American Revolutionary War 1775-1783

1. American Revolutionary War1775-1783 4 Pages…

2. First Continental Congress • In 1774 delegates met in Philadelphia to decide what to do about the situation. • 56 delegates including John and Samuel Adams. • One delegate wanted to make peace. • Patrick Henry said there was no way to avoid a fight. • In the end they reached a compromise – • They decided to continue to boycott British goods and warned colonial militias to be ready to fight. • They sent delegates to the king asking for basic rights. • The king refused.

3. John Adams • Lawyer and politician • Defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre • Represented Massachusetts in the Congress • Strong supporter for independence

4. “The British are Coming!” • Local militia members began calling themselves minutemen because they would be ready at a minute’s notice. • Much of the weapons and ammunition were stored in Concord. • A British general decided to go raid the ammunition. • The Sons of Liberty learned of the plan. • Sent men riding ahead to warn the minutemen.

5. Paul Revere & Wentworth Cheswell • Paul Revere rode ahead to warn the minutemen. • When Wentworth Cheswell heard the shouts he ran to warn others as well. • Many people made rides warning of the British coming.

6. The “Shot Heard round the World” • The minutemen beat the British to the ammunition. • They decided to make a line at Lexington to stop the British. • The first shot of the Revolutionary War. • The British marched on to Concord, few weapons remained.

8. Second Continental Congress • In 1775 representatives from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia again. • They had to decide how to react to the fighting. • Congress made plans to create a Continental Army – chose George Washington to command the army. • One last attempt at peace – Olive Branch Petition – King rejected the offer

9. George Washington • A soldier in the French and Indian War • Delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress • Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army throughout the Revolutionary War

10. Thomas Paine • Wrote a pamphlet called Common Sense • It was written in common language and distributed throughout the colonies • Urged colonists to break free from Britain

11. Second Continental Congress • 1776 the Congress created a committee to write a document declaring independence from Britain. • In reaction to King George III’s refusal to acknowledge the colonial requests • John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were among others in the committee. • Wrote the Articles of Confederation which would serve as a new form of government for the young country.

12. Thomas Jefferson • A delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress • A member of the committee to write the Declaration of Independence • Primary author of the Declaration of Independence

13. Declaration of Independence • July 4, 1776 • “All men are created equal” • Discussed unalienable rights – which are basic rights guaranteed to people naturally • These rights included – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness • Listed grievances against the King of England

14. Grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence • Taxation without representation • King has absolute power • Colonists not allowed to speak out against King • Quartering Act forced colonists to house troops • Allowed homes to be searched without a warrant • No trial by jury of peers

15. Abigail Adams • Wife of John Adams • Served as his support and confidant • Reminded John to “remember the ladies” who had no political voice

16. Choosing Sides • Patriots – fought for independence from Britain • Loyalist/Tories – remained loyal to Britain • Neutrals – chose neither side

17. Washington Crossing the Delaware. (Battle of Trenton)

18. Battle at Sea • John Paul Jones • Considered the founder of the U.S. Navy • Led raids on British vessels during the American Revolution

19. Saratoga • Considered a major turning point of the war • France joined the colonists after this battle. • This tipped the scale in favor of the colonists

20. Benjamin Franklin • He spent most of the Revolutionary war in France • He represented the colonies • He negotiated an alliance with France • He negotiated the Treaty of Paris which ended the war

21. Winter at Valley Forge • After suffering several defeats, Washington took his army to Valley Forge for the winter of 1777. • Many of the men suffered frostbite and starvation • The men were trained by a Prussian officer into a more professional army.

22. Help From Other Countries

23. Bernado de Galvez • Spanish nobleman and governor of the Spanish province of Louisiana • Protected American ships in the port of New Orleans • Helped transport war supplies • Took up arms and fought to protect Louisiana

24. Marquis de Lafayette • From France • Fought in the American Revolution • Commanded forces as a major-general in the colonial army • Fought in the Battle of Yorktown

25. James Armistead • A slave in Virginia • Marquis de Lafayette recruited him as a spy for the Continental Army • Contributed to the victory at Yorktown

26. Haym Salomon • Jewish immigrant to America • Helped finance the Revolutionary War • Arrested by the British as a spy • Used by the British as an interpreter for their German troops • Helped American prisoners escape and encouraged German soldiers to desert the British army • Was a business man who helped with the finances of the war.

27. Victory at Yorktown • Final battle of the Revolutionary War • The battle lasted for weeks • The surrender of General Cornwallis brought an end to the war

28. Treaty of Paris 1783 • Independence formally recognized by Britain • New borders established • North to Canada • West to the Mississippi River