The American Revolution 1776 1783 Political Advantages Americans

The American Revolution 1776 - 1783

Political Advantages Americans British • Fighting to defend independence • Democracy • Help of France • Well organized, respected gov’t. • #1 power in the world

Economic Advantages Americans British • Short supply lines • Live off the land • Benefits of empire – huge trading network • Many industries to create supplies

Social Advantages Americans British • Identity as “American” defined • Women help out…gain respect • Loyalists help out

Military Advantages American British • Guerilla warfare • “Home field” advantage • Goal – Independence • Good leaders – Washington • Help from others – Lafayette, von Steuben • #1 military power in world • Well-trained, welldisciplined troops,

Disadvantages for Americans? • MONEY!!! (limited) • SUPPLIES (low) • TRAINING (poor) Disadvantages for British? • DISTANCE (England 2, 000 miles away – difficult to communicate and coordinate. • FOREIGN MERCENARIES (Fighting for a pay check, not their own homes/freedom)

The Importance of. . . • BATTLE OF SARATOGA – turning point of the war. . . American victory encourages the French to support our cause! • VALLEY FORGE – American forces survive to fight again; better trained and organized army

The Importance of. . . • Friedrick von Steuben – Prussian ofice; 1778 comes to Valley Forge to train soldiers. . . march, fire/reload, use bayonet • Marquis de Lafayette – French general; advised and fought w/ Washington • Yorktown, VA – British General Corwallis “cornered” by French fleet off coast. . . surrenders to Washington 1781

What did the Americans win?

Treaty of Paris - 1783 • Great Britain recognized independence of U. S. • Set boundaries – Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River • Granted generous fishing rights to U. S. in the Grand Banks • Great Britain promised to leave American soil • U. S. promised to repay Loyalists for property lost during the Revolution

United States in 1783

Political Effects • U. S. officially recognized as independent nation • 13 “united” states • State constitutions guaranteed basic rights and freedoms • Foundation – democracy • Expanded voting rights to adult white males (who owned property in order to hold office)

Economic Effects • End mercantilism and restrictions on trade • Need to industrialize • End system of primogeniture (eldest son inheriting entire estate) – prevent any type of nobility based on inheritance • End trade preferences within the British empire (lost some of our best customers) • Inflation (“Continentals” – worthless currency) • Debt – to both foreign countries and American investors • High unemployment

Social Effects • • • Identity of “American”- individualism; diversity No aristocratic titles of nobility Social mobility Westward migration encouraged Separation of church and state Issues involving women’s rights and slavery continued • Increased importance of education to democracy

Why did the Americans win?