American Revolution

1763-1783

Political Views of American Colonists

Loyalists/Tories• Colonists loyal to the

British monarchy

• Disagreed with the DOI

• Many harassed by Patriots and leave America after British defeat

Patriots• Colonists who favored

separation from Britain

• Looked to become an independent nation

Colonial Forces

Strengths• Fought for a cause they

believed in

• Got help from European nations (France/Spain)

• New the territory/land well

Weaknesses• Untrained, poorly

equipped soldiers

• Small navy

• Many colonists did not believe in their cause

British Forces

Strengths• Well-trained, well-

equipped soldiers

• Large, powerful navy

• Experienced (Britain had not lost a war in decades)

Weaknesses• Had to cross the Atlantic

Ocean

• Used mercenaries as soldiers (not loyal to Britain but money)

• Did not know the land/territory

• Colonists would sometimes use guerilla warfare

Battle of Lexington & Concord“Shot heard ‘round the

world”• First shot at Lexington begins

the revolution

• American Revolution inspires other nations around the world to fight for their own independence

• Has lead to many democracies around the world today since the shot was fired

Battle of Saratoga“Turning point of the

war”• American victory in

northern New York

• Helped convince France to join the colonists against the British

Battle of YorktownFinal major battle of the

war• Continental army surrounds

Yorktown trapping a large British force led by Gen. Cornwallis

• British forces (soldiers/sailors) along with many loyalists surrender

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Ends the War, gain Independence

• British recognizes American independence

• Boundaries extend to Canada to the north, Mississippi River to the west and Florida to the south

Quiz1.Name 1 strength & weakness of the British Forces.

2.Name 1 strength & weakness of the Colonial Forces.

3.Which battle is known as the “shot heard ‘round the world”?

4.Which battle is known as the “turning point” of the war?

5.What is a “Loyalist”?