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Fitzgerald 13/14

George Washington and the American Revolution

1. George Washington was born in1732 in Virginia2. George trained as a surveyor and mapped the course of the Ohio River3. Fought with the British in the war against France in 1756.4. Washington married Martha Dandridge a widow who also owned a large plantation.5. Washington was now one of the largest landowners in Virginia.

First Continental Congress

Washington represented Virginia at the First Continental Congress held in Philadelphia in 1774 (picture below left).

Support for Independence

1. George Washington, with others, calls for the colonies to break away from Britain and form an independent American Republic.2. The Second Continental Congress declares independence on 4th July 1776.

17761. War breaks out between Britain and the American colonists. 2. George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief of the Continental (American) Army

Declaration of

Independenc

Independence1. 1781, helped by the French, the Americans force the British to surrender at Yorktown.2. Britain recognises the independence of the America and signs the Treaty of Paris

1789George Washington becomes the first President of the USA. He serves two terms and retires in 1797. He died of pneumonia in 1799 at his plantation in

Virginia.

British Army1. More soldiers2. Professional soldiers3. Better trained4. More weapons

Continental (American) Army

1. Part-time soldiers who would leave to work on their farms2. Knew the countryside and used guerrilla tactics

The War 1776-17811. Begins badly for the Americans2. Washington and his army cross the Delaware River and defeat the British at Trenton on Christmas Day 1776.

17771. France, Spain and Holland help the Americans.2. Washington’s army spent the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. 3. Over half of his army deserted but the rest of the army were trained.3.Washington becomes a hero to his soldiers for staying in Valley Forge with

Washington crosses the River Delaware