The American The American RevolutionRevolution

War for IndependenceWar for Independence

1775 - 17831775 - 1783

How did the most powerful nation in How did the most powerful nation in Europe lose its most important Europe lose its most important

colonies?colonies? Second Continental Second Continental

Congress met in Congress met in May 1775May 1775 Olive Branch Olive Branch

Petition Petition Last ditch effort to Last ditch effort to

avoid waravoid war King George ignores King George ignores

requestrequest Hires 10,000 Hessian Hires 10,000 Hessian

mercenaries to fightmercenaries to fight

Appoint George Appoint George Washington General Washington General of Continental Armyof Continental Army

Print paper moneyPrint paper money

Produce Declaration Produce Declaration of Independence of Independence

British problems are the British problems are the colonies’ advantagescolonies’ advantages

British AdvantagesBritish Advantages More $ and suppliesMore $ and supplies Powerful navyPowerful navy Professionally Professionally

trained armytrained army

American AdvantagesAmerican Advantages Knowledge of landKnowledge of land Motive = FreedomMotive = Freedom Short supply linesShort supply lines George Washington – George Washington –

leadership under crisisleadership under crisis Defensive WarDefensive War

Guerrilla warfareGuerrilla warfare British control citiesBritish control cities Colonists control Colonists control

countrysidecountryside

Battle of the Hills Battle of the Hills (Bunker/Breed)(Bunker/Breed)

June 1775June 1775 Colonists build fortificationsColonists build fortifications Low on ammunitionLow on ammunition

““Don’t fire until you see the whites of Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”their eyes”

Colonists defeated but moral victoryColonists defeated but moral victory 1000 Redcoats killed or wounded1000 Redcoats killed or wounded 400 American casualties400 American casualties Deadliest battle of the warDeadliest battle of the war