Chapter 9Chapter 9

The War for Independence:

The Rebels Victorious

1776–1781

An Imbalance of PowerAn Imbalance of Power

Patriots are traitors to the British Patriot chance of success not great

Opposing Armies British army one of Europe’s finest Britain has 50,000 troops for battle Many are mercenaries America has hastily mobilized militia Continental Army

Only enlisted for one year Fluctuates from 5,000–18,500

British navy best in Europe Patriot navy basically non-existent Patriots lost few ships they built Privateers did most damage to British

An Imbalance of PowerAn Imbalance of Power (cont.’d)

The Loyalists Approximately one-third of civilian population Northern Anglicans, rich merchants, planters, etc. Southern slaves, who hoped to gain freedom Indians divided

Split the Iroquois Confederacy

Patriot advantages Defensive war on homeland Fight until British war weary Had friends in London Control countryside Arms from Spain and France

Boston Gained, New York LostBoston Gained, New York Lost

Franklin in Paris Sent to lobby for French alliance A social sensation French reluctant to commit troops French wanted to see major victory

Stalemate in Boston Citizens overwhelmingly anti-British Americans heavily fortify Dorchester Heights Washington allows British to evacuate without firing Howe relocates to New York

Boston Won, New York Lost Boston Won, New York Lost (cont.’d)

Humiliation in New York Howe has superior numbers in New York Howe invades Long Island Americans suffer losses Washington’s troops escape to New Jersey

Howe pursues Washington Washington retreats into Pennsylvania Many patriot soldiers swear allegiance to King Howe leaves minimum troops at front line for winter

Boston Won, New York Lost Boston Won, New York Lost (cont.’d)

Trenton Washington crosses on Christmas night into New

Jersey Surprises Hessians at Trenton, wins battle Wins against Princeton Trenton and Princeton victories save patriot cause

British Strategy Burgoyne plans to take Hudson River Valley Success will isolate New England British fail to coordinate troop movements Howe instead moves to Philadelphia

Map 9:1 – Washington troop movements

Boston Won, New York Lost Boston Won, New York Lost (cont.’d)

Saratoga: Watershed Campaign Howe takes Philadelphia after Battle of Brandywine

Creek Washington falls back to Valley Forge Burgoyne’s grand plan falls apart Americans wear down Burgoyne’s forces in New York

Americans win big victory at Saratoga October 1777 General Horatio Gates Burgoyne surrenders army

Map 9:2 - Saratoga

The Tide TurnsThe Tide Turns British try to negotiate

British offer Americans control of internal affairs Americans turn down British offer French form military alliance February 1778

Foreign Intervention French provide money, men, fleet French contribution vital to war effort Spain invades British Florida France helps keep peace in Europe

Mercenaries for liberty European peace brings military professionals to US Marquis de Lafayette of France Casimir Pulaski, Thaddeus Kosciusko of Poland Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben of Prussia

War Drags On U.S. cannot risk a decisive battle British continue to win indecisive battles British try to strangle colonial economy and fight in

south U.S. suffers inflation, mutinies, traitors American spirit low

The Tide Turns The Tide Turns (cont.’d)

The Tide Turns The Tide Turns (cont.’d)

Opportunity Cornwallis camps at Yorktown Cornwallis needs access to sea Yorktown is Washington’s “backyard” Washington traps Cornwallis by land French fleet traps Cornwallis by sea More French than Americans

Defeat at Yorktown Cornwallis asks for terms Oct. 17, 1781 Cornwallis surrenders Oct. 19, 1781 Final battle of war

Map 9:3

The Tide Turns The Tide Turns (cont.’d)

Treaty of Paris British choose not to continue fighting American independence Mississippi River western boundary Fishing rights off of Canadian eastern coast Protection for Loyalists & urge property be returned

George Washington Father of his country Lacked originality and boldness; no thinker Not very successful as field commander Contemporaries saw him as man of integrity and dignity Washington man of character

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

What were the advantages and disadvantages on both sides in the American Revolution?

What role did mercenaries play, on both sides, in the American Revolution?

What role did France play in American victory in the Revolution?

Why is George Washington called “the father of his country”? Does he deserve this accolade? Was he a great man, or simply in the right place at the right time?