Battles of the American Revolution Battle of Lexington

Battles of the American Revolution

Battle of Lexington & Concord • April 19, 1775 • General Thomas Gage, the British governor of Massachusetts, learned that Patriots were storing gunpowder and cannons in Concord, Massachusetts. • He sent soldiers to destroy the supplies. • The soldiers were going to march at night, so that they could surprise the Patriots. • General Gage’s plan was not kept a secret. Patriots soon found out what was happening. • Patriots, Paul Revere and William Dawes, rode on horseback to alert the minutemen (militia) that “The Regulars are coming out!” Paul Revere during his Midnight Ride © Erin Kathryn 2014

The Strategy of War • American Colonies – Keep the Colonial Army together – Washington seeks to stretch the British army away from supply lines – Harass the enemy, defeat the British in a major battle – Get French allies to help win! • Britain – Seeks to destroy the Colonial Army – Regain control of the colonies by region – Take the fight to the Colonial Army using European war tactics – Use loyalists support against the colonies

Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) American: Colonel William Prescott British: Gen. Thomas Gage Events Leading to War? Second Continental Congress sends Olive Branch Petition to king and is awaiting his response. Meanwhile, British soldiers slept off the Boston shore while Continental forces built a fort up on a hill. What Happened? When the British awoke, they charged up the hill but retreated after they encountered heavy Continental fire. This happened once more but upon the third charge, the Continentals were out of ammunition, so they retreated in the mainland of Massachusetts and the British took over the hill. Who Won? British Win however, it gave Americans confidence to fight! Effects: King Rejects Olive Branch Petition and declare “ Colonists in Open Rebellion”

Battle of Trenton, 12/25, 1776 American: George Washington British- n/a Events Leading to War? George Washington wanted to win a battle, after losing the Battle of Long Island, so that his troops would not lose hope. Washington decided to surprise attack an enemy camp in Trenton, New Jersey. What Happened? The soldiers at this camp were German Hessians (soldier who is paid to fight for another country). Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River and attacked Trenton during the night. Who Won? GW army took almost 1, 000 prisoners. The Patriots were victorious. © Erin Kathryn 2014

Valley Forge, Winter 1777 • American: George Washington • British: William Howe Events Leading to the Battle? During the winter Continental Army was forced to stay in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, after the British captured Philadelphia. What Happened? There were no huts to sleep on, so soldiers had to sleep on the frozen ground. There was little food and many soldiers died of disease. Washington’s great leadership helped keep the soldiers going. He worked hard to get the soldiers the things they needed. Who won? British? Colonist lose 2, 500 men due to diseases, malnutrition, and etc. Lower morale. . © Erin Kathryn 2014

Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 • Washington is chosen to head the Continental Army at the Second Continental Congress. • Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is published in Philadelphia. It is a best seller because it calls for America to be free and it’s easy to read. It’s main principle provides a strong argument for American independence. "We have it in our power to begin the world anew. . . American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world, " Paine states. • Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Roger Livingston are chosen to write a document declaring Americas independence from England. Images from researchhistory. org &archives. gov

Battle of Saratoga, 10/7/177 • • British: General John Burygone American: Horatio Gates Events leading up to the War? Burygone marching South from Canada to New York and separate the colonies in half. He was planning on meeting up with General Howe to fight the colonies. What Happened? The Patriots attacked along the root and used Guerilla style warfare and caught him by surprise. General Howe never reached General Burygone. Who Won? The Continental Army; France decides to finally help the American Colonists. The British then decide to change strategy and keep troops along coast in order to get supplies.

Battle of Yorktown, 9/28/1781 American: Lafayette, Washington British: Cornwallis Events Leading to the War? Cornwallis makes his way into Virginia and George Washington along with 17, 000 French allies begin to surround Cornwallis in Yorktown. What Happened? The French navy fires cannons on the British from the sea while Continental and French troops come at them from two different sides, closing in on them like a triangle. Effects? Many British troops are killed and their supplies are closed off from the ports.

Phase II: 1778 -1781 • The Treaty of Paris, 1783 – Britain forced to recognize U. S. independence – Set U. S. borders (U. S. originally asked for Canada…didn’t happen ) • • West to the Mississippi River North to Canada South to Georgia East to the Atlantic – All property owned or confiscated by the British army (including slaves) would be returned – States would encourage the property of Loyalists to be returned and prevent further confiscation of Loyalist property – All debts on both sides would be paid

Consequences of the American Revolution • • Loyalists – 1/5 to 1/3 of colonial white population were Loyalists – What were their options? – Loyalists were harassed by Patriots • 100, 000 fled the country after the war • Those who could afford it moved to England, but many fled to Canada – When the moved • Left everything behind • Some returned to America once the memories of the war faded African-Americans – Hundreds of slaves in the South had been freed by the British during fighting – Others were exposed to the idea of freedom, liberty, pursuit of happiness, etc. • In some areas, African-Americans outnumbered whites • Whites feared revolutionary sentiment would lead to slave revolts

Consequences of the American Revolution • Women – Learned to be more independent Men were away at war – Many left in charge of the family farm – Many impoverished looted and rioted for food – Women’s Rights? Not really such a thing! • Women felt like following the revolution there would be a change, but ultimately, there was little change • HOWEVER, women were now seen as the first educators of their sons (Republican Motherhood) taught their children the new values of being “American”