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The American Revolution. Chapter 6. British Advantages Strongest navy Well-trained army Very wealthy Over 8 million people in population. Colonial Disadvantages Lacked a regular army and strong navy Lacked military experience Smaller population Lacked weapons and ammunition
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The American Revolution Chapter 6
British Advantages Strongest navy Well-trained army Very wealthy Over 8 million people in population Colonial Disadvantages Lacked a regular army and strong navy Lacked military experience Smaller population Lacked weapons and ammunition Not all colonists supported independence The Opposing Sides
Those who opposed the war and stayed loyal to Britain. Many families were torn by the loyalist/patriot movement The Loyalists
The British offered slaves their freedom for fighting on the side of the Loyalists African Americans in the War
Fighting on their own land (greatest advtg) The British relied on hired soldiers to fight The Patriots were fighting for personal reasons George Washington was their leader Patriot Advantages
The colonies continued acting selfishly throughout the war Congress had difficulty enlisting soldiers and raising money Women- Margaret Corbin, Molly Pitcher and Deborah Sampson Raising an Army
Published “An American Crisis” He warned that these tough times would prove who was really brave and who was a coward Washington read this to his troops to encourage them to keep fighting Thomas Paine
Fighting in New York • During the Summer of 1776, Britain sent 32,000 troops to New York • General William Howe (British Commander) hoped the size of his army would scare them out of fighting
Defeat on Long Island • Patriots lost • Nathan Hale spied on the British troops, they found out and he was hanged • “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”
In the winter of 1776-1777, the Patriot’s cause was near collapse Most soldiers completed their service and went home (aka, gave up!) A Low Point
Washington asked the Congress to enlist free African Americans to fight in the war Most Southerners did not feel comfortable giving weapons to African Americans Patriot Gains
By the war’s end, every state other than South Carolina enlisted African Americans to fight Fought because they believed in the cause, needed the money, had runaway from their owners, fighting for freedom African Americans Join the Fight
Most armies take the winter off Washington took troops across the Delaware River on Christmas night to attack the British in Trenton The Patriots won! American Victories in New Jersey
Plan to control the Hudson River 1. General Burgoyne would lead 8,000 troops from Canada 2. Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger would lead a second force from Lake Ontario 3. General Howe would lead a third force north from New York They would meet in Albany A British Plan for Victory
Philadelphia was the nation’s capital city The British captured Philadelphia, causing Congress to flee The trip to Albany was postponed so the British could hang out in Philadelphia British Capture Philadelphia
Led by Benedict Arnold, the Patriots forced the British to retreat The Americans slowed the British by chopping down trees across their path The Green Mountain Boys, a local militia group, attacked the British from the woods Burgoyne retreated to Saratoga Patriots Slow the British
The Americans were able to cut off the British and prevent them from reaching Saratoga Burgoyne was forced to surrender and soon resigned as commander of the British troops The British plan to capture the Hudson River had failed This was the turning point of the American Revolution!!! Battle of Saratoga
