The American Revolution: 1775-1783

1. TheAmericanRevolution:1775-1783

2. The original "JOIN, or DIE" cartoon was created by Benjamin Franklin and first published in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. It is often sited as the first America political cartoon.

3. On the Eve of the Revolution…

4. Preparing for war! • The 2nd Continental Congress created a military force • The Continental Army, Navy, Marine Corps • George Washington was appointed commander in chief • He expressed grave doubts taking command • Throughout the war, the army was poorly supplied, trained, and lacked manpower • The 2nd Continental Congress lacked the power to tax

5. Military Strategies The Americans The British • Quickly smash the American army and win the war • Break the colonies in half by getting between the North & South • Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally. • Use the Loyalists • Attrition [Wear the British down] • Guerilla tactics [Avoid large battles; use a hit-and-run strategy] • Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies.

6. Phase I: The Northern Campaign[1775-1776]

7. In the Spring of 1775, the Americans launched an attempt to capture British controlled Quebec…It failed Proclamation for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition (August 22, 1775) In response to the invasion, the British government declared the colonies “open and avowed enemies.” The British began a massive military build up in the colonies They hoped to overwhelm the Americans and win a quick war. In addition to British troops, they also hire Professional Soldiers from Germany called “Hessians” July 4th 1776 – Declaration Of Independence is signed.

8. Phase II – Middle AtlanticSummer 1776 – Summer 1778 By August 1775, King George III had declared the Colonists in “Open Rebellion” Battle Lines were drawn with many American taking a side: LoyalistsPatriots Loyal to Britain American Revolutionist Well Equipped Poorly Trained Well Feed/supplied Little Equipment Led by Gen. T. Gage Little Money Led by Gen. G. Washington The British have more superior supplies and weapons such as 300 supply ships and 30 battle ships with 1200 cannons and feel this should be an easy and quick victory.

9. Summer 1776: The British invaded New York City, hoping to divide the colonies Washington’s troops fled The British controlled NYC till the end of the war Washington eventually retreated to Philadelphia to protect the Continental Congress Battle of Trenton (Dec 25, 1776) During a snow storm, Washington led a daring surprise attack on Hessian/British forces at Trenton The attack was completely unexpected; traditionally armies did not fight in the winter This victory helped to boost American morale Phase II:NY & PA[1776-1778]

10. Washington Crossing the Delaware BRRRR! Painted by Emanuel Leutze, 1851

11. In the spring of 1777, the British captured Philadelphia forcing the Continental Congress to flee Valley Forge (Winter 1777-78) Washington’s troops made winter camp near Philadelphia They are badly supplied, lacked food, provisions, and proper clothing 2,500 died, many deserted Marquis de Lafayette (French) & Baron Friedrich von Steuben (Prussian) joined the army and helped them train & improve discipline Phase II:NY & PA[1777-1778]

12. Major Battles during the War

13. Saratoga (Fall 1777) The British launched a badly coordinated attack in upstate New York The American forces won the battle, forcing the British to surrender 5,000 men and destroying their northern army Called the turning point of the war Led to French military alliance (1778) Europeans were hesitant to form an alliance until the Americans proved themselves After Saratoga, European countries began sending troops, naval support, expert trainers, and supplies Spain formed an alliance with the Americans in 1779 Phase II:NY & PA[1777-1778]

14. The British invaded the southern states thinking that loyalist support there was strongest Yorktown (Spring-Fall 1781) British General Cornwallis led an invasion of Virginia (Spring 1781) His army was forced to retreat to the costal town of Yorktown America and French forces surrounded the British forces; the French navy prevented Cornwallis from retreating or being re-supplied British forces surrendered at Yorktown on Oct 19, 1781 As a result, England began to negotiate a peace treaty Phase III:The Southern Strategy [1780-1781]

15. Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown: “The World Turned Upside Down!” Painted by John Trumbull, 1797 http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/chronicle_yorktown1781.html

16. Formally ended the Revolutionary War Terms Britain recognized the United States as an independent country US’s western border was the Mississippi River Britain returned Florida to Spain France received British colonies in the Caribbean and Africa Treaty of Paris, 1783September 3, 1783

17. Treaty of Paris, 1783 The British refused to sit for the painting and it was never finished “Signing the Treaty of Paris, 1783”

18. North America After theTreaty of Paris, 1783

19. The “revolutionary spirit” began affecting different aspects of American society Republican Government By overthrowing the King, Americans created a republic where power resides with the citizens Elected officials represent the people and govern according to laws and a constitution Voting rights expanded The property owning requirement is eased in some states (Adult, white male, tax payers can vote) Religious Toleration Jefferson pushed to end the relationship between governments and religion Several states adopt laws mandating religious toleration as well as separation of church and state powers The Revolution in Society

20. Crash Course… • revolutionary war

21. African Americans Thousands of slaves were promised and won their independence by fighting for the British or American armies Northern & Middle states passed emancipation laws freeing slaves and banning slavery Southern states refused to follow the trend Their economy depended on slavery Some masters began voluntarily freeing slaves The Revolution in Society

22. Women During the war, women played an important part Female “camp followers” helped support troops Some women fought in disguise or directly with the troops Many maintained farms, businesses, and families while their husbands/sons fought After the war, women had some greater access to education, became more literate, and received some rights NJ gave women the right to vote but it was repealed in 1807 The Revolution in Society

23. Loyalists Throughout the war, around 20-30% of the American population remained loyal to England The American Revolution can be seen as a civil war within a civil war 60,000 fought along side British soldiers During and after the war, Loyalists faced persecution Their property was taken They endured violence and humiliation Around 80,000 emigrated to British controlled Canada The Revolution in Society