Transcript Slide 1
Mr. Byrd SLHS AP US History “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman” --Thomas Paine Second Continental Congress Called in 1775 All 13 colonies now present Not interested in independence yet – Want grievances heard by England – Begins preparing to raise money for an army and navy Most Significant Acts of Congress? 1. Decided to go to war 2. Elected George Washington to head Continental Army George Washington Chosen to be the leader of the Continental Army Ticonderoga and Crown Point Early battle of the American Rev. Led by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont – Benedict Arnold Bunker (Breeds) Hill Viewed as an American victory Bloodiest battle of the War for Independence King proclaimed the colonies in rebellion Hires 18,000 Hessians Olive Branch Petition Attempt to reconcile with King George III of England Most Americans did not desire independence, proud to be British citizens!!! Hessians German mercenaries hired by England for fighting in the colonies – Upset colonials b/c they thought it was a family fight – Proved to colonists that King George III wanted to destroy them American forces early in the war make an effort to take Canada. They lose! Early fighting not going well!!! Thomas Paine Writes booklet “Common Sense” – Best seller; propaganda – Persuaded Congress to go all the way for independence Richard Henry Lee June 7th, 1776 proposed independence “That these united colonies are, and ought to be FREE and INDEPENDENT STATES” Motion was adopted July 2nd, 1776 Congress appointed a committee to draft letter. Task of writing letter given to Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence Formally approved on July 4th, 1776 The “Shout Heard Around the World” Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence “When in the course of human events it becomes necessary…We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” ---Thomas Jefferson Three Major Parts of Declaration 1. Preamble (heavily influenced by John Locke 2. List of 27 grievances 3. Formal declaration of independence With formal declaration, foreign aid could now be successfully obtained!!! “We better hang together or we will all hang separately” --Ben Franklin Patriots Want to separate from England Younger, less educated, poor, Congregational, more in the North About 1/3rd of the colonial population Loyalists Want return to colonial rule; support the King Older, better educated, wealthy, Anglican, more in the South About 20 percent of the population About 80,000 fled the colonies “Give me liberty or give me death” --Patrick Henry Battle of Trenton Washington crosses icy Delaware River on Dec. 26th, 1776 Surprises sleeping Hessian army Washington given nickname “Old Fox” General “Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne Leader of the main British force. Had over 7,000 troops Valley Forge Washington and his army faced harsh winter in 77-78 Army whipped into shape by Prussian drillmaster Baron von Steuben Saratoga The turning point of the American Revolution Gen. Burgoyne surrendered entire army to Gen. Horatio Gates Caused French, Dutch, and Spanish to join us Benedict Arnold 1780, becomes a traitor Tremendous blow to American morale “Bring me my old uniform, I wish I had never traded it for another” --Benedict Arnold (on deathbed) French eager to become an ally of US. Want revenge for F&I War. Saw war as an opportunity to tear England’s colonies away!!! Marquis de Lafayette French military leader Significant in helping US get financial support from France The American Revolution turned into a world war that stretched Britain’s resources. General Nathaniel Greene Much of the Revolutionary War occurred out West American Indian allies of British attacked frontier positions Greene leader of colonial army in the South/west Known as the “Fighting Quaker Joseph Brant Mohawk Chief Led American Indian raids into western Pennsylvania and NY George Rogers Clark Frontiersmen who seized several British forts along the Ohio River Helped quiet Indian involvement John Paul Jones Most famous US naval leader Chief contribution was destroying British merchant shipping “Father of the American Navy” “I have not yet begun to fight” Southern Strategy British attention turned to the South where Loyalists resided Yorktown Last major battle of the War General Cornwallis surrendered entire force of 7,000 men British will soon be ready to come to terms Ben Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay Three representatives sent by colonies to represent American interest with France Turned on France and made deals with England separately Treaty of Paris 1783 1. US got its independence 2. Doubled our land size 3. Got to continue to fish and get cod in Newfoundland fisheries 4. Loyalists had to quit being persecuted and it was recommended we give their land back 5. States voted not to pass a law that cancelled debts to British Articles of Confederation (adopted in 1777) Did not go into effect until 1781 First constitution in US history— lasted until 1789 •Controlled cities but not countryside •Generals made key mistakes •Communication •No respect •US had the will to fight •Alliances with Spain, France and the Netherlands. US leaders George Washington John Adams Horatio Gates Marquis de Lafayette Ben Franklin Nathan Hale Thomas Jefferson Baron von Steuben Count Casimir Pulaski John Paul Jones GB leaders King George III General Charles Cornwallis General John Burgoyne Benedict Arnold General William Howe