American Revolution Unit 4 Notes PDF

UNIT 4: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BEGINS Elaborate: Discuss why the colonists became frustrated with their Mother Country, Great Britain. Also discuss how the colonists protested against Britain. First Continental Congress IF YOU WERE THERE….. You are a member of the British Parliament in the 17...

UNIT 4: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BEGINS Elaborate: Discuss why the colonists became frustrated with their Mother Country, Great Britain. Also discuss how the colonists protested against Britain. First Continental Congress IF YOU WERE THERE….. You are a member of the British Parliament in the 1770’s. Some members say that the Americans are defying the King. Others point out that the colonists are British citizens who have certain rights. Now the King must decide to punish the rebellious colonists or listen to their complaints. What advice would you give to the King? 1. A gathering of colonial leaders from every colony, except Georgia, met in Philadelphia in October 1774. This group of men were called the First Continental Congress and debated on what to do next concerning Great Britain. 2. The delegates compromised and agreed to continue boycotting British goods, but told militias to prepared for war. Meanwhile they drafted the Declaration of Rights, a list of 10 resolutions to be presented to King George III. Included was the right to life, liberty and property. 3. The goal of the First Continental Congress was not to separate from Britain, but rather state their concerns and come to a resolution. 4. Patriots: colonists who chose to fight for independence from Great Britain. 5. Loyalists: Colonists who chose to stay loyal to the British Crown. “Shot Heard ‘round the World” The Ride of Paul Revere 1. In April 1775, MA Governor Thomas Gage learned that a stockpile of weapons was stored in Concord, about 20 miles from Boston. Gage decided to devise a secret plan and seize the weapons. 2. Boston had many Patriot spies who found out about the plan and told Sons of Liberty member Paul Revere. Revere enlisted the aid of Robert Newman who was to climb into the steeple of the Old North Church and watch for British soldiers. 3. If British soldiers were seen crossing by land, Newman would display one lantern from the steeple. If they rowed across the Charles River, Newman would display 2 lanterns. 4. When Revere and fellow Patriot William Dawes saw 2 lights shine, they set off on horseback sounding the alert. 5. Minutemen: militia who were ready to fight in a minute’s notice, were warned the British Regulars were on their way. BATTLES OF LEXINGTON & CONCORD 1. At dawn on April 19, the British troops arrived at the town of Lexington, on their way to Concord, where 70 armed minutemen waited. A shot was fired, and the battle began. 2. The battle only lasted a few minutes, but in the end 8 colonists lay dead and 10 wounded. The British continued their march to Concord. 3. Although Revere had been arrested, the citizens of Concord were warned by another rider, Samuel Prescott. The Patriots were able to hide weapons and supplies before the British got there. In frustration, the British burned down some buildings. 4. Patriots from across the countryside came to chase the British out of Concord and back to Boston. The Patriots had several nicknames for the British soldiers who wore red coats. Nicknames included: Red Coats, Bloody Backs, Lobsterbacks. SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 1775 1. The Second Continental Congress met when King George III refused to address the colonists’ concerns in its Declaration of Rights. Some delegates called for war, others for peace. 2. States were asked to create new constitutions in preparation for war and authorized the creation of a Continental Army. This force would soon include soldiers from all colonies and would carry out the fight against the British. George Washington was to command the army. 3. Congress pursued one last attempt at peace with the Olive Branch Petition. King George III refused to read it.  EARLY BATTLES BUNKER HILL The Boston Patriots were desperate for supplies and sent Benedict Arnold and 400 men to Fort Ticonderoga in New York state to capture the British fort and take the weapons(May 1775). They were successful. 2. Meanwhile, British are trying to form a battle plan in Boston and were taken by surprise to find that the Patriots had quietly built fortifications at Breed’s Hill. The British would have to cross Boston Harbor and fight their way uphill. 3. The British had a force of 2,400 vs 1,600 Colonial militia. It would take the British 3 attempts to take the hill before victory. Out of ammunition, the Colonial militia is forced to retreat. This battle is known as the Battle of Bunker Hill, even though most of the fighting occurred on Breed’s Hill. DORCHESTER HEIGHTS 1. Washington arrives in Boston after the Battle of Bunker Hill. He knew that he and the Continental Army would need heavy artillery in order to drive the British out of Boston. He sent Colonel Henry Knox up to Ft. Ticonderoga to retrieve the weapons. 2. Knox was able to get the heavy cannon over 300 miles of rough terrain in the middle of winter. 3.Washington moved his army to Dorchester Heights, an area that overlooked Boston from the south. He stationed the canons and his troops on Nook’s Hill overlooking British General William Howe’s position. Howe is forced to retreat to Canada on March 7. If YOU were there…You live on a farm in New York in 1776. The conflicts with the British have torn your family apart. Your father is loyal to King George and wants to remain British. But your mother is a fierce Patriot and your brother wants to join the Continental Army. Your father and others who feel the same way are moving to British-held Canada. Now you must decide what to do. Would you go to Canada or support the Patriots? Why? DECLARING INDEPENDENCE PAINE’S COMMON SENSE 1. “Common Sense”, – written by Thomas Paine, this 47 page pamphlet was distributed in Philadelphia in January 1776. Paine argued that citizens, not Kings and Queens should make laws. This was a bold idea. Over 500,000 copies were sold and it was written in a simple language so everyone could understand. ELABORATE: What was the significance of Paine’s Common Sense? INDEPENDENCE IS DECLARED 1. In June 1776, The Continental Congress formed a committee to write a document declaring the colonies’ independence. The Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, formally announced the colonies break from Great Britain. 2. Declaration had three main ideas: a. All people possess unalienable rights, including the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. b. King George III had violated the colonists’ rights by taxing them without their consent. He passed unfair laws and interfered with colonial governments and burdened its citizens with the large presence of the British Army. c. The colonies had a right to break away from Great Britain. King George III had broken the social contract(John Locke). 3. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. RECALL: What ideas are expressed the Declaration of Independence? EVALUATE: Think about the main ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence. In what ways are these ideas important in today’s world? Provide an example with your explanation. CHOOSING SIDES 1. The signing of the Declaration made the rebellion a full scale revolt against Britain. Those who supported it would be considered traitors. Colonies who chose to side with the British were known as Loyalists or Tories. 2. More than 50,000 Loyalists will flee the country, most going to Canada. Families will also be split into Loyalist and Patriot. 3. Most Native Americans side with the British. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Many women were Patriots, however the Declaration did not address their rights. Abigail Adams tried to influence her husband, John to include women’s rights in the Declaration. 2. The Declaration did not recognize the rights of enslaved Africans. Why did any form of slavery exist in a land that valued personal freedom? By the 1780’s the New England colonies were taking steps to end slavery. 3. The Declaration did not address the rights of Native Americans. ELABORATE: Why do you think the Declaration of Independence did not address the rights of women, enslaved African Americans, and Native Americans? HYPOTHESIZE: What do you think the strength/weaknesses were for the British and for the Americans? BRITISH STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES BRITISH STRENGTHS 1. Forces outnumbered the continental army; were able to recruit 30,000 Hessians. 2. Well trained/large powerful navy. 3. Well supplied; never lacked food, clothes, or ammo. BRITISH WEAKNESSES 1. Distance between Britain and America– supplies and communication were slow. 2. King George III couldn’t convince his people the war was a good idea. 3. Poor leadership AMERICAN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AMERICAN WEAKNESSES 1. Short on men, short on enlistments 2. Few trained for battle 3. Shortage of war supplies 4. Shortage of food and clothes, soldiers had to beg for food. AMERICAN STRENGTHS 1. Patriotism people are willing to die for freedom. 2. Received help from overseas 3. George Washington, a man who inspired courage and confidence. THE STRUGGLE FOR LIBERTY SUPPORTING THE WAR EFFORT 1. Washington’s chief task was to raise troops for the Continental Army. The typical soldier was young, often under the age of 16 and had little money or property. 2. The army offered low pay and harsh conditions. Finding and keeping soldiers was a constant challenge. 3. One question facing Washington was whether to recruit African Americans. Many Southern slaveholders said “no”, so Washington forbade them to join the military. 4. Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation: The British promised enslaved Africans their freedom if they served on their side. In response, Washington allowed slaves to serve. 5. Women ran the farm or business while the men were away. They often served as messengers, nurses and spies. 6. Molly Pitcher: her real name was Mary Ludwig Hays and her job was to take water to soldiers. When her husband was wounded in a 1778 battle, she took his place loading cannons. 7. Deborah Sampson: dressed as a man in order to fight in the Continental Army.  DEFEATS AND VICTORIES CANADA 1. Patriots wanted to invade British-controlled Canada and make it the 14th colony. Troops led by General Richard Montgomery captured Montreal in November 1775. 2. The next major target was the city of Quebec. General Benedict Arnold led Patriots north from the back country of Maine. He reached the city at the same time Montgomery did. 3. The combined armies attacked during a fierce blizzard on New Year’s Eve and were quickly defeated. The hope of taking Canada faded. New York 1. In June 1776, a fleet of British ships landed in New York. British General William Howe will go face to face with Washington and his men and force Washington off Long Island. 2. In a series of battles, Howe pounded Washington’s troops forcing him further and further west until he crossed the Hudson River into New Jersey. Howe’s revenge for Boston was now complete. 3. Nathan Hale: a spy for Washington’s army, he was caught by the British and found to have classified information hidden in his boots. He was tried and hanged for treason. His last words: “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” NEW JERSEY 1. Thinking the rebellion would end soon, Gen. Howe left British occupied New Jersey in the hands of the Hessians– German mercenaries paid to kill. 2. Without a convincing victory, Washington was sure to lose his army. He decided to take a chance and go on the offensive. He decided to attack the Hessians on Christmas Eve at Trenton, New Jersey. 3. Battle of Trenton: Washington took the Hessians by surprise and was able to defeat them at Trenton. Spurred by the great Patriot victory, Washington moved northeast to the town of Princeton. British Gen. Charles Cornwallis tries to stop Washington, but fails. Washington scores another victory. HYPOTHESIZE What skills should a leader of an army portray? SARATOGA 1. British General John Burgoyne decided to push through New York State and cut off New England from other colonies. The strategy required perfect timing. Burgoyne’s army would invade from Canada, recapture Fort Ticonderoga and sweep south to Albany. Howe, in NYC, would sail up the Hudson River to meet him, strangling New England. 2. Nothing went as planned. Burgoyne did take back Fort Ticonderoga but was slowed by thick forests surrounded by the Patriots. Howe doesn’t make it in time because he decides to capture Philadelphia first, forcing the Continental Congress to flee the city. When Burgoyne finally made it to Saratoga he found himself surrounded. 3. On October 17, 1777 Burgoyne surrendered to Gen Horatio Gates. The Battle of Saratoga in NY was the turning point of the Revolutionary War. The victory gave the Patriots something they had been desperately seeking–foreign help. The help would come from Britain’s rivals and include France and Spain. HELP FROM FRANCE AND SPAIN 1. Marquis de Lafayette: Lafayette fell in love with the Patriot cause and came to America in 1777. He brought with him a group of well-trained soldiers and volunteered in the Continental Army without pay. He will become a major general and lead 2,000 Patriots. He gave $200,000 of his own money to support the Revolution. 2. Ben Franklin: was in France and encouraged the French King Louis XVI to support the war effort. That help came in 1777 after Saratoga. They will help with supplies and men and ships. The French Navy will be key for the Americans to win the war. 3. Bernardo de Galvez: was the governor of Spanish Louisiana who gathered a small army of Spanish soldiers, French Americans, colonists, and Native Americans. From Louisiana they made their way east and seized British ports all the way to Pensacola, Florida. WINTER AT VALLEY FORGE 1. In December 1777, Washington settled his 12,000 men at Valley Forge, north of Philadelphia. This is a training camp and no battles take place there. 2. Frederich Von Steuben: an experienced military officer from Prussia. Began training troops, focusing on basic military drills. He led with a combination of respect and fear. 3. Frederich Von Steuben will transform the army into a fierce fighting machine but they will first face many hardships during the winter. They will have few supplies, hardly any clothes or shoes and disease will continue to ravage the army. About 2,000 soldiers will die of malnutrition. WAR AT SEA 1. The entry of the French navy into the war greatly aided the colonists. The Americans were only able to begin building warships in 1775 and finished four at which time they established the marines and Continental Navy. 2. The Americans would equip merchant vessels with artillery to create ships ready for combat. 3. Feb 1776–The American Navy launched a major offensive to damage the operating ability of the British fleet located off the Carolina coast. Rather than attack directly, they concentrate efforts on a British supply base in Nassau, in the Bahamas. The Americans were victorious in the Bahamas. 4. After the Nassau campaign, the American navy focused on seizing British supply ships and weakening Britain’s naval forces in the West Indies 5. John Paul Jones: an outlaw from Scotland, Jones came to America and volunteered his services to the newly created Navy. Considered a pirate by the British, Jones captured many British supply ships. The French admired Jones and allowed him to borrow ships. 6. George Rogers Clark: volunteered to lead the western campaign into the Ohio Valley. He called his group of volunteers the Over Mountain Men and together they were determined to weaken the British presence out west. In Feb 1779, Clark launched a surprise attack on Fort Sackville near Vincennes. The attack was unsuspected and Clark managed to make it look like he had more men than what he had. The ruse worked and the British surrendered. WAR IN THE SOUTH BRUTAL FIGHTING 1. The war in the South was much more brutal than the war in the North. The British Army destroyed the Patriots crops, farm animals, and property. One British officer, Banastre Tarleton, sowed fear throughout the South by refusing to take prisoners and killing soldiers who tried to surrender. 2. Georgia is the first to fall to the British, and then South Carolina. 3. In August 1780, General Horatio Gates tried to rid South Carolina at the Battle of Camden. He was unsuccessful and was replaced by Continental Army General Nathaniel Greene who reorganized the Army. 4. Francis Marion: organized Marion’s Brigade who practiced guerilla warfare and was successful in interrupting British communication and supply lines. Guerilla Warfare–Swift hit and run attacks. Francis Marion was nicknamed the Swamp Fox. IF YOU WERE THERE…You have grown up on a farm in South Carolina. You know every inch of the woods and marshes around your home. You are too young to join the Continental Army, but you have heard stories about a group of brace soldiers who carry out quick raids on the British then disappear into the woods. These fighters get no pay and are in constant danger. Would you consider joining the fighters?  BATTLE OF YORKTOWN 1. In early 1781, the British held all of the South plus Philadelphia and New York City. The Patriot’s morale took another blow when popular General Benedict Arnold turned coat and went to fight for the British. 2. Reorganized under Gen Green, the Continental Army began harassing British Gen Charles Cornwallis in the Carolinas. It was a fatal mistake when Cornwallis moved his troops into Yorktown. 3. Washington saw a chance to trap Cornwallis and ordered Lafayette to block Cornwallis’s escape by land. Washington combined his troops with the French commanded by Comte De Rochambeau. The Patriots surrounded Cornwallis, while the French Navy sealed off a water escape. 4. Battle of Yorktown: The siege lasted for weeks until the British surrendered on October 19, 1781. This was the last major battle of the American Revolution. 5. Treaty of Paris: A peace agreement between Great Britain and the United States(1783) a. Great Britain recognized the United States as a country. b. Sets borders c. British leaders recognized Americans rights to settle and trade west of the original 13 colonies. How did women help the Patriot cause? Give an example of a woman we discussed in class and how she helped with the war effort. 2. What difficulties did the Continental Army soldiers encounter? 3. Identify why July 4, 1776 is a significant date. 4. What actions did the 1st and 2nd Continental Congress take? 5. Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence? 6. Who was chosen by the 2nd Continental Congress to lead the Continental Army? 7. Describe how the strength of the Patriot troops at Valley Forge was tested. 8. Discuss 1 person from overseas who helped the Patriot Troops become more successful. Who were they and what did they do to help? 9. Why were the battles of Lexington and Concord significant? 10. What were the people called that remained loyal to the British?