“The Fight for America”
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Transcript of “The Fight for America”
“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