The American

Revolution

Turn to the next page in your notebook. Title

it: American Revolution: Strengths and Weaknesses

Then, divide the paper into 4 squares Label with these subtitles:

British strengths British weaknesses American strengths American weaknesses

Setting up your paper

You need to access a History Alive textbook

and turn to Chapter 7, sections 2 and 3

Recall: Lexington & Concord the first battle of

the war (April 1775: over a year before the DOI)– a tie

Recall: Bunker Hill the 2nd battle of the war (June 1775: again, over a year before the DOI)– a British victory

Recall: DOI approved 4 July 1776– officially declares a war b/c the colonies declare their independence

Important Events of the War

New York; October 1777 Up until this battle, the colonists’ cause looked

hopeless Colonists win this battle France entered the war on the side of the

Colonists as a result of Saratoga The French supplied money, men, weapons

and warships

Turning Point: Battle of Saratoga

Valley Forge, PennsylvaniaDecember 1777

http://

www.history.com/shows/save-our-history/videos/george-washingtons-life-changing-battle#george-washingtons-life-changing-battle

In late 1777, the British had captured both New York and Philadelphia.

Washington’s Continental Army made camp at Valley Forge for it’s strategic location between Philadelphia and the new headquarters of the Continental Congress.

The winter was very harsh and the Continental Congress was not providing even basic supplies to the troops.

Washington shared the hardships of his troops and won their respect.

Today you will read journal and letter excerpts from officers and soldiers written during their 4 months of encampment at Valley Forge.

Valley Forge, PennsylvaniaDecember 1777

Valley Forge Primary Source Analysis

Read 6 Primary Source documents written by 3 members of the Continental Army, describing their experiences that winter at Valley Forge.

Read the document aloud. Analyze what the author is saying. Consider these questions in your discussion:1. Who is the author?2. What was his duty at Valley Forge?3. What are the conditions that the soldiers are

experiencing at Valley Forge?4. What are the feelings and attitudes of the

author about these experiences?5. What does this document reveal to you

about the time period? Write your Document Analysis answers. Sketch your visualization. No stick figures. At

least 5 details.

The Colonists officially “won” the war at

Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781 The Colonists’ victory in this battle– and in the

war– was due to French involvement It would take another 2 years for the peace

treaty to be negotiated

Surrender: Yorktown

The Treaty of Paris officially ended the

Revolutionary War Major outcomes of the treaty negotiations: United States of America was granted

official recognition New borders for USA: Atlantic Ocean to

Mississippi River, Great Lakes to Florida All British troops were to leave USA Loyalists could return to USA and not be

prosecuted

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The United States of America laid down from the best authorities, agreeable to the Peace of 1783.

(Published in London, 1783.)

Who appeared to be the likely WINNER of

the war?WHY?

Given that we know the

outcome of the war…and that we know the differences in

strengths and weaknesses… why did the Americans win?

What factors were most important?