THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Chapter 6

American Revolution

Why It Matters: Although the United States declared its independence in 1776, no country recognized it as an independent nation at that time. It took a war and the efforts of American diplomats to win this recognition.

The Impact Today: In fighting for the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the American Patriots laid the foundation for the United States of America as we know today.

The Early Years

Main Idea: The British and the Americans each had advantages and disadvantages as they faced one another in war.

Key Terms: Neutral Mercenary Recruit

The Opposing Sides

In order for the colonies to actually gain their independence from Britain, they had to fight a war.

No one expected it to last long

Strengths and Weaknesses

BRITISH PATRIOTS

Britain had a larger population-8 million against 2.5 million.

Britain had the strongest navy in the world and a well-trained army.

The Americans didn’t have a regular army or navy.

Many colonists belonged to the militias who were basically volunteers and served for short periods of time.

Not all Americans supported the war effort. Some were neutral, some were opposed to fighting, and some were loyal to Britain.

Strengths and WeaknessBRITISH PATRIOTS

Fought 3,000 miles away from home

No personal investment

The Hessian mercenaries, or hired soldiers, who fought for the British for money.

Army and navy was well trained and very powerful

They fought on their own ground

Personal stake in fighting to protect their own land and freedom

George Washington leader with courage, honesty, and determination.

Militia, not a well trained army

Tories Loyalists, or Tories,

supported Britain Members of the Anglican

Church and thus loyal to Britain.

Depended on Britain for jobs

Some feared the changes a new government might bring and feared challenging an existing government.

Some just did not understand the war.

Loyalist strength varied from region to region but was strongest in the Carolinas and Georgia.

Map of Loyalist Strongholds in the colonies

Fighting in New York

The British troops outnumbered the Americans. During the summer of 1777, Britain sent 32,000 troops to fight in America. The British hoped to win an early victory.

The British defeated the Continental Army at the Battle of Long Island in August.

Nathan Hale became a hero for America.

He was discovered as a spy and hanged.

After the defeat, Washington retreated to Manhattan and then across New Jersey into Pennsylvania, pursued by the British.

New York and Pennsylvania Campaign in 1776

The Continental Army faced many obstacles.

They ran short of supplies.

The size of the army shrank. Soldiers became discouraged.

Some soldiers finished their term of service and went home.

Others ran away

New York City in Flames(1776)

Patriot Games

More soldiers were needed

Some states enlisted African Americans.

By the end of the war, every state except South Carolina had enlisted African Americans.

In fact Rhode Island had an all African American regiment in 1778

Trenton and Princeton

American victorious at Trenton, New Jersey.

Washington surprised British at Trenton in late December 1776.

The British sent more troops under Lord Charles Cornwallis

Washington marched his troops to Princeton and drove away the British.

Washington Crosses the Delaware

British Plan Victory The British planned to gain

control of Albany and the Hudson River to separate New England from the Middle Colonies.

First, John Burgoyne would lead troops south from Canada.

Second, Lt. Colonel Barry St. Leger would move east from Lake Ontario.

Third, General Howe would move north from New York City, and they would all meet in Albany.