New England Phase 1 (1775-1776)

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was a significant factor in the difference between the armies of General Howe and General Washington?

Howe sought to engage in winter warfare, but Washington fought seasonally.

Howe's army was well disciplined and experienced, while Washington's army was poorly supplied and lacked discipline. (correct)

Howe's army consisted of inexperienced soldiers compared to Washington's disciplined troops.

Howe's army was poorly supplied while Washington's was well provisioned.

What was the primary strategy implemented by Howe at the outset of the conflict?

To scare the Americans into submission without direct confrontation. (correct)

To bombard American positions continuously until they surrendered.

To isolate Washington's army by cutting off supply routes.

To engage the Continental Army directly in large battles.

What was the morale impact on the Continental Army after the threat to Philadelphia?

It led to increased recruitment of soldiers.

It had no noticeable effect on troop morale.

It caused morale to drop, resulting in desertions. (correct)

It boosted morale due to patriotism after the Declaration of Independence.

What significant event took place on Christmas night 1776?

Washington led a surprise attack across the Delaware River. Signup and view all the answers

How did many of Washington's troops suffer during the crossing of the Delaware River?

They were poorly equipped and suffered from frostbite. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the purposes of Thomas Paine's The Crisis?

To encourage support for the Continental Army during difficult times. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Continental Army's actions at Trenton on December 26, 1776?

They achieved total surprise, winning the engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'summer soldier and sunshine patriot' in The Crisis refer to?

Soldiers who only fight in favorable conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did British General John Burgoyne propose for advancing on Albany?

Forces coming from three different directions Signup and view all the answers

Which battle marked a significant turning point in the war for the Americans?

Battle of Saratoga Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Continental Congress retreating to York, Pennsylvania?

It allowed for a stronger British hold on Philadelphia. Signup and view all the answers

During the winter at Valley Forge, what was one significant challenge faced by Washington's army?

Lack of adequate food and clothing Signup and view all the answers

What was General Howe's chief objective during his campaign?

To capture Philadelphia, the rebel capital Signup and view all the answers

Which European country officially supported the United States after the Battle of Saratoga?

France Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the British defeat at the Battle of Saratoga?

The unification of American forces Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did the British have regarding support for the Loyalist cause?

The southern colonies had significantly more Patriots than Loyalists. Signup and view all the answers

What role did women play during the winter at Valley Forge?

They contributed by gathering supplies for the troops. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons for the British military's failure during this phase of the war?

General Howe's abandonment of the northern campaign Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did the Second Continental Congress take to support the American military effort?

They created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as its commander. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Olive Branch Petition sent to the king?

To request the end of hostilities for peaceful resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of Bunker Hill regarding casualties?

The British suffered nearly 1,000 casualties while the Americans lost 400. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga?

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys Signup and view all the answers

How did Washington use the captured cannons from Fort Ticonderoga?

To defend Boston against British forces. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did Benedict Arnold face during his march to Canada?

He was forced to consume inedible materials for survival. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of Britain’s increased military presence in America?

The arrival of a massive British invasion force in New York City. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the British strategy changed following their retreat from Boston?

They hired mercenaries to bolster their troops. Signup and view all the answers

What was the predominant outcome of the military action at Quebec in December 1775?

Richard Montgomery was killed, and Benedict Arnold was wounded. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the Second Continental Congress take as they began to act like a government?

They started producing paper money to finance the army. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the British capturing Charlestown, SC?

It inspired more American loyalists to join the British cause. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Greene employ to combat the larger British army?

He divided his troops into smaller units to avoid direct engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What was notable about Benedict Arnold's actions during the war?

He defected to the British after planning a major attack on New York. Signup and view all the answers

What was the direct outcome of the Battle of Yorktown?

Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the American-French alliance. Signup and view all the answers

What event followed the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown?

Lord North resigned as Prime Minister. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris in 1783?

It recognized American independence and defined new borders. Signup and view all the answers

Which military tactic did the Patriots utilize effectively during the Southern Campaign?

Guerilla warfare tactics against British forces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the British logistical challenges during the war?

They faced difficulty blending with the local Patriot population. Signup and view all the answers

How did Washington and Rochambeau deceive the British forces in Yorktown?

They feigned an attack on New York while marching south. Signup and view all the answers

What role did guerilla warfare play in the American strategy during conventional battles?

It weakened British morale and resources significantly. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phase 1: New England (1775-1776)

Second Continental Congress: Met in May 1775 to decide on actions following Lexington and Concord. Created the Continental Army, with George Washington as commander. Printed paper money to fund the army.
Petitioning the King: Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition (July 1775) requesting peaceful resolution of disputes. The Declaration of the Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms declared the colonists' readiness to defend their rights. The King ignored the petition.
Bunker Hill: American forces, despite losing ground at Breed's Hill fought valiantly against British forces, inflicting heavy casualties. Considered a victory for the Americans, as the British lost close to 1,000 men compared to the American 400.
Ticonderoga: On May 10, 1775, colonists captured Fort Ticonderoga, a strategic fort on Lake Champlain, crucial for control of the route to Canada. The captured weapons aided in the British evacuation of Boston.
End of the Siege of Boston: Using the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga, Washington forced the British to evacuate Boston in 1775. Britain blockaded American ports and hired mercenaries to strengthen their forces.
Invading Canada: Two American armies attempted to conquer Quebec in December 1775. This failed due to a combination of poor planning, terrible winter conditions, and resulting defeat.

Phase 2: Mid-Atlantic Region (1776-1778)

New York City Campaign: Britain launched a large-scale invasion of New York City, engaging Washington's poorly-equipped and inexperienced army. The British, with larger, well-trained forces, forced the Continental Army to retreat.
Retreat from NYC: Washington's army retreated through New York and New Jersey to Pennsylvania by December 1776. This marked a low point in the morale of the Continental army.
The Crisis: Thomas Paine's writings boosted Patriot morale during challenging times. His writings urged support for the Continental Army.
Crossing the Delaware: On Christmas night 1776, Washington led his forces across the Delaware River and successfully surprised and defeated Hessian troops at Trenton.
Battles of Trenton & Princeton: The American victory at Trenton and subsequent victory at Princeton boosted Patriot morale and forced the British to focus more on the American forces and abandon the thought of a quick victory.
British Plan for Victory (Failed): British efforts to advance on Albany from 3 directions failed due to communication issues, lack of cooperation between army generals, and American resistance.
Philadelphia: British forces captured Philadelphia after defeating Washington at Brandywine Creek in September 1777.
Lead-up to Saratoga: British General Burgoyne's campaign towards Albany was thwarted by American forces at Oriskany and Bennington.
Battle of Saratoga (1777): Burgoyne's army was surrounded and forced to surrender near Saratoga, NY in October 1777. This victory was a significant turning point in the war.
British Blunders: British mistakes like a disjointed strategy and miscalculations of the forces allowed for an American victory crucial in the turning of the tide of war
Valley Forge: Washington's army suffered hardships during the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge.

Phase 3: The South (1778-1782)

British Strategy Shift: Britain shifted focus to the South, hoping for more Loyalist support.
Southern Campaign: The British captured several Southern cities but faced strong Patriot resistance using guerrilla tactics, a style of fighting more suited to the environment which hurt the British Army.
Greene's Strategy: General Nathanael Greene's strategy of dividing his forces to avoid direct engagements and use guerrilla tactics against the British was effective in weakening their army.
Battle of Cowpens (1781): A key victory for the Americans in the South, weakening British forces further.
Battle of Guilford Court House: Another key victory for the Americans, though Greene had to retreat, hurting the British Army.
Yorktown, VA: The Continental Army, and French forces trapped the British army at Yorktown. Cornwallis surrendered to Washington in October 1781, a decisive outcome.
Treaty of Paris (1783): Britain recognized American independence. The British ceded territory from the southern border of Canada to the northern border of Florida and all lands east of the Mississippi River. The treaty was signed on September 3, 1783.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the critical events in New England from 1775 to 1776, highlighting key moments such as the Second Continental Congress, the Olive Branch Petition, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. This quiz delves into the early actions taken by the colonies and their responses to British rule during the American Revolution.