“The Fight for America”

American Revolution

General Gage was after the ring leaders of the rebellions

Patriot farmers and townspeople began practicing for a confrontation

Patriots watched British movements

People were to watch the “Bell Tower” in Christ’s Church in Boston

One if the British came by land and Two if By Sea

Lexington and Concord

April 18, 1775

Paul Revere and Bill Dawes head toward Lexington and Concord

They were caught and arrested77 militiamen waited for the

British 8 militiamen were killed and the

militia men were pushed back

Concord was warned Militia were ready (3,000 to

4,000)Guerilla Tactics were used.

British retreat back to Boston

Lexington and Concord

June, 1775Took place on Breed’s Hill"Don't fire until you see

the whites of their eyes.”The Americans drove

back two British charges before they ran out of ammunition. Americans fled with British 3rd charge.

More than 1,000 British soldiers and about 400 Americans were killed or wounded.

We won, they won

Battle of Bunker Hill

Written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776

Drew on ideas from John LockeNatural RightsConsent of the

GovernedGrievancesInjustices of the Slave

Trade

Declaration of Independence

The British thought that only New England was rebelling. If they took New York they

could isolate New England and contain the fighting

Washington knew of this plan and headed to New York

Washington and 23,000 colonial troops were almost cornered on Manhattan Island Americans were chased through

New Jersey and Pennsylvania

New York

Trenton New Jersey was held by the Hessians Hessians were German soldiers for hire (mercenaries) A fierce storm had erupted The Hessians were unprepared for an attack; celebrating holiday Christmas- 12/25/1776

Washington and 2,400 men crossed the Delaware River for a surprise attack Trenton brought the victory Washington needed; morale booster

Battle of Trenton

The British under General Howe wanted the American capital in PhiladelphiaThe Continental Congress

had to flee the city

Washington tried to block the British from entering the city at the Battle of Brandywine CreekWashington lost

Battle Brandywine Creek

British General Johnny Burgoyne planned to take the army from Canada to Albany New YorkBurgoyne took 8,000

men with him In addition to various

“equipment” The British get bogged

down in the underbrush, trees, and gullies of the forest

Battle of Saratoga

Continental Army appoints General Horatio Gates to lead this portion of the campaignHe is a very successful

GeneralBurgoyne does not

receive any reinforcements as planned

American troops surround the British and he is forced to surrender to Gates

Battle of Saratoga

1. Never again would the British send troops through the countryside

2. Americans now had proof that they could win

3. Now able to persuade France to Assist the U.S.

A Turning Point in the War…

Saratoga

In 1778 the U.S. and France signed an allianceFrance recognized US

independenceAgreed to assist the US until

independence was achieved

Spain joined the fight in 1779Made the port of New Orleans

available to AmericaGot Florida Back

France and the Alliances

Located just outside Philadelphia, it was the sight of the “winter camp” for the ContinentalsProved to be a low pointHarsh weather, poor conditions,

lacking supplies, disease and deserting was rampant.

Despite the conditions, Baron Friedrich von Steuben (Prussian) drilled the soldiers, improved their discipline and they came out as a well trained army.

Valley Forge

Focus turns to the SouthRegain a foothold there and

then head North

1780 General Henry Clinton replaces General HoweHe and General Cornwallis

bring 8,500 men to America In May of 1780 they take

Charles Town South Carolina

British have much success in 1780… in 1781 the tide will change

British Change Their Strategy

Battle of Cowpens(South Carolina)

In January of 1781 British and American forces meet at Cowpens South Carolina.

The Americans under Greene are victorious

Occurs 2 months after Cowpens

Cornwallis wins but it costs him ¼ of his troops

Battle of Guilford Courthouse

(North Carolina)

1781 the Carolinas

British General Charles Cornwallis sets up camp in Yorktown Virginia

Together the French and Americans head toward Yorktown with 17,000 troopsThe British are surroundedBritish navy doesn’t come

to the aid of Cornwallis After three weeks, October

18th 1781 Cornwallis surrenders

Battle of Yorktown

Terms of the TreatyBritain recognized the 13

colonies as independent states.

The Americans regained their right to fish off the banks of Newfoundland

All debts owed by citizens of either nation to creditors of the other were to be paid.

Loyalists were not to be persecuted

Treaty of Paris 1783

New Nation BoundariesOn the north by Canada and the

Great Lakes

On the South by Spanish controlled Florida which extended then to the Mississippi River

On the east by the Atlantic Ocean

On the West by the Mississippi River

Treaty of Paris 1783