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Significant Events in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord. First shots fired in the American Revolution, April 1775 . It marked the first time the patriots engaged in armed resistance to British Authority.
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Lexington and Concord First shots fired in the American Revolution, April 1775. It marked the first time the patriots engaged in armed resistance to British Authority. The British were on their way to collect weapons from the militia (minutemen). What amendment today protects Americans’ rights to own a weapon?
2nd Continental Congress George Washington accepting the command of the Continental Army. What is that an example of? These delegates met several times beginning in May 1775 until March 1781, meeting in Philadelphia until it was captured by the British. Accomplishments: Appointing Washington as General, Declaring Independence, and writing the Articles of Confederation.
Declaring Independence After Lexington and Concord, the failure of the Olive Branch Petition as well as the success of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, declaring independence seemed the only possible outcome.
Declaring Independence cont. “Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown” –Richard Henry Lee After Richard Henry Lee’s resolution to declare independence passed, a document was written. Thomas Jefferson’sfinal draft of the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776.
Battle of Trenton An early success was the capture of the Hessian mercenaries near Christmas, 1776. It encouraged some soldiers to stay and other patriots to enlist. This famous painting commemorates the dangerous trip across a freezing Delaware River.
The Battle of Saratoga- “turning point” Another key victory for the Continental Army was the victory in Saratoga, NY. A large British force surrendered to the Americans. The Battle of Saratoga is nicknamed the “turning point” because when the French learn of the victory, they agree to become our ally. British surrender at Saratoga convinces France to become our ally!
Valley Forge- “the starving times” ” . . . you might have tracked the army to Valley Forge by the blood of their feet.” Washington’s winter camp in 1777 was in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, approximately 20 miles Northwest of the British held town of Philadelphia, where independence had been declared just one year before.
Valley Forge cont. While the British were warm in Philadelphia, the Continental Army suffered from sickness, disease, starvation, and exposure to the elements. Some 2,000 soldiers died, many more than the deadliest battle of the war. Washington struggled to keep men from deserting due to the poor conditions at Valley Forge.
The Crisis by Thomas Paine Just like Thomas Paine’s work Common Sense motivated people to become patriots, his work “The Crisis” motivated soldiers to stay and fight. Copies of it circulated around campfires at Valley Forge.
The French Alliance During the war, Benjamin Franklin was in Paris seeking French help. Our victory at Saratoga convinced the French to become our ally. The French Alliance became official on February 1778. The French were slow in arriving to the colonies but they played a major role in our final battle.
John Paul Jones- Father of the US Navy One of the most surprising victories was against the British navy (the most powerful in the world). Captain John Paul Jones famously quipped “I have not yet begun to fight” when asked to surrender. He then proceeded to capture the British vessel Serapis. It ‘s time to surrender Mr. Jones. (British accent) Surrender? Please.. I haven’t even started fighting! The tale of John Paul Jones’ bravery and famous quote spread through the colonies and kept Patriot hope alive.
The Articles of Confederation After independence was declared and an alliance formed with France, our attention turned to creating a government. What was quickly created during this turbulent time was a flawed government known as The Articles of Confederation. Later we will talk more about the specific weaknesses of this document. The Articles of Confederation was an overreaction to the abuses of the British. Its flaws were soon revealed, but the government it created got us through the war.
Yorktown- The Final Battle It is only fitting that the colonial saga started by the British in Virginia in 1607 end in Virginia as well. Washington used the physical features of the Yorktown, Virginia battle site to his advantage.
The Treaty of Paris-1783 Following the disaster at Yorktown, all that was left to do was negotiate treaty terms. Benjamin Franklin helped to negotiate the terms of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. The border of the US is now the Mississippi River!
How did the Americans win? • Better Leadership • Foreign Aid • Geographic advantages (knowledge of the land, shorter supply lines) • Motivation and Colonial Unity
Locations of Importance in the American Revolution Location #1- Boston Massachusetts (very close to Lexington and Concord also) Location #2- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Location #3- Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Location #4- Saratoga, NY Location #5- Yorktown, Virginia
