Attack by British to capture stockpiled arms,

Militia warned by Paul Revere.

Elected George Washington: Commander in Chief

Organizes Continental Army To fight for the common defense of 13 colonies

Betsy Ross 5 pointed star: - red (valor and hardiness)

- white (purity and innocence) - blue (vigilance, perseverance, justice)

stars from sky, in a circle so no one colony is above another – “new constellation in the heavens”

Continental Army

Continental Army

American lost b/c they ran out of ammo

Psychological victory

Washington & Continental Army cross the Delaware River

on Christmas nightSurprised the Hessians (German mercenaries)

RAISED THEIR SPIRITS!!!!MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Patriot victory convinces France to make alliance!

Ben Franklin = ambassador to France negotiates Alliance

Marquis de Lafayette = French general (aided Americans)

Supported cause of “liberty”Revenge for French and Indian War

Army barely survives3,000 men had

no shoes or coatssymbolized the heroism

of the Continental Army & Washington’s Leadership

Only battle on frontier Allowed US to have claim to

Ohio & Tennessee Valley

Patriot victory Brit surrender Washington corners Lord Cornwallis

(Brit commander) on peninsulaFrench blockade prevents reinforcements

The HORSE AMERICA, throwing his Master

•Strengths:•Organized & Experienced•world’s finest navy•Loyalist (Tories) in the colonies (spies)

•Weaknesses:•Underestimated Americans•bright red coats•not supported in Great Britain

•Strengths:•Washington’s leadership•knowledge of the land•guerilla warfare

•Weaknesses:•Outnumbered•poor / lacking supplies

1.Great Britain recognized USA

2.Northern border = Great Lakes

3.Western border = Mississippi River

4.Florida returned to Spain

5.G.B. agreed to remove troops from US territory

6.Loyalist would be returned their land

1.Great Britain recognized USA

2.Northern border = Great Lakes

3.Western border = Mississippi River

4.Florida returned to Spain

5.G.B. agreed to remove troops from US territory

6.Loyalist would be returned their land

Molly Pitcher & others fought in battles,

began to challenge traditional ideas

Freed in Northern States – more restrictions in southern states

lost British support,increasingly lost territory

to new settlers

• established new government based on the idea of liberty•rejected rule of a monarchy•inspired other revolutions around the world