Chapter 6 The American Revolution

6.1 A Nation Declares Independence

6.2 A Critical Time

6.3 The War Widens

6.4 Winning Independence

6.1 A Nation Declares Independence

A. A Call for Independence

January 1776 Common Sense

Published by Thomas Painea pamphlet that argued reasons

for independence from England-

Virginia ResolutionRichard Henry Lee from VA

Introduced a resolution to the 2nd Continental Congress

Asked for a committee to write a statement for separation

B. The Declaration of Independence

Has 3 partsPreamble-List of Grievances-Dissolving of Bonds-

C. Impact of the Declaration

July 4 1776 2nd Continental Congress approved the document

Signed on Aug 2

Changed the Course of War for independence

The presentation of the declaration

6.2 A Critical Time

A Retreat From New York

Washington & Gen HoweFight the Battle of BrooklynWashington was outnumber & didn’t

have a navyWas forced to retreat through NJ to Pa

Battle of Brooklyn

B. Surprises for the British

British forces occupied Philadelphia

Washington attacks Trenton on Dec 25 1776

Captured all the Hessian troops

Battle of Trenton follows, another small victory for Washington

C. The Turning Point

The Battle of Saratoga

GB Gen John Burgoyne wants to isolate New England from the rest of the states

has a 3 prong approachfrom Canada , from the West,

from New York City

King George orders the troops from NYC to Phila, this caused trouble for Burgoyne's plans

The major conflict takes place in Saratoga NY

The British surrender Oct 1777

Ended the threat of the British in New England

Gave a major victory to Patriots

Sends a message that the British will not have an easy victory

** Convinced other countries to help US

D. Help from Overseas

The French AllianceFeb 1778 France signed a treaty with

the Us to help fight the British

France & her allies engaged on war in Europe against GB to stretch the British resources

France also sends use of her Navy to the US

Other foreign soldiers help

Marquis de Lafayette

Baron Fredrik Von Stueben

Thaddeus Kosciusko

Casimir Pulaski

E. Valley Forge

Winter 1777-78 Washington Army camp

20 miles west of PhilaKept an eye on the British movementHarsh winter , bad housing, little food diseasesLow point of Washington

6.3 The War Widens

A. People of the War

African Americansfight on both sides of the war

British offer freedom for those who join their army

during this time the northern states gradually end slavery

Draftmen enlisted for one year at a

time army was always training new

recruits

many will dessert in harsh times

Women in the War

Some fought as soldiers

Some are spies

Some pick up when men were injured

B. Fighting on the Western Frontier

This is fighting west of Appalachian mts

Indians sided with GB

Battle of Vincennes

George Rogers Clark wins the battle & this help control the water way of the

Wabash river

American were able to remain in the Ohio river valley

C. War at Sea

Continental Navy was created 1776

only a few ships were built John Paul Jones was the commander of

the navy

1 major battle off the coast of England & Jones beats the British

6.4 Winning Independence

A. Fighting Moves South

GB begins to attack the US from the South

capturing Savannah GA Charlestown SC

The Advancement was stopped in NC

Frances Marion ( Fox Swamp)Stopped the British by using guerrilla

tactics

Nathaniel Greene wins the Battle of Cowpens in Sc

Benedict Arnoldthe best trained officer in the US army

Betrayed the US by selling the plans for West Point in 1780

Arnold escapes Washington’s men & eventually moves to England

B. Surrender

General Corwallis retreated to Va, after the loss at the Battle of Cowpens

He became trapped because the French navy arrived before the British Navy

And he could not escape the Chesapeake Bay

He was cut off a land route by Washington's men

After 3 weeks Corwallis surrenders to George Washington

C. Treaty of Paris

Peace talks to formally end the war begin in 1782

Delegates includes Ben Franklin & John Adams

Termsends the Revolutionary War

recognizes the United States of America

states were supposed to return loyalist land

April 15 1783 2nd Continental Congress approved the Treaty

the War was over

Now we have to create a government