American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
The Colonies Come of Age Essential Question(s)
Was the split from Great Britain inevitable, why or why not?
Once the decision was made to split with Great Britain what factors allowed us to achieve our independence?
1
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
After Declaration of Independence (4.3)
At the end of this lesson Students will be able to....
Define the following terms; Battle of New York, Battle of Trenton, Battle of Saratoga, Valley Forge, Profiteering, Privateering Use the terms in presenting a clear picture of how the first few years of the war went for the colonist.
Make connections to modern world events.
America Story of US­ Revolution
2
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Fall of 1776 "Post Declaration of Independence" Major Events
Battle of New York
­ Continentals were defeated handedly by the British. Due to being outnumbered, out gunned, out trained, and out maneuvered. By late fall the Continental Army had less than 8000 men out of the original 23,000 Washington had taken to New York. The Revolution was on the verge of defeat after a series of unsuccessful battles. Men were ready to give up and go home and with the terms of their enlistment ending on December 31st it wouldn't have even been desertion.
Battle of New York (aka Brooklyn or Long Island)
Battle of Trenton
­ Washington needed a victory so he crossed the Delaware on Christmas night 1776. After crossing the River he marched his men Trenton New Jersey and captured nearly 1000 Hessian Mercenaries(German soldiers hired out by the German King, called Hessian because most from the reason of Hess in Germany) and 6 cannon. This does not seem like much but the Battle went very well for the Continentals and 6 cannon were sorely needed. This was followed up by another decisive victory over a small British force outside Princeton before they settled into winter camp. Battle of Trenton­ PBS
History Channel­ 2 min Battle of Trenton Clip
Why do these battles matter?
3
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Profiteering
­ When people raised prices on scarce goods during the war. Many people view this unfavorably (today called price gouging and its illegal). Is Price Gouging as bad as it is portrayed
in the segment of text from your book? Do
you think it is ok to engage in this or not?
John Stossel­ Price Gouging
Others view it as capitalism at its finest, the pursuit of profit pushes people to undertake risk in getting the product to the market (aka smuggling it past the British blockades). The people who engaged in this were disliked and faced the risk of death from both sides at all times.
4
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Battle of Saratoga: Definition: US achieves a major Victory over "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne
How?
Result
­ Continental's controlled almost everything but the coasts where the British could use their naval superiority effectively.
­ Captured many British soldiers and equipment that helped to lower British Numbers (anti­war pressure at home increased) and better equip Continental soldiers. America Story of US­ Saratoga (watch till about 3:50)
5
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
6
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Valley Forge: Definition: The British controlled the major cities and the continental army was forced to create their own winter quarters in Valley Forge Pennsylvania. Importance: This was one of the lowest moments of the war for the continental army but at the same time it also became one of major influences in the turning of the tide to the Continental side.
Why was it so bad for the Continental Soldiers?
• Starvation
• Poorly Equipped
• Disease
America the Story of US­ Valley Forge
How did it help
• Baron Von Stubeun
America Story of US­ Von Steuben
• George Washington's Leadership • Uniting Experience
History Channel Short clip on the winter at Valley Forge
7
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Privateers
­ People who were granted the permission by their government, through a letter of Marquee, to engage in attacks on Enemy Naval and merchant vessels. They were then too divide the spoils of the successful attacks between the crew, owners of the vessel, and government entity that granted them permission. Basically they were a for profit military force. Some may call this mercenary what other term would this describe if you removed the mention of permission?
This practice has been around since at least the 15th Century in Europe and was used by all countries. A great early example of this is Sir Francis Drake who was knighted for both his exploration of the globe and his successful capture of Spanish Treasure Galleons. Why did countries and people engage in this practice, how did it help them? Are there any modern day examples of similar practices by the US Government today?
What proof do we have that our forefathers thought this practice was legal and necessary? 8.1
US Merchant Marine Page on American Revolution Privateers
8
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Closing events of the War
The French 1779
They joined the American Cause fully; providing experienced Naval Forces that were sorely needed, training and tactics from men such as the Marquis de Lafayette, and experienced fighting men from the Regular French Army.
Why did the French do so?
Why is this so important?
The British Invade the South 1779­80
Initially they had great success; surprise attacks there due to their ability to move forces quickly by sea, most of fighting had been in the north so that is where most of the Continental Army was, thousands of freed slaves joined them. The tide turned by 1781 as Clinton moved north to New York and Cornwallis was left on his own. Morgan and Greene harassed him constantly and won some big battles including the battle of Cow Pens, SC and even in losses hurt the British Army badly.
Why does this matter, think British disadvantages in the War?
9
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Yorktown
The British planned to take Yorktown, fortify it and then head North to trap the Continental Army between the forces of Cornwallis and Clinton. This did not go as planned, the French Army as well as Navy joined the Continental forces to laying seige on Yorktown. After about 3 weeks the British surrendered there and that event signified the end of the American Revolution other than getting the peace Treaty signed.
Treaty of Paris
4 Nations took part­ The United States, Great Britain, Spain, and France
Major Points
• Will the US be 100% independent?
• What will the New Borders be?
• What can France get out of the deal?
• What can Spain get out of the deal?
Negotiations Team­ John Adams, Ben Franklin, John Jay­ Why do we know these names?
Results
• US 100% independent
• US border Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River, Canada to Florida
• No firm provisions on British Military Departure from US land, No Native issues addressed, weak protections for Loyalists, promise of paying back debts to British collectors, 10
American Revolution.1.notebook
January 14, 2016
Impacts on US and the World?
• Inspires the same feelings in Nations all over the World, if the people of the US could do it, why couldn't we achieve a Democratic form of government through Revolution.
• Egalitarian Values­ All people are created equal as class lines blurred during the fighting and struggles of the war time period.
> As long as a white male
• Minority Issues­ The rights of Women and African Americans
• Native American issue never addressed
• How to create a Government and what kind it should be.
11