The American War for Independence (1776-1783)

These are the times that try mens souls

-Thomas Paine, 1780

War : European Tactics (1700s)

Britain -rules of gentlemanly warfare No attacking at night, No sneak attacks Mercenaries were common Soldiers lowly regarded in British society
Great

British Redcoats

War: American Tactics (1700s) Colonial warfare based

on style of Natives Skulking style of war included sneak attacks, adjustments Hid behind walls, no uniforms, ambushed enemies Local militias
American militia

British Redcoat

Colonial Soldier

Continental Army
Created

Infantry training

by George Washington Fought alongside various state militias Provided Washington with better idea of soldiers capabilities and length of service (1 year) Washingtons greatest accomplishment of the war

Leaders of the Revolution

2 3

6
4

1- George Washington- leader of Continental Army 2- William Howe- head of British army in 1776 3- John Burgoyne- defeated at Saratoga 4- Lord Cornwallis- surrendered British army at Yorktown 5- Benedict Arnold- switched from American to British after Saratoga 6- Nathaneal Greene- RI native, Washingtons top field general

Revolutionary Leaders

Opening Moves!
British

to seize NY 1776: Howes troops drive Washington out of NY Washington and troops again driven from Manhattan to White Plains NY becomes the British headquarters for the war!!

Opening Moves Cont

British

begin to move onto Philly where the Continental Congress was meeting! Washingtons troops get word of this

THREE BATTLES>>>>>
1. 2. 3.

Battle of TRENTON Saratoga Yorktown

1. Battle of Trenton
December,

1776: Washington plans surprise attack of Hessian camp at Trenton, NJ. December 25: Washington attacks on Christmas night, kills/captures 1,000 men 3 days later: defeat of British at Princeton, NJ forces British to return to NY for winter

Results of Battle of Trenton

Soldiers

encouraged to

Washington crossing the Delaware River on his way to Trenton

re-enlist Morale of army shot up Washington showcased leadership skills 2nd Guessing: Why did Howe not deal knockout blow in NY?

2. Saratoga: France Enters

1777- British capture Philadelphia, Continental Congress escapes Valley Forge- winter of 177778: nearly 2,500 American soldiers die from cold, food shortages October 1777- Gen. Burgoynes troops captured outside Saratoga, NY Result: France enters war

Marquis de Lafayette

3. Yorktown, 1781: War in

the South
1778-

British turn to

Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, VA

South Savannah, GA and Charlestown, SC fell to British Battle of Kings Mountain- victory for Patriots!!! British surrender at Yorktown (1781)

Treaty of Paris (1783)

British

recognized USA as a new nation!!!! Mississippi River is western border (open to British use) Florida given back to Spain!! France received colonies in Africa and Caribbean

Other Contributors to Revolution

Molly Pitcher helping colonial soldiers

Women- cooking, nursing of soldiers, taking control of family business, spies African-AmericansBritish/Americans offered freedom in exchange for military service (5,000 for America) Loyalists- remained loyal to Britain, in some cases fled or lost land

Effects of Revolution
New

First flag of the United States

political ideas (republic) New state constitutions (guarantee of rights) Voting rights expand (social class) Freedom of religion Educational changes American painters

Why did Britain lose the war???

Atlantic

Ocean Tried to occupy a whole continent American perseverance, fighting spirit George Washington, other generals French aid War unpopular in Britain

HMMMM