Colonial Resistance Grows

1. Colonial Resistance Grows

2. In the Beginning… • Britain and France fight for control of North America and unclaimed territory. • Known as French & Indian War (1754-1763). • Britain wins. • Following war, British Parliament begins to tighten control over colonies. • Colonists forced to: • Not pass Appalachian Mountains(did anyways: farmland) • House British soldiers w/o consent or help (wanted to kill ‘em, but didn’t)

3. In the Beginning… • Following French & Indian War, Britain is also broke. • Needing money, American colonies are taxed heavily for first time ever. • Taxes placed on : • Sugar (molasses & sugar) • Stamps (paper products) • Sons of Liberty & Daughters of Liberty created to begin protests of new British taxes and restrictions.

4. Tightening Control • Americans begin boycottingon British goods to avoid British taxes. • boycott – refusal to buy. • To avoid protests, Britain passes Townshend Acts. • Goods taxed as they sail into port, not in store. • Acts also gives British officers “writs of assistance” to search houses for smuggled goods (w/o permission).

5. Colonists Protest • Angry about taxes and limits on freedom, colonists begin to act out. • On March 5, 1770, an angry mob gathers outside Boston’s Statehouse to protest taxes. • As mob grows in size, British soldiers are sent out to protect house. • Mob begins to push towards the house as the troops order the mob back.

6. Colonists Protest – cont’d. • As crowd pushes towards house, soldiers are reminded to not fire on the crowd. • A snowball is launched from the crowd, knocking a soldier off his feet. • Other soldiers around him open fire on the crowd, killing 5-6 civilians. • The event is written about in next day’s paper labeled the “Boston Massacre”.

7. Homework #1 • What did the Sugar Act tax? • What war caused Britain to go broke? • What were British officers searching for with “writs of assistance”? • What prompted soldiers to fire in the crowd during the Boston Massacre? • What did the Stamp Act tax?

8. Colonists Protest – cont’d. • Following Boston Massacre, Britain repeals all taxes, except on tea. • Colonists begin boycotting British tea, until all taxes repealed. • In response, Britain gives East India Tea Company (Britain-owned) exclusive trading rights w/ colonies. • Colonies , with help from Sons & Daughters of Liberty, begin organizing boycotts & protests.

9. Colonists Protest – cont’d. • As protest, colonists don’t allow British tea ships to dock or unload cargo (tea). • 3 British tea ships dock in Boston, but tea remained on ship. • Sons of Liberty, dressed as Native Americans, board ship and throw tea overboard. • 342 chests of tea are ruined ($1 million) during the protest.

10. Colonists Protest – cont’d. • Following the Boston Tea Party, Parliament passes the Intolerable Acts. • Acts did the following to the colonies: • Closed Boston Harbor until ruined tea paid for. • No town meetings in Mass. • Elected councils replaced w/ British appointed one. • Governor’s power over colonies increased. • Accused British officials protected from being tried by colonists. • British troops were placed in Boston houses to be cared for.

11. Colonists Protest – cont’d. • 1st Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia. • Delegates from all colonies (except GA) attended and agreed on: • All British trade banned until Intolerable Acts repealed. • All colonies should begin training troops/militia. • Independence wasn’t agreed upon, but discussed.

12. Homework #2 • What company was given exclusive trading rights with the colonies? • What did the Sons of Liberty dress up as during the Boston Tea Party? • How many chests of tea were ruined? How much money was that? • What was the act passed that was meant to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party? • Where did the 1st Continental Congress meet?

13. Revolution Begins • British spies inform military about ammunition depot in Concord. • British military decides to march from Boston to Lexington/Concord (20 miles). • Their mission: • Arrest John Hancock & John Adams • Destroy ammunition in Concord.

14. Revolution Begins – cont’d. • Paul Revere and Williams Dawes waited outside Boston for a signal to alert colonists. • Dr. Joseph Warren lit 1 lantern in church steeple to signal Revere’s ride. • British troops leave Boston around 5:00 a.m., heading for Concord & Lexington. • Revere & Dawes race ahead, warning all towns that the “regulars are coming out”.

15. Revolution Begins – cont’d. • At dawn of April 19, 1775, 900 British troops encountered a group of 70 minutemen (Mass. Militia) outside Lexington. • Hancock & Adams had already escaped, thanks to Revere’s warning. • As both sides lined up in rows, a shot rings out from the colonist’s side. • British troops return fire, killing 8 militia while the rest scattered.

16. Revolution Begins – cont’d. • When the British troops reach Concord, they find no ammunition to destroy and head back to Boston. • On the march back to Boston, British troops were continually ambushed by militia. • Of the 900 British troops that left Boston, nearly 1/3 were killed or wounded on the return trip. • Following Lexington & Concord, colonists had to choose between freedom (Patriots) or the crown they were loyal to (Loyalists).

17. Homework #3 • Who were the British military trying to arrest in Lexington? • What two people made a famous “Midnight Ride” to warn colonists of British troops march to Lexington & Concord? • What are the British troops trying to destroy in Concord? • Who were people that were loyal to the crown nicknamed? • Who were people that were fighting for freedom nicknamed?

18. Road to Revolution • Following Lexington/Concord, Continental Congress meets for 2nd time in Philadelphia on May 10th, 1775. • All delegates agree to create a Continental Army. • George Washington was chosen to lead new army.

19. Road to Revolution – cont’d. • In June 1775, militia build fort on top of Breed’s Hill & Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston Harbor. • 2,200 British troops assemble at bottom of hill and attacks militia. • As first wave of British troops nears, militia are ordered not to fire “until you see the whites of their eyes.” • The first wave is pushed back down the hill.

20. Road to Revolution – cont’d. • A 2nd wave of British troops is formed, but also pushed back by militia. • A 3rd wave of British troops attacks and forces the militia to retreat. • Militia only retreats because they lacked ammunition. • Following battle, British suffer over 1,000 casualties. • Colonists begin signing up for duty in Continental Army, believing they could defeat British.

21. Road to Revolution – cont’d. • Olive Branch Petition is sent to King George III, hoping to avoid war. • He rejects it, responding by sending hired German troops to colonies. • British troops leave Boston, knowing city is under siege by 15,000 militia.

22. Road to Revolution – cont’d. • Even as British leave Boston, most colonists still undecided about which side to choose. • Thomas Paine, British immigrant, writes a pamphlet titled Common Sense. • In pamphlet, Paine reminded colonists why choosing the Patriot side was right choice: • All men should be allowed to vote. • All monarchies are corrupt. • Colonies will survive financially if they leave British protection.

23. Homework #4 • Who was chosen to lead Continental army? • What did colonial militia build on top of Bunker & Breed’s Hill that British attacked? • How many waves of British troops were needed to defeat colonists at Bunker Hill? • What is sent to King George III to prevent war? • Who writes the pamphlet called Common Sense?

24. Revolutionary War

25. Preparing for War • Colonies decide to declare independence before war begins, making colonists aware of their intentions. • Thomas Jefferson, along with others, put in charge of writing a document that would create a nation. • Declaration is read before Continental Congress on July 2. • Members debate whether to sign or not. • Colonies adopt the declaration on July 4, 1776. • John Hancock was first to sign; signed it the largest.

26. Preparing for War – Cont’d. • Colonists divided about loyalties during war. • Those who remained loyal to Britain labeled Loyalists (25%). • Those who fought for freedom were labeled Patriots (50%). • Remaining colonists (25%) were neutral.

27. Preparing for War – cont’d. • Continental Army is formed; enlisted soldiers only asked to serve 1 year. • Washington struggles to keep a fully army intact • 17,000 is most Washington has at any point in war. • British army struggles to get soldiers to enlist. • To provide a full army, King George III hires mercenaries from Germany called Hessians.

28. Tale of the Tape • Britain has obvious advantages: • Better officers • Professional, trained troops • Outstanding Navy • Endless supplies & funds • Colonists have three advantages: • Officers trained in British military tactics • Knew land they were fighting on • Fighting for independence, not paycheck

29. Preparing for War – cont’d. • As British troops left Boston, Washington rushes Continental Army to New York. • After months of fighting between sides, British force Washington to retreat to New Jersey. • Continental troops cross Delaware River on December 25, 1776 launching surprise attack on British forces at Trenton. • Continental army gets first victory of war due to Washington’s bold move.

30. Preparing for War – cont’d. • British had master plan for winning war: divide colonies in half at Hudson River. • Gen. John Burgoyne travels south from Canada to meet up with other British troops to cut off colonies. • Burgoyne gets stopped in Saratoga while waiting for reinforcements to arrive.

31. Preparing for War – cont’d. • Reinforcements never show up as Burgoyne’s troops run low on supplies. • Burgoyne surrenders after days of constant fire from Continental army. • Burgoyne’s surrender gives Continental army a boost of confidence. • Also shows other European nations that U.S. could win war with help.

32. Revolutionary War • Following victory at Saratoga, France and Spain ally themselves with colonies. • France agreed to send: • Troops • Supplies • Money • Spain sent money and officers to colonies for additional support.

33. Homework #5 • What percentage of colonists were thought to be neutral? • How long were soldiers in Continental Army asked to serve? • Where did General Washington get the Continental Army’s first victory on December 25, 1776? • What two European countries allied with the United States? • What three supplies did France send to colonies?

34. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • British Gen. Howe attacks Philadelphia, hoping to capture 2nd Continental Congress. • Washington rushes army to city to protect Congress and keep city out of British control. • Congress escapes; Washington loses and is forced out of city in late November 1777. • Howe and his troops stay in city through winter. • Washington and his troops set up camp at Valley Forge for oncoming winter.

35. Preparing for War – cont’d. • As troops arrive in Valley Forge, supplies are extremely low. • Soldiers lack blankets, proper clothing, food, and shoes. • Diseases such as dysentery, smallpox, & typhoid fever spread throughout camp. • Local farmers were loyalists, so they refused to feed starving soldiers. • Soldiers couldn’t buy food because U.S. currency was worthless.

36. Preparing for War – cont’d. • Hundreds of soldiers die from conditions; thousands more desert their posts. • Majority of army stays through harsh winter, despite enlistments being completed. • In Spring of 1778, Washington informs his troops of alliances w/ Spain and France. • Foreign supplies arrives shortly afterwards. • Baron Von Stueben & Marquis Lafayette train Continental army.

37. Homework #6 • Who was Gen. Howe hoping to capture in Philadelphia? • Following defeat in Philadelphia, where did Gen. Washington camp for the winter? • Why wouldn’t local farmers feed hungry American troops? • What 3 diseases spread throughout camp at Valley Forge? • What two foreign officers were credited with training American troops into a better army?

38. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • Following multiple American victories in frontier and little success in northern colonies, Britain changes strategies. • Instead of fighting northern colonies, Britain moves war south. • More loyalists in southern colonies; Britain feels more support = more victories. • British also expected slaves to join their war effort after promised freedom.

39. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • Britain wins battle at Charlestown and Camden, defeating overwhelmed American troops. • American militia start using ambushes to attack British. • With lack of information & supplies, British lose control of Southern colonies. • Gen. Cornwallis (Leader of Britain’s army) chases Colonial army around southern colonies, wearing his troops out.

40. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • Believing Colonists were getting information from Virginia, Gen. Cornwallis sets up base in Yorktown, VA. • Set up there to receive supplies from British ships. • With Cornwallis trapped, Washington joins his army with other colonial forces outside Yorktown. • In August 1781, French navy arrives outside Yorktown and blockades town. • Prevents British from receiving supplies and escaping.

41. Homework #7 • What two reasons did the British have for moving the war south? • Why did the British feel they would have more success in southern colonies? • Which army was Gen. Cornwallis in charge of? • Following losses at Camden and Charlestown, what kind of attacks do the American (colonial) troops use to attack British supply lines and messengers? • What city in Virginia did Gen. Cornwallis move his troops to? What is unique about that city?

42. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • British troops kept Colonial troops out of city for 2 ½ months, using redoubts (small cannon forts). • As Colonial troops take over forts, British troops fall back to city as Colonists continually bombard city. • With lack of supplies in Yorktown, British soldiers are: • Starving • Sick; in need of medicine/medical attention • In need of guns & ammo

43. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • With many buildings in Yorktown turned to rubble and soldiers ailing, Gen. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, 1781. • Cornwallis sends an officer out to hand over his sword. • Cornwallis pretended to be ill so he didn’t have to surrender in person. • Fighting continues in southern states following surrender, but not for long as news of Cornwallis surrender spreads.

44. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • How America won against the mighty British military: • Fighting for cause, not money. • As Colonists won battles, more neutral people supported freedom. • Colonists military officers learned from mistakes; British officers didn’t. • Foreign allies aided colonies; British had none. • By end of war, most militia joined Continental army, increasing size to 250,000 against British force of 50,000-60,000. • Orders/supplies for British slow to arrive from Britain (4-6 months); Continental army supplies/orders only take days to arrive.

45. Homework #8 • How long did the British keep American troops out of Yorktown? • When did Cornwallis finally surrender? • Who officially surrender for Gen. Cornwallis? • Why didn’t Cornwallis surrender himself? • List 3 reasons why the Americans won against the British.

46. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • Costs of the war: • 25,700 Colonial soldiers killed (estimated) • 8,200 Colonial soldiers wounded (estimated) • 10,000 British soldiers killed/wounded (estimated) • $27 million debt for U.S. (borrowed money to fund war) • Thousands of acres of farmland destroyed from battles

47. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • Colonial leaders begin negotiating peace treaty with Britain on September 27, 1782. • Ben Franklin & John Adams among leaders present at negotiations. • Treaty of Paris officially ended the war after being signed on September 3, 1783.

48. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • Americans gain following from Treaty of Paris: • Independence. • Boundaries increased to Mississippi River (west), Canada (north), & Spanish Florida (south). • Each side would repay debts owed each other (never happened). • Any slaves captured by British would be returned (never happened). • Any property taken by Patriots from Loyalists would be returned (never happened).

49. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • With newly-earned independence, American colonies begin ruling themselves w/o central gov’t. • In 1777, 2nd Continental Congress adopted plan creating Articles of Confederation (took charge in 1781). • Articles 1st attempt at a central gov’t. • EXTREMELY limited in power. • Could only wage war and sign treaties.

50. Revolutionary War – cont’d. • Northern colonists begin debating about presence of slavery & religious freedom in colonies. • 2 states (Vermont, Pennsylvania) outlaw slavery while others debate it. • Despite efforts of freed slaves & northern abolitionists, slavery continued in U.S. (especially in south). • Religious freedom is also debated and adopted in some states.