britain and france fight for control of north america and unclaimed territory. known as french...
TRANSCRIPT
Colonial Resistance Grows
In the Beginning…
Britain and France fight for control of North America and unclaimed territory. Known as French & Indian War (1754-1763). Britain wins.
Following war, British Parliament begins to tighten control over colonies.
Colonists forced to: Not pass Appalachian Mountains (did anyways:
farmland) House British soldiers w/o consent or help (wanted to
kill ‘em, but didn’t)
In the Beginning…
Following French & Indian War, Britain is also broke.
Needing money, American colonies are taxed heavily for first time ever.
Taxes placed on : Sugar (molasses & sugar) Stamps (paper products)
Sons of Liberty & Daughters of Liberty created to begin protests of new British taxes and restrictions.
Tightening Control
Americans begin boycotting on British goods to avoid British taxes. boycott – refusal to buy.
To avoid protests, Britain passes Townshend Acts. Goods taxed as they sail into port, not in store.
Acts also gives British officers “writs of assistance” to search houses for smuggled goods (w/o permission).
Colonists Protest
Angry about taxes and limits on freedom, colonists begin to act out.
On March 5, 1770, an angry mob gathers outside Boston’s Statehouse to protest taxes.
As mob grows in size, British soldiers are sent out to protect house.
Mob begins to push towards the house as the troops order the mob back.
Colonists Protest – cont’d.
As crowd pushes towards house, soldiers are reminded to not fire on the crowd.
A snowball is launched from the crowd, knocking a soldier off his feet.
Other soldiers around him open fire on the crowd, killing 5-6 civilians.
The event is written about in next day’s paper labeled the “Boston Massacre”.
Homework #1
1. What did the Sugar Act tax?2. What war caused Britain to go broke?3. What were British officers searching for
with “writs of assistance”?4. What prompted soldiers to fire in the
crowd during the Boston Massacre?5. What did the Stamp Act tax?
Colonists Protest – cont’d.
Following Boston Massacre, Britain repeals all taxes, except on tea.
Colonists begin boycotting British tea, until all taxes repealed.
In response, Britain gives East India Tea Company (Britain-owned) exclusive trading rights w/ colonies.
Colonies , with help from Sons & Daughters of Liberty, begin organizing boycotts & protests.
Colonists Protest – cont’d.
As protest, colonists don’t allow British tea ships to dock or unload cargo (tea).
3 British tea ships dock in Boston, but tea remained on ship.
Sons of Liberty, dressed as Native Americans, board ship and throw tea overboard.
342 chests of tea are ruined ($1 million) during the protest.
Colonists Protest – cont’d.
Following the Boston Tea Party, Parliament passes the Intolerable Acts.
Acts did the following to the colonies: Closed Boston Harbor until ruined tea paid for. No town meetings in Mass. Elected councils replaced w/ British appointed one. Governor’s power over colonies increased. Accused British officials protected from being tried by
colonists. British troops were placed in Boston houses to be
cared for.
Colonists Protest – cont’d.
1st Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia.
Delegates from all colonies (except GA) attended and agreed on: All British trade banned until Intolerable Acts
repealed. All colonies should begin training troops/militia.
Independence wasn’t agreed upon, but discussed.
Homework #2
1. What company was given exclusive trading rights with the colonies?
2. What did the Sons of Liberty dress up as during the Boston Tea Party?
3. How many chests of tea were ruined? How much money was that?
4. What was the act passed that was meant to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party?
5. Where did the 1st Continental Congress meet?
Revolution Begins
British spies inform military about ammunition depot in Concord.
British military decides to march from Boston to Lexington/Concord (20 miles).
Their mission: Arrest John Hancock & John Adams Destroy ammunition in Concord.
Revolution Begins – cont’d.
Paul Revere and Williams Dawes waited outside Boston for a signal to alert colonists.
Dr. Joseph Warren lit 1 lantern in church steeple to signal Revere’s ride.
British troops leave Boston around 5:00 a.m., heading for Concord & Lexington.
Revere & Dawes race ahead, warning all towns that the “regulars are coming out”.
Revolution Begins – cont’d.
At dawn of April 19, 1775, 900 British troops encountered a group of 70 minutemen (Mass. Militia) outside Lexington. Hancock & Adams had already escaped, thanks to
Revere’s warning.
As both sides lined up in rows, a shot rings out from the colonist’s side.
British troops return fire, killing 8 militia while the rest scattered.
Revolution Begins – cont’d.
When the British troops reach Concord, they find no ammunition to destroy and head back to Boston.
On the march back to Boston, British troops were continually ambushed by militia.
Of the 900 British troops that left Boston, nearly 1/3 were killed or wounded on the return trip.
Following Lexington & Concord, colonists had to choose between freedom (Patriots) or the crown they were loyal to (Loyalists).
Homework #3
1. Who were the British military trying to arrest in Lexington?
2. What two people made a famous “Midnight Ride” to warn colonists of British troops march to Lexington & Concord?
3. What are the British troops trying to destroy in Concord?
4. Who were people that were loyal to the crown nicknamed?
5. Who were people that were fighting for freedom nicknamed?
Road to Revolution
Following Lexington/Concord, Continental Congress meets for 2nd time in Philadelphia on May 10th, 1775.
All delegates agree to create a Continental Army.
George Washington was chosen to lead new army.
Road to Revolution – cont’d.
In June 1775, militia build fort on top of Breed’s Hill & Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston Harbor.
2,200 British troops assemble at bottom of hill and attacks militia.
As first wave of British troops nears, militia are ordered not to fire “until you see the whites of their eyes.”
The first wave is pushed back down the hill.
Road to Revolution – cont’d.
A 2nd wave of British troops is formed, but also pushed back by militia.
A 3rd wave of British troops attacks and forces the militia to retreat. Militia only retreats because they lacked ammunition.
Following battle, British suffer over 1,000 casualties.
Colonists begin signing up for duty in Continental Army, believing they could defeat British.
Road to Revolution – cont’d.
Olive Branch Petition is sent to King George III, hoping to avoid war.
He rejects it, responding by sending hired German troops to colonies.
British troops leave Boston, knowing city is under siege by 15,000 militia.
Road to Revolution – cont’d.
Even as British leave Boston, most colonists still undecided about which side to choose.
Thomas Paine, British immigrant, writes a pamphlet titled Common Sense.
In pamphlet, Paine reminded colonists why choosing the Patriot side was right choice: All men should be allowed to vote. All monarchies are corrupt. Colonies will survive financially if they leave British
protection.
Homework #4
1. Who was chosen to lead Continental army?
2. What did colonial militia build on top of Bunker & Breed’s Hill that British attacked?
3. How many waves of British troops were needed to defeat colonists at Bunker Hill?
4. What is sent to King George III to prevent war?
5. Who writes the pamphlet called Common Sense?
Revolutionary War
Preparing for War
Colonies decide to declare independence before war begins, making colonists aware of their intentions.
Thomas Jefferson, along with others, put in charge of writing a document that would create a nation.
Declaration is read before Continental Congress on July 2. Members debate whether to sign or not.
Colonies adopt the declaration on July 4, 1776. John Hancock was first to sign; signed it the largest.
Preparing for War – Cont’d.
Colonists divided about loyalties during war.
Those who remained loyal to Britain labeled Loyalists (25%).
Those who fought for freedom were labeled Patriots (50%).
Remaining colonists (25%) were neutral.
Preparing for War – cont’d.
Continental Army is formed; enlisted soldiers only asked to serve 1 year.
Washington struggles to keep a fully army intact 17,000 is most Washington has at any point in
war.
British army struggles to get soldiers to enlist.
To provide a full army, King George III hires mercenaries from Germany called Hessians.
Tale of the Tape
Britain has obvious advantages: Better officers Professional, trained troops Outstanding Navy Endless supplies & funds
Colonists have three advantages: Officers trained in British military tactics Knew land they were fighting on Fighting for independence, not paycheck
Preparing for War – cont’d.
As British troops left Boston, Washington rushes Continental Army to New York.
After months of fighting between sides, British force Washington to retreat to New Jersey.
Continental troops cross Delaware River on December 25, 1776 launching surprise attack on British forces at Trenton.
Continental army gets first victory of war due to Washington’s bold move.
Preparing for War – cont’d.
British had master plan for winning war: divide colonies in half at Hudson River.
Gen. John Burgoyne travels south from Canada to meet up with other British troops to cut off colonies.
Burgoyne gets stopped in Saratoga while waiting for reinforcements to arrive.
Preparing for War – cont’d.
Reinforcements never show up as Burgoyne’s troops run low on supplies.
Burgoyne surrenders after days of constant fire from Continental army.
Burgoyne’s surrender gives Continental army a boost of confidence.
Also shows other European nations that U.S. could win war with help.
Revolutionary War
Following victory at Saratoga, France and Spain ally themselves with colonies.
France agreed to send: Troops Supplies Money
Spain sent money and officers to colonies for additional support.
Homework #5
1. What percentage of colonists were thought to be neutral?
2. How long were soldiers in Continental Army asked to serve?
3. Where did General Washington get the Continental Army’s first victory on December 25, 1776?
4. What two European countries allied with the United States?
5. What three supplies did France send to colonies?
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
British Gen. Howe attacks Philadelphia, hoping to capture 2nd Continental Congress.
Washington rushes army to city to protect Congress and keep city out of British control.
Congress escapes; Washington loses and is forced out of city in late November 1777. Howe and his troops stay in city through winter.
Washington and his troops set up camp at Valley Forge for oncoming winter.
Preparing for War – cont’d.
As troops arrive in Valley Forge, supplies are extremely low.
Soldiers lack blankets, proper clothing, food, and shoes. Diseases such as dysentery, smallpox, & typhoid
fever spread throughout camp.
Local farmers were loyalists, so they refused to feed starving soldiers.
Soldiers couldn’t buy food because U.S. currency was worthless.
Preparing for War – cont’d.
Hundreds of soldiers die from conditions; thousands more desert their posts.
Majority of army stays through harsh winter, despite enlistments being completed.
In Spring of 1778, Washington informs his troops of alliances w/ Spain and France. Foreign supplies arrives shortly afterwards. Baron Von Stueben & Marquis Lafayette train
Continental army.
Homework #6
1. Who was Gen. Howe hoping to capture in Philadelphia?
2. Following defeat in Philadelphia, where did Gen. Washington camp for the winter?
3. Why wouldn’t local farmers feed hungry American troops?
4. What 3 diseases spread throughout camp at Valley Forge?
5. What two foreign officers were credited with training American troops into a better army?
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
Following multiple American victories in frontier and little success in northern colonies, Britain changes strategies.
Instead of fighting northern colonies, Britain moves war south. More loyalists in southern colonies; Britain feels
more support = more victories. British also expected slaves to join their war effort
after promised freedom.
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
Britain wins battle at Charlestown and Camden, defeating overwhelmed American troops.
American militia start using ambushes to attack British.
With lack of information & supplies, British lose control of Southern colonies.
Gen. Cornwallis (Leader of Britain’s army) chases Colonial army around southern colonies, wearing his troops out.
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
Believing Colonists were getting information from Virginia, Gen. Cornwallis sets up base in Yorktown, VA. Set up there to receive supplies from British ships.
With Cornwallis trapped, Washington joins his army with other colonial forces outside Yorktown.
In August 1781, French navy arrives outside Yorktown and blockades town. Prevents British from receiving supplies and escaping.
Homework #7
1. What two reasons did the British have for moving the war south?
2. Why did the British feel they would have more success in southern colonies?
3. Which army was Gen. Cornwallis in charge of?4. Following losses at Camden and Charlestown,
what kind of attacks do the American (colonial) troops use to attack British supply lines and messengers?
5. What city in Virginia did Gen. Cornwallis move his troops to? What is unique about that city?
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
British troops kept Colonial troops out of city for 2 ½ months, using redoubts (small cannon forts).
As Colonial troops take over forts, British troops fall back to city as Colonists continually bombard city.
With lack of supplies in Yorktown, British soldiers are: Starving Sick; in need of medicine/medical attention In need of guns & ammo
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
With many buildings in Yorktown turned to rubble and soldiers ailing, Gen. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, 1781.
Cornwallis sends an officer out to hand over his sword. Cornwallis pretended to be ill so he didn’t have to
surrender in person.
Fighting continues in southern states following surrender, but not for long as news of Cornwallis surrender spreads.
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
How America won against the mighty British military: Fighting for cause, not money. As Colonists won battles, more neutral people supported
freedom. Colonists military officers learned from mistakes; British
officers didn’t. Foreign allies aided colonies; British had none. By end of war, most militia joined Continental army,
increasing size to 250,000 against British force of 50,000-60,000.
Orders/supplies for British slow to arrive from Britain (4-6 months); Continental army supplies/orders only take days to arrive.
Homework #8
1. How long did the British keep American troops out of Yorktown?
2. When did Cornwallis finally surrender?3. Who officially surrender for Gen. Cornwallis?4. Why didn’t Cornwallis surrender himself?5. List 3 reasons why the Americans won
against the British.
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
Costs of the war: 25,700 Colonial soldiers killed (estimated) 8,200 Colonial soldiers wounded (estimated) 10,000 British soldiers killed/wounded (estimated) $27 million debt for U.S. (borrowed money to fund
war) Thousands of acres of farmland destroyed from
battles
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
Colonial leaders begin negotiating peace treaty with Britain on September 27, 1782. Ben Franklin & John Adams among leaders present
at negotiations.
Treaty of Paris officially ended the war after being signed on September 3, 1783.
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
Americans gain following from Treaty of Paris: Independence. Boundaries increased to Mississippi River (west),
Canada (north), & Spanish Florida (south). Each side would repay debts owed each other
(never happened). Any slaves captured by British would be returned
(never happened). Any property taken by Patriots from Loyalists would
be returned (never happened).
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
With newly-earned independence, American colonies begin ruling themselves w/o central gov’t.
In 1777, 2nd Continental Congress adopted plan creating Articles of Confederation (took charge in 1781). Articles 1st attempt at a central gov’t. EXTREMELY limited in power. Could only wage war and sign treaties.
Revolutionary War – cont’d.
Northern colonists begin debating about presence of slavery & religious freedom in colonies. 2 states (Vermont, Pennsylvania) outlaw slavery
while others debate it.
Despite efforts of freed slaves & northern abolitionists, slavery continued in U.S. (especially in south).
Religious freedom is also debated and adopted in some states.
Homework #9
1. What was the name of the treaty that ended the war?
2. How many colonial soldiers were killed (estimated)?
3. What two states outlawed slavery?4. Besides independence, list 2 other provisions
America gained from their victory in the war.