Revolutionary War PDF

Revolutionary War  The Situation Undecided? Loyalists: Loyal to the Patriots (rebels): Want British Government, to separate from the want to remain colonies British Government and declare independence Common Sense...

Revolutionary War  The Situation Undecided? Loyalists: Loyal to the Patriots (rebels): Want British Government, to separate from the want to remain colonies British Government and declare independence Common Sense 1775-1776: Thomas Paine writes pamphlet advocating independence from Great Britain Convinced many undecided Americans to join the Revolutionary cause  Second Continental Congress 1775: Colonies meet again to discuss the situation ○ Eventually decide to declare independence Congress starts preparing for war ○ Establishes Continental Army, elects George Washington Commander-in-Chief Declaration of Independence “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are Voted on July 4th, 1776 created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…” Drew inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke (social contract theory!)  Strengths Well-trained soldiers Strong leader in World’s most George Washington powerful navy Familiar with the land Lots of money Guerilla warfare compared to the tactics colonies French alliance  …and Weaknesses Not as familiar with Little money the land Few people to serve Older style of Very small, weak fighting with facing navy the enemy What was so significant about Valley Forge?  Ending the War After 7 years, the British no longer viewed the war as worth it ○ Surrendered after Battle of Yorktown Treaty of Paris (1783)- ends war ○ Colonies become independent ○ US gained land between Appalachian mountains and The British also promised to Mississippi river; Britain keeps abandon forts in US territory and to not provoke Native American Canada attacks