Lesson 4US HISTORY

Standard 4

The student will identify the ideological, military, and diplomatic aspects of the American Revolution.

1. Explain the language, organization, and intellectual sources of the Declaration of Independence; include the writing of John Locke and the role of Thomas Jefferson.

2. Explain the reason for and significance of the French alliance and foreign assistance and the roles of Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis de Lafayette.

3. Analyze George Washington as a military leader; include the creation of a professional military and the life of a common soldier; and describe the significance of the crossing of the Delaware River and Valley Forge.

4. Explain the role of geography at the Battle of Yorktown, the role of Lard Cornwallis, and the Treaty of Paris 1783.

Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence as an ideological explanation for American independence from England (a divorce letter).

Thomas Jefferson was the principle author of the Declaration of Independence; however, he was influenced by several others

John Locke and his ideas of natural rights, the equality of all men, and the role of government are were key influences for the Declaration of Independence

John Locke

Declaration of Independence

There are 3 parts of the Declaration of Independence 1. Preamble: this section describes the plight of the American colonists; it

laid out the reasons why the colonists had chosen to break from the British government natural rights, the origins and purpose of government, and the reasons why the colonists had elected to rebel

2. grievances/justifications: listed 27 separate points of difference between the colonists and King George and Parliament

3. list of events/decision: lists many unsuccessful attempts to get relief from Britain and concludes with American independence as the only option left Americans wanted control their own government

French Alliance

After the French and Indian War Britain was the dominate world power this placed a mark on their back for the French, Spanish, and Netherlands

As the colonists began to revolt, France (King Louis XVI) began to negotiate with the Americans mainly Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson

Franco-American Treaty of 1778: this alliance helped turn the tide of the war against the British 1. French naval attacks in the Caribbean and India forced Britain to weaken the

blockade on the America’s eastern seaboard

2. large quantities of muskets, canons, shot, and powder were given to the Americans

3. Marquis de Lafayette: a French officer that helped lead American forces against the British and the Hessians; instrumental in gaining additional French aid for the colonists

French Alliance - LaFayette

Ticket Out The Door

1. Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?

2. Name the English philosopher who discussed natural rights and the all men are created equal.

3. What was the purpose of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence? (What did it discuss?)

4. & 5. List 2 of the 3 impacts of the of the Franco-American Treaty of 1778.

Ticket Out The Door

1. Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson

2. Name the English philosopher who discussed natural rights and the all men are created equal. John Locke

3. What was the purpose of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence? (What did it discuss?) Describe American’s plight summary

4. & 5. List 2 of the 3 impacts of the of the Franco-American Treaty of 1778. 1. attack Great Britain around the world 2. provide munitions to America 3. provide troops and officers to America

The Common Soldier

The Revolutionary armies consisted of 2 distinct groups: state militias and the Continental Army State militias were organized by each state and community, provided their own

weapons and uniforms, poorly trained, short-term enlistment, and notoriously unreliable

Continental Army: enlistments were 1-3 years, encouraged by George Washington, meager pay, low rations (usually had to scavenge for food and fodder

Disease caused by close confinement and poor diets was more of a threat than the Red Coats

Common killers were: influenza, typhus, typhoid, and dysentery surgeons, nurses, inoculation, and camp sanitation helped limit these threats as the war progressed

George Washington And the Continental Army

June of 1775, George Washington was appointed the Commander and Chief of the Continental Army prior service in the French and Indian War made him a valid candidate

Once appointed Commander, Washington reorganized the Continental Army, secured extra equipment and supplies, and started to train recruits into soldiers

Washington was not a great field general lost many battles However his reputation and personality garnered him respect from

the soldiers

George Washington

George Washington And the Continental Army

Washington preferred to engage the British in quick, strong attacks and then retreat This method helped boost morale and make-up for having inadequately trained

soldiers

December 25, 1776: Washington crossed the Delaware River in the cover of night The American forces surprise attacked Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey

They continued into New Jersey and defeated a pursuing British force before retreating in to winter quarters

George Washington

Delaware Crossing Valley Forge

George Washington And the Continental Army

Valley Forge: American winter camp during 1777-1778, prior to encampment Washington lost Philadelphia to the British army morale was low

While at Valley Forge, the soldiers were running low on clothes, food and morale however, Valley was essential to the American victory

European soldiers such as Baron von Stueben and LaFayette helped teach essential close-order drill and fire tactics to the American troops at Valley Forge these trainings and techniques helped the American army be successful at Monmouth Courthouse and later at Yorktown

Ticket Out the Door

1. In June of 1775 who was named the Commander and Chief of the Continental Army?

George Washington

2. On December 25 of 1776, what river did General Washington and his troops cross?

Delaware River

3. What was the name of the Continental Army’s encampment during the Winter of 1777-1778?

Valley Forge

4. What is a Hessian?

A German soldier for higher

5. Who was Baron von Stueben?

A Prussian army expert, helped organize the Continental Army

American Victory

In order to counter the French-American alliance, the British attempted to separate the southern colonies from the North

The plan started strong with several British victories in the South

General Cornwallis (British) pursued American forces into Virginia but met heavy resistance in order to maintain communication with Great Britain, Cornwallis moved to the coastal town of Yorktown

While Cornwallis waited for the British fleet to arrive, his forces were surrounded by French and American armies

Cornwallis surrendered marking the end of the American Revolution

Yorktown Map

American Victory

The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War The United States won its independence from Great Britain and

gained control of land stretching to the Mississippi River Spain gained Florida back Certain African and Caribbean colonies were awarded to France