1 / 44

The Early Years of the Revolutionary War

The Early Years of the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Lexington and Concord was when the famous “Shot heard round the world” was fired. British troops from Boston had been ordered to Concord to destroy what General Gage believed was a storage of weapons created to supply rebels.

thane
Download Presentation

The Early Years of the Revolutionary War

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of Lexington and Concordwas when the famous “Shot heard round the world” was fired. British troops from Boston had been ordered to Concord to destroy what General Gage believed was a storage of weapons created to supply rebels. British troops instead marched first to Lexington Green where assembled militia members, warned by messengers from Boston during the night, waited. April 19, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  2. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War It is likely that both sides were reluctant to fire on one another. From somewhere a shot was fired. About one in five colonials were wounded or killed during the engagement. British losses were minimal. Later, on their return to Boston, British forces were attacked by local militia men who utilized the rocks and trees along the road for cover. British losses on the return to Boston were very high. April 19, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  3. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The attack on Fort TiconderogaEthan Allen and Benedict Arnold bickered frequently over who should lead the attack on the British fort on Lake Champlain. A band under the command of Allen crossed Lake George and marched silently to the fort when they were astounded to see the gate open and the sentry asleep. No shots needed to be fired. The defenders were confused by the attack because they had not received word about the outbreak of fighting in Massachusetts. May 10, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  4. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys celebrated their victory by breaking open the fort's casks of rum and by looting the possessions of the British soldiers. At great risk to his life, Arnold managed to restore order. The American haul in this nearly bloodless victory was impressive: six mortars, three howitzers, 78 cannon and supplies of cannon balls, powder and flints. May 10, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  5. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Some of these items would later be transported in the depths of winter to the siege of Boston. Two days later, the rebel forces took nearby Crown Point; on May 16, St. John’s in Canada fell. The victory at Ticonderoga was significant for several reasons. Most important was the fact that the Americans had gained control, albeit temporarily, over the invasion route from Canada. May 10, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  6. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War While Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold were attacking British forts to the north, theSecond Continental Congresswas meeting far to the south in Philadelphia. By the time the Second Continental Congress met, the American Revolutionary War had already started with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Congress was to take charge of the war effort. May 10, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  7. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War For the first few months of the struggle, the Patriots had carried on their struggle in an uncoordinated manner. They had seized arsenals, driven out royal officials, and besieged the British army in the city of Boston. On June 14, 1775, Congress voted to create the Continental Army out of the militia units around Boston and quickly appointed Congressman George Washington of Virginia as commanding general of the Continental Army. May 10, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  8. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Although it had no explicit legal authority to govern, it assumed all the functions of a national government, such as appointing ambassadors, signing treaties, raising armies, appointing generals, obtaining loans from Europe, issuing paper money (called "Continentals"), and disbursing funds. The Congress had no authority to levy taxes, and was required to request money, supplies, and troops from the states to support the war effort. Individual states frequently ignored these requests. May 10, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  9. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of Bunker HillAt daybreak on the 17th gazing through the morning fog, British General Howe was astonished to see a six-foot high earthwork a mushroom fortress   that seemingly appeared overnight. "The rebels," he exclaimed, "have done more work in one night than my whole army would have done in one month." British cannons immediately opened fire from the ships offshore but the patriots continued work on the entrenchments without harm. June 17, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  10. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War By mid-afternoon General Howe ordered his troops to advance and open fire. As the British moved forward, the Americans remained as silent as the tomb. "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes," was the order passed along the lines. When that moment came, the word "FIRE!" was shouted, and whole enemy platoons were mowed down and shattered, retreating to the foot of the hill. June 17, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  11. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War In all of the twenty battles of the Revolution, Bunker Hill exacted a heavy toll on British officers. In this one battle alone one-eighth of the British officers in the entire War were killed and one-sixth were wounded on that day. Following the earlier skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the battle of Bunker Hill was significant in that it overruled any real hope of conciliation. The outcome of the battle rallied the colonies and moved a lethargic Congress to take action. June 17, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  12. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Bunker Hill showed the Americans that the British were not invincible. It showed the British Government that the "rebels" were a serious opponent, that "the mightiest army in all of Europe" had a real fight on its hands. June 17, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  13. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Lord Dunmore’s ProclamationFar to the south in Virginia, the royal governor, Lord Dunmore believed the rebellions to the north should not be allowed to spread. He believed he had the right to declare martial law in Virginia. This meant that he could use the military to enforce laws and crush rebellions. Nov. 17, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  14. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Dunmore also believed that slaves and servants would join the royal cause and stop the rebellious patriots. His proclamation stated that everyone in Virginia who did not join with the royal army was a traitor to the king. The proclamation offered freedom to slaves who fought for the King. It created fear and unrest in Virginia and served to align undecided and moderate Virginians against the British. Nov. 17, 1775 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  15. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Thomas Paine publishes Common SenseThomas Paine had not been particularly successful in his career choices in England. In fact, things had gone quite badly for him until Benjamin Franklin supported his move to America. Jan. 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  16. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War In his pamphlet, published in January, 1776, Thomas Paine explained why America should separate from Britain. He called King George III a “royal brute” and explained that monarchies, in general, led to trouble. Jan. 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  17. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War He also said that America suffered by its allegiance with Britain and that America should be allowed to trade independently with other nations and not be tied to European rules and conflicts. Jan. 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  18. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Common Sense was unbelievably popular. It was read across America. Whether it led the Second Continental Congress to declare independence is up to debate. Undoubtedly, it caused people across America to discuss the issue of independence as opposed to reconciling difference with Britain. Jan. 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  19. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Declaration of Independence is publishedDespite the number of battles that had been waged between the colonial forces and the British, many in America still hoped to resolve their differences with England. July 4, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  20. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War By publishing the Declaration of Independence, Congress stated their goal for the conflict: independence from Britain. July 4, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  21. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Declaration of Independence contains three sections. The first is a declaration of the rights of man and a statement about the rights of government. The second is a list of grievances against King George II. The third is a statement of separation from England. July 4, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  22. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War Make no mistake, the Declaration of Independence was a declaration of war against the most powerful nation on earth. July 4, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  23. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of TrentonAfter the Battle of Bunker Hill, most engagements between the British and Americans went badly for the Americans. During the winter of 1776 – 77 the American forces were low on food, fuel, and morale. It was near the end of the year andthere was serious doubt that all oftroops Washington needed would re-enlist. Dec. 25, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  24. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of TrentonThe British had hired paid soldiers, or mercenaries, from the region of Hess in Germany. These soldiers were known as the Hessians. The Hessians were in control of several key cities along the Delaware River in modern-day New Jersey.Washington decided to attack onChristmas Day. Dec. 25, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  25. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of TrentonThe Hessian commander Colonel Rahl had been ordered to construct defensive works around Trenton but had not troubled to do so. On the night before the attack Rahl was at dinner when he was brought information that the Americans were approaching. He ignored the message which was found in his pocket after his death. Dec. 25, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  26. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of TrentonThe effect of the battle of Trenton was much more important than the numbers may show. The psychological advantage gained by the British earlier in the year disappeared. Dec. 25, 1776 Apr.1775 July1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  27. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of TrentonWashington’s constant problem was to maintain the enthusiasm of his army for the war, particularly with the system of one year recruitment and Trenton proved a much-needed encouragement. Dec. 25, 1776 July1775 Oct.1775 Oct.1775 Jan.1776 April1776 July1776 Oct.1776 Jan.1777 April1777 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  28. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of Saratoga The first major American victory of the Revolutionary War as Gen. Horatio Gates and Gen. Benedict Arnold defeat Gen. Burgoyne, inflicting 600 British casualties. American losses are only 150. October 17, 1777 - After long negotiations, Gen. Burgoyne officially surrendered his 5700 man army. He was sent back to England in disgrace. Oct. 1777 April1777 July1777 Oct.1777 Jan.1778 April1778 July1778 Oct.1778 Jan.1779 April1779 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  29. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of Saratoga In Paris the victory was celebrated as if it had been a French victory. Ben Franklin is received by the French Royal Court. France recognized the independence of America and entered the war on the side of the patriots. Money and supplies flowed to the American cause, this provided the Americans with the support to continue. Oct. 1777 April1777 July1777 Oct.1777 Jan.1778 April1778 July1778 Oct.1778 Jan.1779 April1779 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  30. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Winter at Valley Forge The Continental Army was in at the beginning of the winter of 1777-78. Food and supplies were running dangerously low. Washington had complained to Congress of its disregard for the soldiers’ needs. The British controlled Philadelphia and took their ease during the harsh winter months. Winter 1777 April1777 July1777 Oct.1777 Jan.1778 April1778 July1778 Oct.1778 Jan.1779 April1779 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  31. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Winter at Valley Forge Meanwhile, Washington’s troops were suffering bitterly in the cold. The Continental Army expected to find food and supplies at Valley Forge but, early British patrols had found and destroyed the supplies. The only thing waiting for the army was whatever shelter and food they could find among the trees. Winter 1777 April1777 July1777 Oct.1777 Jan.1778 April1778 July1778 Oct.1778 Jan.1779 April1779 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  32. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Winter at Valley Forge The troops were forced to construct small shelters and subsist on what little food they could find. However, it was during this trying time that the Continental Army found its will. No battles were fought at Valley Forge but it was during that long winter the army became a more disciplined fighting unit. Winter 1777 April1777 July1777 Oct.1777 Jan.1778 April1778 July1778 Oct.1778 Jan.1779 April1779 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  33. The Early Years of the Revolutionary War The Winter at Valley Forge This change was due, in large part, to the military discipline forced upon the soldiers by Baron von Steuben. Von Steuben had approached Ben Franklin in France and asked for a position in the American army. Von Steuben was a forceful military commander who drilled the army in order and discipline. This was a key in creating order among the ranks. Winter 1777 April1777 July1777 Oct.1777 Jan.1778 April1778 July1778 Oct.1778 Jan.1779 April1779 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  34. The Middle Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of King’s MountainCornwallis needed the support of the back country men of North Carolina to support his western flank. He had been quite successful in driving from the south into the colonies. He ordered Major Ferguson to go to western North Carolina and raise a militia from the Tory sympathizers there. Oct. 7, 1780 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  35. The Middle Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of King’s MountainFerguson was successful and rallied a large group of troops from western North Carolina. These were Tory colonists – colonists loyal to England. Ferguson gathered his troops on a very steep hill name King’s Mountain. Oct. 7, 1780 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  36. The Middle Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of King’s MountainPatriot troops learned of Ferguson’s position and were eager to engage his troops. Because of earlier, brutal treatment from troops in the same region, patriot troops were looking for revenge. The battle lasted 65 minutes. The Loyalists suffered 244 killed, 163 wounded, and 668 taken prisoner. The Patriot militia suffered 29 killed and 58 wounded. Oct. 7, 1780 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  37. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of YorktownThis was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. After a series of battles chasing Lafayette, General Cornwallis of Britain moved his troops onto the Yorktown Peninsula. Fall, 1781 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  38. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  39. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of YorktownAt first Washington planned to attack the British at New York but, when he heard of French ships coming in from the south Washington saw an opportunity to isolate the British from their re-supply routes by land and by sea if he could cut Cornwallis off on the Yorktown peninsula. Fall, 1781 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  40. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of YorktownThus began the siege of Yorktown. The siege was followed by a bitter battle where the French fought at the side of the Americans. Cornwallis knew he was in trouble and the British troops fought with all their might. Fall, 1781 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  41. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of YorktownLegend has it that Washington fired the first gun at the British defenses after the cannon were in place and that it struck a table where the British officers were meeting. Fall, 1781 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  42. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of YorktownThus began the siege of Yorktown. The siege was followed by a bitter battle where the French fought at the side of the Americans. Cornwallis knew he was in trouble and the British troops fought with all their might. Cornwallis needed to either retreatacross the York River or be re-suppliedby British forces from the north. Fall, 1781 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  43. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of YorktownCornwallis was without re-supply or escape after a storm scattered his fleet of small boats. Thus, he was forced to surrender to Washington. The fighting at Yorktown cost the French and Americans 72 killed and 180 wounded. British losses included 156 killed, 326 wounded. In addition, Cornwallis' remaining 7,018 men were taken prisoner. Fall, 1781 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

  44. The Final Years of the Revolutionary War The Battle of YorktownCornwallis was without re-supply or escape after a storm scattered his fleet of small boats. Thus, he was forced to surrender to Washington. The fighting at Yorktown cost the French and Americans 72 killed and 180 wounded. British losses included 156 killed, 326 wounded. In addition, Cornwallis' remaining 7,018 men were taken prisoner. Fall, 1781 Jan. 1780 Apr.1780 July 1780 Oct. 1780 Jan.1781 Apr. 1781 July 1781 Oct. 1781 Jan. 1782 TimelineRevolutionary War Beginnings

More Related