Pageant Chapter 8

1. Revolution 1775 - 1783 Pageant Chapter 8

2. The Original 13 - 1775

3. 1.a. Prelude To Independence • May 1775 • The Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia • They are moving towards independence • Managing a war effort – who will lead? • George Washington – why? Not why you may think… • (1) He was from Virginia, the most populous colony and people from the southern colonies didn’t like the influence the northern colonies had. • (2) He was already wealthy and wouldn’t be motivated by seeking money.

4. George Washington

5. Second Continental Congress

6. 1.b. Prelude To Independence • July 1775 • The Olive Branch Petition – professes American loyalty to King George III to prevent further hostility…he didn’t accept • August 1775 • King George formally proclaims the colonies in rebellion • Any fighting was considered treason – punishable by hanging • October 1775 – The colonists attempt to invade British-ruled Canada in hopes of securing a 14th colony • The invasion of Canada contradicted the Olive Branch Petition and shows that the colonists were not merely fighting a defensive war against Britain.

7. 1.c. Prelude To Independence • 1776 • Thomas Paine, a former corset-maker • Wrote a 47 page essay that would start a fire in colonies • INDEPENDENCE • Common Sense was important because it awakened the Americans to the brutality of Britain. It also called for independence and a republican government.

8. 2. Declaration of Independence • With the failure of the Olive Branch Petition, the Continental Congress asks Thomas Jefferson to draft a formal declaration of independence. • Jefferson was a Virginia lawyer • Young, only 33 when he wrote the Declaration • The rationale: The colonies are justified in breaking their ties with Britain because of the tyrannical misdeeds of King George III. • The colonists are no longer British subjects, but Americans. • Its impact would go far beyond the United States. • Considered one of the greatest writings in human history. • Not perfectly moral though, since Jefferson says “all men are created equal” while owning tons of slaves.

9. 3. The Military History of the War • The war is divided into three phases • 1) Patriot Strongholds in Boston – 1775 - 76 • 2) New York / Pennsylvania Campaigns – the British attempt to separate the northern and southern colonies along the Hudson River – 1776 - 78 • 3) The Southern Campaign ending with the British defeat in the Battle of Yorktown, VA - 1778 – 81

10. 3. The Military History of the War • 1) Gen. William Howe – defeated Washington in the Battle of Long Island (NY) in 1776. • 2) Gen. John Burgoyne – Defeated by Continentals in the Battle of Saratoga. • 3) Valley Forge – Washington and his men camped here in late 1777 for a miserable winter but received much needed training from Baron Von Steuben. • 4) Saratoga – Continental victory. A major turning point of the war as it caught France’s attention.

11. 3. The Military History of the War • 5) Nathaniel Greene – Wore down Lord Cornwallis in the Carolina Campaign. • 6) Lord Charles Cornwallis – successful British general in the south; but was eventually cornered in Yorktown (1781).

12. 4. The Treaty of Paris 1783 • The war is over – 1783 • John Adams – the main negotiator at the Paris peace talks with Britain • Britain was very generous…why? • They wanted to give America a great deal of independence so they won’t be so quick to be close allies with France.