Today’s Schedule

• Warm-up • PPT: The Battles for Independence • Activity: Position Essays • Video • Warm-up: Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” In relation to the Revolutionary War, what do you think was trying for both soldiers and those at home?

Background

• After the First Continental Congress King George III wrote: – “The New England governments are in a state of rebellion, blows must decide” • Rebels/Patriots- those who wanted to be independent from Britain and fight • Loyalists- those who wanted to remain British citizens

First Battles at Lexington and Concord- April 1775

• Boston Patriots formed militia – Stocked up on guns and ammunition – Stored in Concord • British troops tried to seize supplies • Patriots learned of plan – Sent Paul Revere to alert others • When British arrived, Patriots were ready – Not known who started fired first – Official begin of Revolutionary War- 15 minutes

British Position

• Convinced the Colonists needed to be hit hard once and they would submit • Strategy was to isolate New England from rest of the colonies • Fighting continued and intensified

Colonists Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Familiarity of home • Good leadership in George Washington • Passionate about cause

Weaknesses

• Untrained soldiers • Shortage of food and ammunition • Poor navy • Lacking strong central government

British Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Well trained army and navy • Strong central government • Mula ($$) • Support of colonial Loyalists

Weaknesses

• Distance from home base • Unfamiliar terrain • Weak leaders • Some military leaders are sympathetic to colonists

Battle of Bunker Hill

• Second battle of Revolutionary War • British victorious • Deadliest battle – Colonists: 450 men – Recoats: Over 1,000 • High number of officers • First realization Colonists could hold their own in a battle • Possible reason King George III rejected the Olive Branch Petition

Battle of Saratoga

• British troops are surrounded and defeated by militiamen in Saratoga, NY – Forced British to surrender battle • Important victory for Colonists – French secretly supporting Colonists since 1776 – With this victory French believe Colonists could win war – Signed an open alliance

Life of a Soldier in Continental Army

• Low on food and supplies – Ate mixture of flour and water – No shoes, blankets • Almost starved to death at Valley Forge, PA – Over 2,000 died during the winter of December of 1777