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The Revolutionary War marked a pivotal struggle for American independence against British rule. Both sides prepared for conflict, with British regiments dispatched to the colonies and militia forces revitalized among the colonists. The Intolerable Acts ignited tensions, particularly in Massachusetts. As the war unfolded, each side developed distinct strategies: the British aimed to divide and conquer, while the colonists sought to outlast their opponent and secure foreign support. The war concluded with the pivotal victory at Yorktown, leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized American independence and established new borders.
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Blows Must Decide The War for Independence
FOCUS QUESTION: In times of trouble, when does one know that it is time to change what one is doing and try something else?
Preparations • Both sides prepared for a struggle • More British regiments sent to the colonies • Colonies revitalized militia • None knew what would happen or when • Passage of the Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
Initial Blows • Massachusetts laid in the center • Arguably most vocal colony • Intolerable Acts issued against Massachusetts • British troops sent to confiscate colonial arms • Sent to seize depots at Concord • Led to initial skirmish
Advantages and Disadvantages Identify two advantages and two disadvantages held by the British during the war. Identify two advantages and two disadvantages held by the Colonists during the war. (see pages 135-35)
British Strategies • Divide and Conquer • 1st stage: Seize Boston (1775-76) • Isolate New England and end the conflict • 2nd stage: Seize Middle Colonies (1776-80) • Capture Colonial “capitol” • Isolate New England • 3rd stage: Seize Southern Colonies (1779-81) • Capture wealthiest colonies • Draw support from the North
Colonial Strategies • Outlast the British • Makes the war expensive • Makes it more difficult to fight • Outlast the British • Maintain Continental Army • Shadow the British • Gain foreign support
End of the War • Victory at Yorktown was the effective end of the war • British government collapsed • Peace talks began • War continued for two years • New York remained occupied • Raids continued
Treaty of Paris 1783 • Independence of the U.S. recognized • U.S. borders set • West: Mississippi River • North: Great Lakes • South: Florida (returned to Spain) • U.S. fisherman could fish off Canadian coast • U.S. citizens to repay British Merchants • U.S. to repay Loyalists for lost property