The American Revolutionary War

General Overview of War• In the early months/years of the war most of the fighting took place in the Northern areas

of New England and New York. Fighting extended as far South as New Jersey • Colonists were very unorganized, out manned, out gunned, and underfunded. • British leaders were much more experienced and prepared.• Many officers had a hard time accepting orders from Washington because of his lack of

experience and knowledge. (Many officers were former British officers)• From 1775-almost 1777 Colonists lost or were forced to retreat from nearly every battle.• By the end of 1775 British were forced to widen their plans to isolating New England to

include N.Y, N.J, and P.A. Were not able to capture Washington and his troops• After Saratoga (1777) British were forced to move farther South (S.C) where they would

have loyalist support and then push North while other forces pushed South. • Open battles like Camden went poorly for Colonists but small Guerilla attacks worked well. • Failing loyalists support and inability to move North forced British to abandon their

Southern Campaign.• By 1781 with French army and navy support the Colonists were able to force a British

surrender at Yorktown.

Causes of the Revolutionary War

• Solitary Neglect • French and Indian War• Sugar Act• Navigation Act• Writs of Assistance• Declaratory Acts• Stamp Act• Townshend Acts• Boston Massacre• Boston Tea Party• Common Sense• Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)

Key PlayersColonists

• Identify the Key Colonial people1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

Answers

1. Ben Franklin2. John Adams3. Thomas Jefferson4. Marquis De Lafayette5. Colonel Morgan6. Samuel Adams7. John Hancock8. George Washington

Key PlayersBritish

• Identify these key people:1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

Answers

1. King George III2. General Howe3. Admiral Howe4. General Lee5. Lord Cornwallis6. Benedict Arnold7. General Gage8. General Clinton

Strategies Of the War

• British Strategies – British didn’t take the Colonial uprising seriously

at its outset– Taxes for Colonists were much less then that of

British citizens living in the United Kingdom– Britain sent about 10% of their military force to

the colonies– Believed if they could isolate the problem (idea of

Revolution and Independence) they could bring American Colonies back under control

– First tried to isolate Boston (FAILED)– Second tried to isolate New England (couldn’t

capture Washington and after Saratoga FAILED)– Third tried to gain Southern Loyalists support and

push North through N.C and Virginia while the other half pushed South from New York. (FAILED)

• Colonial Strategies– Strategic retreats: Don’t get captured in the open

field– Drag out the war as long as possible– Obtain Foreign support (France, Spain)– Borough money when possible and raise the war

expense for the British– Resupply using British weapons and clothing– Gain proper training from the French– Avoid large open field battles

Weapons of the Rev War

Clothing and Uniforms

Food of the Time Period

• Cream of Peanut SoupVirginia Ham w/ Oyster Saucemashed sweet potatoes w/ coconutstring beans with mushroomsMartha's Virginia CakeOther dishes that regularly appeared on the table:Hominyroasted fowlBoiled Porkcabbage, fried w/ salt porkPeas and Salt Porkcucumbers, cooked or freshartichokespickles

Famous Artwork

Outcome/impact of the War

• Treaty of Paris: Weak, British were still able to occupy Western Forts

• Major debt: currency from the war was worthless and left many businesses and individuals without money

• Sectionalism takes root: The South and Northern areas began to separate even farther.

• Loyalists and Patriots clash: Many Loyalists lost everything they had to looting and piracy.

• Forming a Government was the most difficult challenge.

• France viewed alliance as permanent: Many others wanted to renew lucrative trade with Britain while others saw it as a betrayal.