Post on 30-Dec-2015
transcript
A New Nation at WAR!!
The Revolutionary War begins as Minutemen in
Massachusetts exchange shots at Lexington &
Concord with the REDCOATS.
Americans pick sides• Patriots-Believed
in complete independence from Britain
• Provided troops for the army.
• Loyalists or Tories-remained loyal to Britain based on cultural & economic ties.
• Believed taxation was necessary for protection.
A Declaration of Freedom 1776!• “WE hold these truths to be self-
evident that all men are created equal.”“Government gets its power from the people”
• If a government violates these rights; “abolish it and institute a new government .”
Thomas Jefferson
The Battle of Great Bridge on December 9, 1775
Resulted in the capture of Norfolk by the Americans and the complete destruction of Norfolk on January 1, 1776. The Battle ended the rule of the British Crown in Virginia. Loyalists fled with the British.
MAJOR BATTLES
Major Battles• Dec. 26th 1776-Battle of Trenton Washington
crossed the Delaware River and surprises the Hessians to get weapons.
The American victory was the first of the war, and helped to restore American morale.
Ben Franklin asks the French for Help!
• Congress sent Franklin to France in December, 1776 to secure French aid for the Revolution.
Battle of Saratoga
• Colonial victory that marked the turning point of the war. Convinced France and Spain to aid the rebels
One quarter of the British forces in North America thus surrendered, and, while many battles were yet to be fought, American Independence was assured.
Trouble at Valley Forge• Dec. 1777-78 Colonists suffered through a brutal
winter at Valley Forge
• Thomas Paine writes “the CRISIS” urging people to support the war and fight for Liberty. “
• “These are the times that try a man’s soul!”
Victory at Sea!• September 23, 1779-John Paul Jones
defeats a British warship in the North Sea. When asked to surrender; Jones declared," Surrender NEVER, I have not begun to fight."
American TRAITOR• General Benedict Arnold conspired to turn
his command of West Point over to the British in exchange for a British commission and money.
Battle of Yorktown, VA 1781
VICTORY at Yorktown, VA 1781
America got help from
the French Navy at
the Battle of Yorktown
and was able to force
Cornwallis to
surrender.
Help from France
French
nobleman who
helped the
Americans at
Yorktown
Marquis de Lafayette
Treaty of Paris Signed- 1783 • On September 3, 1783, a peace treaty
was formally signed between Great Britain and the United States. This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War.
Help from Everyone
WOMEN Wives had to handle
the family business Mend Clothing Made ammunition Cooked for troops Some served in
Combat
BLACKSAbout 5,000Served in the Continental Army.Some slaves escaped to the North.
Factors Leading to America’s Victory
1. The British government grew tired of the struggle.2. Benjamin Franklin negotiated a Treaty of Alliance with France.3. The leadership of Washington
4. British underestimated the colonists strong desire to
be FREE.