Continental Army, Green Mountain Boys

Significance• Generally regarded as a

turning point in the war. This victory convinced France to enter the war as an American ally. France formally “recognized” the United States of America as a country.

The End of the Revolution• After over three more

years of fighting, and with French assistance, Washington and the Continental Army are able to trap General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781.

• After a month siege, the British army surrendered.

• The Treaty of Paris 1783 officially ended the war and gave America its independence (2 years later!)

Next Class

• Thursday: TEST on Unit 2! • We will have time for a review.

Come prepared with your study guide and questions.