What does the American Revolution mean to you?

What do you think it has meant to oppressed people

around the world?

Do Now:

In February 1778, American troops began an amazing

transformation!

Fredrich von Steuben, a Prussian captain and talented drillmaster, volunteered his

services to General Washington and went to work to “make

regular soldiers out of country bums”

Taught soldiers to… stand at attention

Execute field maneuvers Fire and reload quickly

Wield bayonets

European Allies Shift the Balance

Around the same time, another military leader, Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat also offered his assistance.

Lobbied for French reinforcements in 1779, and led a

command in Virginia in the last years of the war!

Lafayette & The French

After the devastating defeat at Saratoga, the British changed their military strategy and in summer 1778 they began to shift their operations to the south.

The British Move South

Early British Success in the South In 1778 a British expedition easily took Savannah,

Georgia and by spring 1779, a royal governor once again commanded Georgia.

General Charles Cornwallis and General Henry Clinton, sailed south with 8,500 men. In their greatest victory, they captured Charles Town,

South Carolina and took 5,500 prisoners of war.

Early British Success in the South For most of 1780, the redcoats advanced and were joined

by thousands of African American who had escaped Patriot slavery!

When Cornwallis and his troops advanced into North Carolina, Patriot bands attacked them and cut British communication lines – the continuous harassment forced the redcoats to retreat to South Carolina.

Turn to page 119 in your Textbook!

Siege of YorktownWith your Do Now

Partner, Please complete the Geography Application Worksheet!

Seeking Peace Peace talks began in Paris in 1782

Representatives from four nations join the negotiations witch each nation looking out for its own interests. US – wanted full independence Britain – hoped to avoid giving America full

independence France – supported American independence but feared

them becoming a major power. Spain – was interested in acquiring the land between

the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River.

The Treaty of Paris, 1783

In September 1783, the delegates signed the Treaty of Paris, which

confirmed US independence and set the boundaries of the new nation.

How did the war become a symbol of

Liberty?

Do you think the colonists could have won

Independence without the aid from foreigners?

What do you think?