War for IndependenceWar for Independence

The shot heard round the world..The shot heard round the world..

““By the rude bridge that arched the flood,By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;

Here once the embattled farmers stood;Here once the embattled farmers stood;

And fired the shot heard round the world.”And fired the shot heard round the world.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, Concord HymnConcord Hymn

Lexington and ConcordLexington and Concord

• Two brief skirmishes in April of 1775Two brief skirmishes in April of 1775• British were trying to capture ammo and British were trying to capture ammo and

Patriot leaders outside of Boston.Patriot leaders outside of Boston.• Minutemen fought for the patriots.Minutemen fought for the patriots.• Marks the beginning of the Revolutionary Marks the beginning of the Revolutionary

War.War.• Seen as both a victory for British (they Seen as both a victory for British (they

captured the ammo) and for the Patriots captured the ammo) and for the Patriots (the British retreated)(the British retreated)

Layout of the Colonies – Loyalist vs Layout of the Colonies – Loyalist vs PatriotPatriot

Fort TiconderogaFort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775 – May 10, 1775 – Ethan AllenEthan Allen leads leads his backwoodsmen his backwoodsmen Green Green Mountain BoysMountain Boys on an attack on an attack against against British Fort TiconderogaBritish Fort Ticonderoga. . They capture cannon and guns They capture cannon and guns which they would use to drive the which they would use to drive the British from Boston.British from Boston.

22ndnd Continental Congress Continental Congress

• May 10May 10thth, the same day as the battle at , the same day as the battle at Fort Ticonderoga, delegates meet in Fort Ticonderoga, delegates meet in Philadelphia and agree to form the Philadelphia and agree to form the Continental Army. Continental Army.

• George Washington is chosen as the George Washington is chosen as the commanding general. commanding general.

• Congress authorizes the printing of paper Congress authorizes the printing of paper money to pay troops.money to pay troops.

I do not think myself equal to the I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with command I am honored with

Battle of Bunker Hill (& Breed’s Hill)Battle of Bunker Hill (& Breed’s Hill)

• British General Gage in Boston orders three British General Gage in Boston orders three waves of attack.waves of attack.

• Colonial Army held high ground on two hills.Colonial Army held high ground on two hills.• Colonists lose the battle, but show they can Colonists lose the battle, but show they can

fight! fight! – Colonials kill 40%-50% of British soldiers (about Colonials kill 40%-50% of British soldiers (about

1000)1000)– British only kill & wound 400!British only kill & wound 400!

• General Gage writes “The loss we have General Gage writes “The loss we have sustained is greater than we can bear.”sustained is greater than we can bear.”

Olive Branch PetitionOlive Branch Petition

• Despite hostilities, Congress drafts an Olive Despite hostilities, Congress drafts an Olive Branch Petition in July 1775 to restore Branch Petition in July 1775 to restore relationsrelations

• The King rejected the petition (didn’t even The King rejected the petition (didn’t even read it), and sent the British Navy to block read it), and sent the British Navy to block American ships from leaving their ports.American ships from leaving their ports.

• The King also sent hired German soldiers The King also sent hired German soldiers and mercenaries – “Hessians” to fight in and mercenaries – “Hessians” to fight in American.American.

Washington’s HeadachesWashington’s Headaches

• Despite colonial forces being confident of their Despite colonial forces being confident of their abilities – Washington was extremely aware of abilities – Washington was extremely aware of their shortcomings.their shortcomings.

• Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence.for independence.

• States and colonies had their own loyalties.States and colonies had their own loyalties.• Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the

Continental Army.Continental Army.• Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von

Steuben.Steuben.

STOP HERESTOP HEREGeorge Washington BiographyGeorge Washington Biography

Beginning the WarBeginning the War

Washington’s Goals:Washington’s Goals:

SurviveSurvive

Don’t Give UpDon’t Give Up

Avoid a Crushing DefeatAvoid a Crushing Defeat

The Northern CampaignThe Northern Campaign• After Ft. Ticonderoga, American After Ft. Ticonderoga, American

General Montgomery was able to General Montgomery was able to quickly overtake Montreal.quickly overtake Montreal.

• The next big plan was to invade The next big plan was to invade QuebecQuebec, led by Benedict Arnold – , led by Benedict Arnold – key player in the Ft. Ticonderoga key player in the Ft. Ticonderoga victory.victory.

• With a victory, they could enlist With a victory, they could enlist Canadians into the Patriot cause.Canadians into the Patriot cause.

• The attack started in November The attack started in November 1775 – in harsh winter conditions. 1775 – in harsh winter conditions. The Americans attacked, failed, The Americans attacked, failed, and were forced to retreat.and were forced to retreat.

Deciding the Fate of BostonDeciding the Fate of Boston• The Continental Army The Continental Army

surrounds the British troops in surrounds the British troops in Boston – leading to a stand-Boston – leading to a stand-off where no force takes the off where no force takes the control.control.

• The cannon from Ft. The cannon from Ft. Ticonderoga finally arrive in Ticonderoga finally arrive in January, 1776.January, 1776.

• Washington takes his position Washington takes his position in Dorchester Heights, in Dorchester Heights, overlooking the city, and overlooking the city, and threatens bombardment of the threatens bombardment of the city.city.

• British General Howe decides to retreat.British General Howe decides to retreat.• March 17, 1776 9000 British soldiers leave March 17, 1776 9000 British soldiers leave

Boston on 100 ships.Boston on 100 ships.• 1000 Loyalists also flee, fearing for their 1000 Loyalists also flee, fearing for their

safety.safety.• Homes and property of the Loyalists are Homes and property of the Loyalists are

seized, and Boston returns to the hands of seized, and Boston returns to the hands of the Patriots.the Patriots.

Deciding the Fate of BostonDeciding the Fate of Boston

Meanwhile…Common SenseMeanwhile…Common Sense• On January 15, 1776, On January 15, 1776,

while Washington battles while Washington battles for Boston, for Boston, Thomas Paine Thomas Paine writes a pamphlet titled writes a pamphlet titled “Common Sense.”“Common Sense.”

• ““Common Sense” calls for Common Sense” calls for Americans to follow their Americans to follow their own destiny – and the own destiny – and the sale of over 100,000 sale of over 100,000 copies further the cause copies further the cause of the Revolutionaries.of the Revolutionaries.

Meanwhile…Self-GovernmentsMeanwhile…Self-Governments

• In May 1776 the Continental In May 1776 the Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, authorizes Congress, in Philadelphia, authorizes each of the 13 colonies to establish each of the 13 colonies to establish their own governments.their own governments.

• They are now each responsible for They are now each responsible for their own taxation, trade, and their own taxation, trade, and economies.economies.

Beginning of IndependenceBeginning of Independence• June 7, 1776, June 7, 1776, John John

HancockHancock leads the 2 leads the 2ndnd Continental Congress, Continental Congress, calling colonies “free and calling colonies “free and independent states” – independent states” – which leads to the drafting which leads to the drafting of the Declaration of of the Declaration of Independence.Independence.

• July 4, 1776 the Declaration July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence is adopted of Independence is adopted in Congress.in Congress.

Battle for New YorkBattle for New York

• After the Battle for Boston, Washington After the Battle for Boston, Washington rushes his troops to rushes his troops to New York New York , where he , where he expects the British to landexpects the British to land

• July 1776 British General Howe lands in July 1776 British General Howe lands in New York with a large army.New York with a large army.

• In August, 9000 Hessian mercenaries In August, 9000 Hessian mercenaries arrive.arrive.

Retreat from New YorkRetreat from New York

• Washington’s troops Washington’s troops are inexperienced , are inexperienced , poorly trained, and poorly trained, and poorly equipped.poorly equipped.

• Things look bad for the Things look bad for the colonial rebels…colonial rebels…

• Members of Congress Members of Congress flee Philadelphia.flee Philadelphia.

Battle of Brooklyn/Battle of Long Battle of Brooklyn/Battle of Long IslandIsland

• British forces, commanded by British forces, commanded by Howe and Cornwallis, try to Howe and Cornwallis, try to trap Washington’s forces in trap Washington’s forces in Brooklyn.Brooklyn.

• Washington held his ground Washington held his ground until nightfall, until nightfall, then retreated then retreated under cover of darkness.under cover of darkness.

• Howe captures the city, and Howe captures the city, and holds it for the remainder for holds it for the remainder for the war.the war.

• This is considered the first This is considered the first real battle between armiesreal battle between armies, , and the first of many narrow and the first of many narrow escapes by Washington.escapes by Washington.

Washington’s RetreatWashington’s Retreat• After the battle in New After the battle in New

York, Washington’s York, Washington’s troops are forced to troops are forced to retreat through New retreat through New Jersey.Jersey.

• Due to harsh winter Due to harsh winter conditions and low conditions and low supplies, Continental supplies, Continental Army spirits were low.Army spirits were low.

• Washington knows he Washington knows he needs a victory, and needs a victory, and quickly, or his soldiers will quickly, or his soldiers will lose heart.lose heart.

Thomas Paine’s Thomas Paine’s The CrisisThe Crisis

• ““These are the time that try men’s souls. The These are the time that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink form the service of their this crisis, shrink form the service of their country; but he that stands it NOW, serves the country; but he that stands it NOW, serves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

TrentonTrenton• On December 25, 1776 On December 25, 1776

Washington leads his troops Washington leads his troops crossing the Delaware River crossing the Delaware River into New Jersey.into New Jersey.

• The American forces march The American forces march into Trenton, into Trenton, surprising a surprising a semi-drunk Hessian force.semi-drunk Hessian force.

• The battle lasts about 45 The battle lasts about 45 minutes, ending with 900 minutes, ending with 900 Hessian prisoners – and some Hessian prisoners – and some badly supplies of guns and badly supplies of guns and ammunition.ammunition.

PrincetonPrinceton• January 3, 1777 – January 3, 1777 –

Washington marches Washington marches his newly victorious his newly victorious troops to Princeton, troops to Princeton, where where they quickly win they quickly win againagain, driving the British , driving the British almost entirely out of almost entirely out of New Jersey.New Jersey.

• While of little strategic While of little strategic importance, these importance, these battles battles boosted Patriot boosted Patriot morale and gained the morale and gained the patriots more supporters patriots more supporters and soldiers.and soldiers.

STOP HERESTOP HERE

Show “The Crossing”Show “The Crossing”

All about the Benjamin All about the Benjamin (Franklin)(Franklin)

• Continental Congress Continental Congress sends Franklin to Paris to sends Franklin to Paris to work for an alliance. work for an alliance.

• France sends money and France sends money and supplies in secret, but no supplies in secret, but no public support.public support.

• After Saratoga, Franklin After Saratoga, Franklin signs a Treaty of Alliance signs a Treaty of Alliance with France.with France.

British PlanBritish Plan• British commanders British commanders

planned to cut off New planned to cut off New England from the other England from the other colonies, by seizing the colonies, by seizing the Hudson River Valley – Hudson River Valley – then meeting up back at then meeting up back at Albany.Albany.

• Gen. Howe was to Gen. Howe was to march from NY, Gen. march from NY, Gen. Burgoyne from Canada, Burgoyne from Canada, and Col. St. Leger from and Col. St. Leger from Lake OntarioLake Ontario

How it Played Out…How it Played Out…• June-July 1977 Gen. John June-July 1977 Gen. John

Burgoyne marched south Burgoyne marched south from Canada and from Canada and captures Ft. Ticonderoga captures Ft. Ticonderoga from Benedict Arnold.from Benedict Arnold.

• Howe decided he wanted Howe decided he wanted to invade and capture to invade and capture Philadelphia instead, so Philadelphia instead, so didn’t make the didn’t make the rendezvous.rendezvous.

• And St. Leger…And St. Leger…

Mohawk Valley ConflictsMohawk Valley Conflicts• In August 1777 American In August 1777 American

General Herkimer and Benedict General Herkimer and Benedict Arnold send patriot Iroquois to Arnold send patriot Iroquois to St. Leger to tell him they had a St. Leger to tell him they had a large army headed his way. St. large army headed his way. St. Leger, scared, retreated, Leger, scared, retreated, leaving all of his supplies leaving all of his supplies behind. Therefore when the behind. Therefore when the troops met at Oriskany (Battle troops met at Oriskany (Battle of Oriskany-one of the bloodiest of Oriskany-one of the bloodiest of the war), the British were of the war), the British were defeated. St. Leger was unable defeated. St. Leger was unable to rendezvous with Burgoyne.to rendezvous with Burgoyne.

Battle for PhiladelphiaBattle for Philadelphia• September 11, 1777 – September 11, 1777 –

Washington and his troops try Washington and his troops try to keep British (Generals to keep British (Generals Howe and Cornwallis) out of Howe and Cornwallis) out of Philadelphia.Philadelphia.

• 18,000 British vs. 11,000 18,000 British vs. 11,000 AmericansAmericans

• Americans are pushed out, Americans are pushed out, back to Brandywine, then back to Brandywine, then Germantown.Germantown.

• The British set up camp and The British set up camp and waited.waited.

SaratogaSaratoga• Aug.-Sep. 1777 Aug.-Sep. 1777

American General American General Gates fortified his Gates fortified his position with the help position with the help of a Polish engineer of a Polish engineer outside Saratoga.outside Saratoga.

• On Sep. 19 Burgoyne On Sep. 19 Burgoyne attacked – Gates attacked – Gates position held and the position held and the Brits dropped back, Brits dropped back, exhausted.exhausted.

Meanwhile…Meanwhile…• Nearby Saratoga, at Nearby Saratoga, at

Freeman’s Farm, Benedict Freeman’s Farm, Benedict Arnold led another attack Arnold led another attack on the British.on the British.

• Arnold charged the Arnold charged the redcoats, acting like a redcoats, acting like a maniac – which forced maniac – which forced Burgoyne’s Hessian’s back Burgoyne’s Hessian’s back to the other troops at to the other troops at SaratogaSaratoga

SaratogaSaratoga• The Patriots The Patriots

surrounded surrounded Burgoyne’s troops at Burgoyne’s troops at Saratoga, firing at Saratoga, firing at them day and night, them day and night, forcing the Brits to forcing the Brits to surrender!! surrender!!

• Finally, a major Finally, a major victory over a larger victory over a larger troop force!troop force!

Consequences of SaratogaConsequences of Saratoga

• Saratoga becomes the turning point of Saratoga becomes the turning point of the warthe war– Europeans finally believe Americans might Europeans finally believe Americans might

win this war for independencewin this war for independence– Benedict Arnold marries a Loyalist and Benedict Arnold marries a Loyalist and

becomes bitter over lack of recognition for becomes bitter over lack of recognition for his part in battles.his part in battles.

Benedict Arnold – America’s Benedict Arnold – America’s Most Famous TraitorMost Famous Traitor

• The Arnolds squandered money on an extravagant social The Arnolds squandered money on an extravagant social life among the Loyalist families of Philadelphia. Needing life among the Loyalist families of Philadelphia. Needing money, Arnold then began a 16-month treasonable money, Arnold then began a 16-month treasonable correspondence with the British commander in chief, Sir correspondence with the British commander in chief, Sir Henry Clinton. As commandant of West Point, key to the Henry Clinton. As commandant of West Point, key to the Hudson River valley, Arnold agreed in 1780 to surrender the Hudson River valley, Arnold agreed in 1780 to surrender the fort to the enemy in return for a royal commission in the fort to the enemy in return for a royal commission in the British army and a sum of money. The capture of Clinton's British army and a sum of money. The capture of Clinton's messenger, Major John André, exposed the plot, and Arnold messenger, Major John André, exposed the plot, and Arnold fled to the enemy. André was hanged. Arnold escaped to fled to the enemy. André was hanged. Arnold escaped to the enemy lines and was commissioned a brigadier general the enemy lines and was commissioned a brigadier general in the British army.  For his property losses, he claimed and in the British army.  For his property losses, he claimed and was paid about $10,000.  He then led two battles for the was paid about $10,000.  He then led two battles for the British Army, one that burned Richmond, Va., and the other British Army, one that burned Richmond, Va., and the other against New London, Conn.against New London, Conn.

Valley ForgeValley Forge• Outside Philadelphia, at Outside Philadelphia, at

Valley Forge, the Valley Forge, the American army gets American army gets ready to waste away a ready to waste away a winter, low on supplies winter, low on supplies and moraleand morale

• Washington and Prussian Washington and Prussian drill Sergeant Baron von drill Sergeant Baron von SteubenSteuben, take the time to , take the time to drill the soldiers on drill the soldiers on fighting tactics and fighting tactics and sanitation – making the sanitation – making the troops better and toughertroops better and tougher

Figures at the ForgeFigures at the Forge

• Washington kept good company at Valley Washington kept good company at Valley ForgeForge– Nathaniel Greene (became commander of troops Nathaniel Greene (became commander of troops

in the South)in the South)– Benedict Arnold (from Ticonderoga, Oriskany, Benedict Arnold (from Ticonderoga, Oriskany,

Montreal, etc.)Montreal, etc.)– Marquis de LaFayette (led troops, helped Marquis de LaFayette (led troops, helped

negotiate with France)negotiate with France)– Alexander Hamilton (Washington’s aide, 1Alexander Hamilton (Washington’s aide, 1stst Secy Secy

of Treasury, died in a duel with VP Burr)of Treasury, died in a duel with VP Burr)– John Marshall (1John Marshall (1stst Chief Justice of Supreme Chief Justice of Supreme

Court) Court)

Battling after the ForgeBattling after the Forge• June 28, 1778 at Monmouth, June 28, 1778 at Monmouth,

Washington leads his Washington leads his troops to battle against troops to battle against British General Clintons British General Clintons troops.troops.

• Though the battle ends in a Though the battle ends in a draw, American troops draw, American troops receive fortifications, receive fortifications, forcing the British to forcing the British to abandon Philadelphia, and abandon Philadelphia, and retreat to New York.retreat to New York.

War on the FrontierWar on the Frontier

George Rogers ClarkGeorge Rogers Clark

The ProposalThe Proposal

• 1777, 1777, George Rogers Clark George Rogers Clark persuades the Virginia Governor, persuades the Virginia Governor, Patrick Henry, for the right to Patrick Henry, for the right to defend the western frontier defend the western frontier against against the British and Native Americans.the British and Native Americans.

• Henry gave him the right to capture Henry gave him the right to capture any British posts on the western any British posts on the western frontier.frontier.

Battle for the FrontierBattle for the Frontier• May 1778 George May 1778 George

Rogers Clark traveled Rogers Clark traveled down the Ohio River, down the Ohio River, recruiting as many as recruiting as many as 200 men along the way.200 men along the way.

• By boat and foot they By boat and foot they reach Kaskaskia, and reach Kaskaskia, and captured it without a captured it without a fightfight

Battle for VincennesBattle for Vincennes• February 1779, Clark meets February 1779, Clark meets

up with British Henry up with British Henry Hamilton – the “Hair Buyer.”Hamilton – the “Hair Buyer.”

• Hamilton underestimates Hamilton underestimates Clark – as Clark traverses Clark – as Clark traverses flooding and icy swampsflooding and icy swamps– Clark lies about how big his Clark lies about how big his

forces areforces are– Clark executes loyalist Indians Clark executes loyalist Indians

as a warning to Hamiltonas a warning to Hamilton

• Hamilton gives upHamilton gives up

War at SeaWar at Sea

John Paul JonesJohn Paul Jones

British DominationBritish Domination

• British had stationed more than 100 British had stationed more than 100 warships along the American coastline, warships along the American coastline, giving them control of trade in the giving them control of trade in the Atlantic.Atlantic.

• More than 1000 American privateers More than 1000 American privateers attacked the British merchant ships, for attacked the British merchant ships, for patriotism and profit, which had British patriotism and profit, which had British merchants calling for an end to the warmerchants calling for an end to the war..

The Continental NavyThe Continental Navy• Though heavily Though heavily

outnumbered, American outnumbered, American naval battles became naval battles became legend during the legend during the Revolutionary War.Revolutionary War.

• The greatest sea battle The greatest sea battle fought, was won by fought, was won by American sailor and American sailor and captain captain John Paul John Paul JonesJones, on his ship the , on his ship the ““Bonhomme RichardBonhomme Richard.”.”

John Paul JonesJohn Paul Jones• September, 1779 the September, 1779 the

“Bonhomme Richard” came “Bonhomme Richard” came up against British warships up against British warships guiding their merchant guiding their merchant boats.boats.

• Jones rammed the lead Jones rammed the lead warship, the “Serapis”, warship, the “Serapis”, and and they locked guns, blasting they locked guns, blasting at each other for nearly 4 at each other for nearly 4 hours. hours. Jones is famous for Jones is famous for refusing to surrender, refusing to surrender, exclaiming “I have not yet exclaiming “I have not yet begun to fight!”begun to fight!”

End of the BattleEnd of the Battle

• When the “Serapis” lost its When the “Serapis” lost its mast, the captain mast, the captain surrenderedsurrendered..

• The “Bonhomme Richard,” The “Bonhomme Richard,” mortally wounded, sank, mortally wounded, sank, leaving it’s crew to sail leaving it’s crew to sail home on the “Serapis.”home on the “Serapis.”

• The American victory The American victory against a much stronger against a much stronger Navy angered the British Navy angered the British and inspired the and inspired the AmericansAmericans..