Colonial American the American Revolutionary War Continental Army

Colonial American & the American Revolutionary War: Continental Army & British Army By: Stephen Polidoro

Continental Army: � The Continental Army was created by Congress to fight against Britain for self-government. � Was more organized than colonial militias. � George Washington was unanimously chosen by congress to be the commander. � George Washington took charge of the Colonial Forces in Boston. Congress gave Britain one last chance to avoid an “all out war”.

British Army: �Had huge advantages in the war: � Strongest navy in the war � Experienced and well trained � Had wealth of a world-wide empire � Larger population than the United States �(6 million more)

The People Who Fought �Americans �British �African Americans – British offered freedom after war if they joined their forces. �Native Americans – British promised to slow down westward movement if they joined army

Battles The Battles of Lexington & Concord – April 1775 � The first shot fired began the war � Sir Thomas Gage � Head of British Army � Was told to get the weapons of the Massachusetts militia and arrest leaders of the group � When troops arrived in Concord, they found most weapons gone and were attacked by local townspeople Paul Revere & William Dawes Alerted Samuel Adams & John Handcock that the British were on their way This battle was the first victory over British

The Battle of Bunker Hill � June 16 th, 1775 � William Prescott lead the American Troops �“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” � British won because Americans ran out of gunpowder and had to withdraw. � More than 1, 000 dead.

The Battle of Saratoga Sept. 19, 1717 – Oct. 7, 1717 � Burgoyne head of British army �Surrendered because US army was too powerful. � Victory for the Colonists � Victory helped US receive foreign assistance that would help win the war

Weapons Used in the War �MUSKETS �TOMAHAWKS �SWORDS �CANNONS �KNIVES �PISTOLS �RIFLES �POLE ARMS �BAYONETS �LONG RIFLES

Military Tactics �United States: � Washington used a semicircle formation around Boston and used cannons to bombard the British army. �British: �British had troops based in Canada. � Captured New York to use as a base to conquer the middle colonies. �Many British Loyalists lived there.

Sources �The American Journey text book �You. Tube �About. com �https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Xuik. XCp. Bl. J 4 �https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=IIZBPp. AJc. NA �https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=f 0 ut. Tu 69 ko. A