THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AMERICAN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES American

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AMERICAN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

American Strengths and Weaknesses � TLW (The Learner Will): � Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the British and Continental armies. � Explain George Washington’s role in the war. � Identify the roles of women and African Americans during the Revolutionary War.

Building Background � The Americans and the British both expected the war to end quickly. Instead, it took eight years! During that time, the Continental Army suffered great hardships. People’s lives changed. � Merchants, farmers, and craftworkers left their families to join the army. � Women kept farms and businesses running. � Some colonists joined the army as cooks and servants. � Some colonists raised money, sewed clothes for soldiers, and nursed the wounded.

The Redcoats (British) � � � In 1776, Great Britain had the most powerful army in the world. One reason they were powerful is because they had the money to hire German mercenaries. A mercenary is a soldier paid to fight for another country.

The Redcoats (British) Continued � The British did have some disadvantages. � The war was not popular in Great Britain. � Many people in Britain didn’t want to pay taxes needed to fight the war. � It was slow and costly to fight a war across the Atlantic Ocean thousands of miles away.

QUIZ TIME True or false � A mercenary is a person forced against their will to fight against their own country. TRUE FALSE

WAY TO GO! HIGH FIVE!

Remember… � The British had a very powerful army. One reason was because they had the money to hire German mercenaries. A mercenary is a soldier paid to fight for another county.

Patriots � WEAKNESSES � The colonies entered the war without an army or navy unlike the British. � Getting men to serve and to stay was a huge problem. � Many quit because they often went without pay, food, uniforms, and weapons.

Patriots Continued � STRENGTHS � The Continental soldiers were defending their homes, which gave them the will to keep on fighting. � Unlike the British who were new to the colonies, the Americans knew the land.

QUIZ TIME � Which choice wasn’t a STRENGTH for the Patriots? State of the art weapons. The Continental soldiers were defending their homes. The Americans knew the land.

Correct! You’re so MONEY!

Remember… � STRENGTHS OF THE PATRIOTS: � The Continental soldiers were defending their homes, which gave them the will to keep on fighting. � Unlike the British who were new to the colonies, the Americans knew the land.

George Washington � � Another advantage the Patriots had was the strong leadership of George Washington. During the French and Indian War, Washington had been commander of the Virginia militia.

George Washington � While in the Virginia Militia, Washington saw how the British operated. � He learned soldiers from the colonies were paid less to fight for the British than soldiers in the regular British army. � During the French and Indian War, the British lowered Colonel Washington’s rank because they did not want colonists to rise above captain.

QUIZ TIME � Think about a time you were treated unfairly. How might Britain’s treatment of Washington during the French and Indian War have affected his choice to join the Patriots? Washington disliked the French and the Indians. Washington experienced firsthand the unjust treatment of colonists by the British.

Right! Sweeeeeet!

Remember… � While in the Virginia Militia, Washington saw how the British operated. � He learned soldiers from the colonies were paid less to fight for the British than soldiers in the regular British army. � During the French and Indian War, the British lowered Colonel Washington’s rank because they did not want colonists to rise above captain.

Don’t Forget the Women! � Many women supported their husbands in battles and some even fought when their husbands were killed or wounded.

Women Continued… � � Mary Ludwig Hays-Carried water for the soldiers. (Molly Pitcher) Margaret Corbin- Took over her dead husband’s cannon and fought the British until she was wounded. Deborah Sampson-Disguised herself as a man and fought soldiers. Ester De. Berdt Reed-Formed a committee to go door to door asking women to contribute money for the soldiers.

QUIZ TIME… � Molly Pitcher… Was George Washington’s wife Carried water for the soldiers Was a spy for the British

Nice Work…Pat Yourself on the Back!

Remember… � � Mary Ludwig Hays-Carried water for the soldiers. (Molly Pitcher) Margaret Corbin- Took over her dead husbands cannon and fought the British until she was wounded. Deborah Sampson-Disguised herself as a man and fought soldiers. Ester De. Berdt Reed-Formed a committee to go door to door asking women to contribute money for the soldiers.

African American Soldiers and Patriot Spies � � At first, African Americans were not allowed to join the army because many feared that enslaved African Americans might rebel if given guns. In 1776, Washington allowed slaves to fight. Britain had won the support of many enslaved people by promising them freedom.

African American Soldiers and Patriot Spies Continued… � � Washington was very clever when it came to spying on the British. Haym Salomon- A spy that spoke several different languages including German. He spoke with the German soldiers, urging them to leave the British army.

Quiz Time � Haym Salomon… Was a spy who urged German soldiers to leave the British army Was a slave who fought for the British army

Rock On! You’re right!

Remember… � � Washington was very clever when it came to spying on the British. Haym Salomon- A spy that spoke several different languages including German. He spoke with the German soldiers, urging them to leave the British army.

The American Revolution From Defeat to Victory

From Defeat to Victory � TLW: �Analyze the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Philadelphia, Saratoga, and Fort Vincennes. �Examine the hardships suffered at Valley Forge. �Identify the effects on the Patriots of victories, defeats, songs, and traitors.

Building Background � The war went badly for the Patriots in 1776. That winter, Washington and his small army stood between the British and Philadelphia. Food and ammunition were in short supply. “I think the game is pretty near up, ” the tired commander wrote.

Battle of Trenton � � British General William Howe ordered his troops into winter quarters in Trenton, Princeton, and other New Jersey towns. Washington knew that the British wouldn’t fight until spring. He planned a surprise attack! At night on Christmas December 25, 1776, Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey. The next morning, they surprised the British and took more than 900 prisoners.

Battle of Trenton Continued… � � A week later, British troops advanced toward Trenton to retake it. However, during the night of January 2, 1777, Washington’s troops silently marched past British forces. The next morning, they took Princeton. Washington now had control of almost all of New Jersey. He began to rebuild his army.

Quiz Time � Think back to times you used ingenuity (creative problem solving). Which is an example of Washington’s ingenuity. Washington began to build his army in Morristown Washington was hopeful for the future Washington knew the British wouldn’t fight until spring so he planned a surprise attack.

Egggcellent!!!

Remember… British General William Howe ordered his troops into winter quarters in Trenton, Princeton, and other New Jersey towns. Washington knew that the British wouldn’t fight until spring. He planned a surprise attack! At night on Christmas December 25, 1776, Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey. The next morning, they surprised the British and took more than 900 prisoners. A week later, British troops advanced toward Trenton to retake it. However, during the night of January 2, 1777, Washington’s troops silently marched past British forces. The next morning, they took Princeton. Washington now had control of almost all of New Jersey. He began to rebuild his army.

Philadelphia � � Howe wanted to take the Patriots capital, Philadelphia. In a surprise move, the British army swung around the Continental army and attacked from behind. � � The Patriots had to retreat. The British took Philadelphia on September 26.

Victory at Saratoga � � The British planned to cut off New England New York from the rest of the colonies. British general John Burgoyne decided the best way was to capture the Hudson River Valley. � � � The American Forces were ready. Cannons were placed on a high cliff overlooking the road to Albany. Local farmers with excellent shooting skills volunteered. Burgoyne reached Saratoga, New York on September 19, 1777 and was greatly outnumbered. Burgoyne surrendered on October 17, 1777. France was convinced to openly support the Americans by signing the Treaty of Alliance.

Quiz Time � Why was the victory at Saratoga a turning point for the Patriots? It showed that American forces could defeat a large British force It convinced France to support the Americans by signing the Treaty of Alliance Both above choices

Nice!

Remember… � Think about the strengths/advantages of the British army!!!

Valley Forge � � After the British took Philadelphia, Washington moved his troops to winter camp near Valley Forge. Things were not good � Supplies were low � At least 2, 500 soldiers died of disease � Many soldiers left and went home � Martha Washington had to nurse the sick � 1/3 soldiers didn’t have shoes In February 1778, Friedrich von Steuben, a German soldier, arrived at Valley Forge to help train the ragged Continental troops. Under his command, the army became very powerful.

The Americans Gain � � In 1778, George Rogers Clark of the Continental army captured several forts from the British including Fort Vincennes. For the most part, the few ships in the American navy had little effect but they were tough ships with tough crews that didn’t surrender!

Quiz Time � Describe the condition of the Continental army at Valley Forge. Sick, lacking clothing and supplies, hardly any food Strong, plenty of supplies, well-fed

Cha-Ching!

Remember… � Things were not good � Supplies were low � At least 2, 500 soldiers died of disease � Many soldiers left and went home � Martha Washington had to nurse the sick � 1/3 soldiers didn’t have shoes

The American Revolution The War Ends

The American Revolution The War Ends � TLW: � Analyze the causes and effects of the Battle of Yorktown. � Summarize the results of the Treaty of Paris. � Discuss the effect of the Patriot victory over the Loyalists.

Build Background � In 1779, Spain joined the war on the Patriots’ side. Spanish Louisiana governor, Bernardo de Galvez, opened up the port of New Orleans to American ships and ended trade with Britain.

British Advance in the South � � In 1780, British forces landed near Charles Town, South Carolina. They slowly closed in on the city, trapping the 5, 500 Patriot defenders. Almost the entire Southern army was lost. By spring of 1781, British commander Charles Cornwallis said he was “tired” of chasing Patriot General Nathanael Green and his men.

Victory at Yorktown � � � Cornwallis asked servant James Armistead to spy on the Americans. Little did he know, Armistead was already spying for them. Armistead told the Patriots about Cornwallis’s plans and gave Cornwallis false information. Washington was able to trick Cornwallis into thinking he was going to attack New York. Instead, more than 17, 000 American and French soldiers surrounded York town. French warships blocked the harbor. Cornwallis surrendered to Washington and the French on October 19, 1781.

Quiz Time � In the case of James Armistead, how is being a “traitor” a good thing? It proves that all people should be sneaky Sometimes you have to do what it takes for a cause you believe in

Yee Haw! Right on Cowboy!

Remember… � � � Cornwallis asked servant James Armistead to spy on the Americans. Little did he know, Armistead was already spying for them. Armistead told the Patriots about Cornwallis’s plans and gave Cornwallis false information. Washington was able to trick Cornwallis into thinking he was going to attack New York. Instead, more than 17, 000 American and French soldiers surrounded York Town. French warships blocked the harbor. Cornwallis surrendered to Washington and the French on October 19, 1781.

Treaty of Paris � � � Although the war dragged on for more than two more years, the Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the war. The British people did not support the war anymore. In 1782, the British government began peace talks with the Americans.

Treaty of Paris Continued… � � � The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783. It recognized the independence of the United States. The land west of the Appalachians became part of the United States. Florida, which had come under control of the British, was returned to Spain. After the war, nearly 100, 000 Loyalists fled the United States for Canada and Europe.

Quiz Time � What do you think were the goals of France and Spain in deciding to help the Patriots? England was a common enemy They had territory in North America and probably wanted more They could look to the Americans if they needed help All of the above

FINISH LINE!

Remember… � � � England was an enemy of not only the Patriots but also of Spain and France had territory in North America and probably wanted more. If someone helps another out, usually the favor will be returned.