Key Figures of the American Revolution

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Questions and Answers

Who was known for applying guerrilla tactics during the war?

  • Francis Marion (correct)
  • Marquis de Lafayette
  • Cornwallis
  • John Paul Jones

The Treaty of Paris stated that the USA would be dependent on England.

False (B)

What was Benedict Arnold known for during the war?

He was a patriot who later became a traitor after marrying a loyalist.

The British general who surrendered at Yorktown was ______.

<p>Cornwallis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their roles during the war:

<p>George Rogers Clark = Fought on the frontier Baron Von Steuben = Trained American soldiers in fighting techniques Howe = Retreated to Pennsylvania Marquis de Lafayette = Secured French support for American troops</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of colonists were loyalists at the beginning of the war?

<p>20% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

George Washington's strategy was to engage in formal battles with the British.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of a privateer?

<p>A privately owned ship armed for battle against enemy ships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Battles of Saratoga?

<p>It convinced France to help the American cause. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The colonists received support from Spain, but not from France or Germany.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who helped train the Continental Army and was a key figure from Germany?

<p>Baron von Steuben</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Continental Army won largely due to the leadership of ______ and their understanding of the land.

<p>George Washington</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their contributions during the Revolutionary War:

<p>Maquis de Lafayette = Convinced France to send troops Thaddeus Kosciuszko = Helped build defenses Juan de Miralles = Secured financial support from Spain Casimir Pulaski = Trained the cavalry</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Cornwallis’ major mistakes during the war?

<p>Going to Yorktown, where he was trapped (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the conditions like for soldiers at Valley Forge?

<p>Horrible; many lacked proper clothing, food was scarce, and disease was prevalent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Guerrilla fighting involved direct and open battles with the British troops.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Loyalist

A colonist loyal to the British King during the American Revolution.

Patriot

A colonist supporting the American cause during the American Revolution.

Mercenary

A soldier paid to fight in a foreign army.

Washington's Strategy

Washington's strategy involved demonstrating American resolve, deterring the British, and using surprise attacks to overcome the British numerical advantage.

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British Strategy

British strategy relied on traditional European warfare, including marching in lines, but failed against the American tactics.

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Early Colonial Support

In 1776, colonial support for the war was diverse, with around 20% loyalists, 40% neutral and 40% supporting the American cause. Most colonists didn't initially want the war.

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Treaty of Paris

Treaty at the end of the American Revolution recognizing USA independence, setting boundaries and outlining terms to resolve conflicts between the newly independent USA and the British.

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Guerrilla Warfare

A military tactic used by smaller forces that involves hit-and-run attacks, ambushes and surprise tactics.

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Battles of Saratoga

Turning point of the American Revolution, where Burgoyne's British army was forced to surrender. This victory convinced France to support the Americans.

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European Aid to Colonists

France, Spain, and others provided troops, supplies, and money to help the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

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Valley Forge

Continental Army's winter encampment, marked by harsh conditions, lack of supplies, and significant casualties due to disease and malnutrition.

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British Southern Strategy

The British shift to focus on the southern colonies, hoping to exploit loyalist support and gain control of resources from the Caribbean

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Guerrilla Warfare

Military tactic of using hit-and-run attacks, utilizing knowledge of the terrain to ambush opponents. It was an effective strategy for the American forces.

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Cornwallis' Mistake at Yorktown

Cornwallis's decision to move to Yorktown, a peninsula, led to his army being trapped and forced to surrender, a crucial event in the American Revolution.

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Treaty of Paris

Agreement recognizing the United States as an independent nation, establishing its boundaries, and resolving issues with England.

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Continental Army's Success Factors

Inspired by their cause, leadership (Washington), familiarity with the territory, and crucial international support allowed the Continental Army to ultimately prevail.

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Study Notes

Key Figures and Terms

  • Loyalist: Colonist loyal to the English King.
  • Patriot: Supported the American cause.
  • Mercenary: Paid soldier serving a foreign country.
  • Burgoyne: British general, slow, surrendered at Saratoga.
  • St. Leger: British commander, deterred by Patriot intelligence.
  • Howe: British general, diverted to Pennsylvania.
  • Benedict Arnold: Patriot turned traitor.
  • Marquis de Lafayette: French aristocrat, allied with Washington.
  • Baron Von Steuben: German soldier, trained Continental Army.
  • George Rogers Clark: "George Washington of the West," frontiersman.
  • Privateer: Privately owned armed ship.
  • John Paul Jones: Famous naval commander.
  • Francis Marion: "Swamp Fox," used guerrilla tactics.
  • Cornwallis: British general, surrendered at Yorktown.
  • Nathanael Greene: Quaker general, led Southern campaign.
  • Treaty of Paris: Ended the Revolutionary War.

Section 1: Early Years

  • Colonial Support: In 1776, 20% Loyalists, 40% neutral, 40% Patriots; most colonists favored avoiding war.
  • Strategies: Washington aimed to prove American resolve; British preferred marching formations. Patriot strategy focused on smaller, unexpected attacks.
  • Saratoga: Three British armies planned to meet in Albany. Only Burgoyne's army reached Saratoga; his defeat boosted Patriot credibility and attracted foreign support.

Section 2: War Expands

  • European Aid: France sent 6,000 troops under Marquis de Lafayette; Baron von Steuben trained the Continental Army; Polish soldiers (Kosciuszko & Pulaski) assisted in fortifications; and Spanish support was crucial in the South.
  • Valley Forge: Harsh winter encampment, shortages of food, clothing, and supplies; disease and starvation significantly affected the Continental Army. British also stole supplies from colonists.

Section 3: Path to Victory

  • Southern Focus: British shifted focus to the South, hoping to secure loyalist support, and utilizing supply lines in the Caribbean.
  • Guerrilla Warfare: American advantage using the knowledge of the area; small, surprise attacks, and quick retreats; utilized terrain to the patriot's benefit.
  • Cornwallis' Mistake: Cornwallis's movement to Yorktown, a peninsula, led to his entrapment and surrender; French naval intervention was a key factor.

Section 4: Legacy

  • Winning Factors: Continental Army's dedication, leadership of George Washington, home-field advantage, knowledge of the territory, and international support combined to defeat British forces.
  • Treaty of Paris Provisions:
    • United States recognized as independent.
    • Set boundaries: Mississippi River, Canada, and Florida.
    • US fishing rights in Canadian waters.
    • Resolution of financial debts between the two countries.
    • British required to return escaped slaves.
    • Loyalist property rights to be recognized.

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