American History
Unit 05:
American Revolution, 1775-1783 (Part 03)
The American Revolution: The First Year 1776
I. Disaster in New York for Washington. (Summer 1776)
A. The British under General Howe landed 30,000 soldiers on Long Island.
B. Washington split up his army between Brooklyn and Manhattan Island.
1. This move proved to be disastrous, severely weakened the Continental Army.
2. By the end of August 1776, Washington evacuated Brooklyn.
Battle for New York
C. General Howe convinced of overall victory and an end to the war halted his
advance.
1. This allowed Washington to escape.
a. Washington acquired boats from the local citizens and crossed the East River.
D. The British captured New York City, an important seaport.
1. After three months of fighting, the Continental Army was reduced from
19,000 to 3,500 soldiers.
E. Desertion was rampant and Washington issued an order to shoot all deserters.
1. General Howe announced total victory and forecast an end to the war.
An American Crisis
A. Thomas Paine wrote in the American Crisis, “ These are the times that
try men’s souls.”
HISTORY FUN FACT:
During the Battle for New York in 1776, the
British captured a young colonist carrying
orders for General Washington. Because he
was wearing civilian clothes, the British
hanged Nathan hale as a spy.
Nathan Hale's body was left hanging for
several days on the post road near the site of
his execution and later was buried in an
unmarked grave. He was 21 years old.
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose
for my country."
Nathan Hale, American patriot.
Last words before he was hanged by
the British as a spy.
Independence at Last
I. July 4, 1776.
A. Virginia proposal accepted by colonists and signed.
B. No longer separate English colonies... but The United Colonies of America.
History Fun Fact:
In the Declaration of Independence as first written by Thomas Jefferson, there was a clause abolishing
slavery. Because of pressure from the southern colonies Jefferson was forced to delete the clause.
Independence at Last: Diagram
Declaration of Independence:
Main Points
Battles
1776-1777
Battle of Trenton
I. Battle of Trenton, New Jersey
A. Washington and 2,500 men crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Night.
1. Attacked German (Hessian) troops at Trenton, N.J.
2. Caught the Hessians (Germans) by surprise.
a. Captured all their food and supplies.
b. Huge victory for George Washington.
Battle of Princeton
I. Battle of Princeton, New Jersey
A. Washington re-crossed the Delaware River and attacked the British at
Princeton, New Jersey.
1. Washington is victorious.
HISTORY FUN FACT:
Hessian soldiers hired by the British to fight the colonists during the evolutionary War were paid
about 25 cents a day. However, the soldiers did not receive the money, their lords in Germany
who rented them out were given the money.
Albany Plan of 1777
I. Albany Plan of 1777 (British)
A. The three British armies involved in the operation.
1. Objectives were to capture and control the Hudson River and New York
State from Albany to New Jersey.
a. This would split the New England colonies from the rest of the other
rebelling colonies.
General Burgoyne:
From Canada south to Albany
General Howe:
From New York City to Albany
General St. Leger:
From Canada to west,
then east to Albany.
The Albany Plan: What was Suppose to Happen
British Defeat at Saratoga
I. The British failed to meet at the right time.
A. Howe disobeyed his orders and decided to capture Philadelphia instead
B. St, Legar and his Indian allies were stopped at Oriskany (western New York)
C. Only Burgoyne arrived, but was defeated by Benedict Arnold.
1. Big British defeat at Saratoga, N.Y.
a. Turning point of the war.
Benedict Arnold defeated the
British at Saratoga. His last
major victory before becoming
a traitor.
We’re Not Alone Anymore…
I. France, Spain, and Holland come to the American aid.
A. Ben Franklin became the U.S. ambassador to France.
1. France sent money, troops, and ships to America.
2. Spain and Holland also join the American alliance.
a. Both countries wanted to hurt their old enemy- England.
3. The American Revolution became a World War.
France
Spain
Netherlands
News of France’s assistance
quickly reached American
colonists.
Benjamin Franklin
American Revolution (Part 03) Review
1. Describe the Battle of Long Island (New York) and how it almost led to
disaster for the Continental Army.
2. Explain the main points of the Declaration of Independence. What political
philosopher was it modeled after?
3. Why was Washington's attack on Trenton a brilliant move? What effect did it
have on the war.
4. Describe the British "Albany Plan of 1777,” its objectives, and individuals
involved. Why did it fail?
5. Why was the Battle of Saratoga so important and who was Benedict Arnold?
6. What countries did the colonists seek assistance from and why?