The War for American Independence

Chapter 7

You Say You Want a You Say You Want a Revolution?Revolution?

The newly formed United States of The newly formed United States of America declares independence July America declares independence July 44thth, 1776, 1776

Just One SLIGHT Problem:Just One SLIGHT Problem:– No other country recognizes us as being No other country recognizes us as being

independent independent

Divisions in Colonial AmericaDivisions in Colonial America

Not all colonists were supportive of the war

Loyalists made up 20-30% of the population

40-45% were Patriots 25-40% were Pacifists

and/or Neutral Northern colonies

were mostly Patriots Southern states were

Loyalist

Reasons for Remaining LoyalReasons for Remaining Loyal

AKA – “Tories” Some held jobs by the

crown or parliament Some feared disorder

without a king Some were members of

the Anglican Church, headed by the king

Some slaves were promised their freedom if they fought for the British

Reasons for Wanting American Reasons for Wanting American IndependenceIndependence

AKA – Patriots No taxation without

representation Colonies were self-

sustaining Wanted religious

freedom Some just wanted more

land out west

Reasons for Being a Pacifist or Reasons for Being a Pacifist or Neutral PartyNeutral Party

Many such as the Quakers did not approve of war for religious reasons

Remaining neutral allowed for partnerships with both sides, and later with the victor

What About the Native What About the Native Americans?Americans?

Native American populations were severely divided

Some tribes joined the British (fears of Americans taking more of their land)

Others joined the Americans (had previous positive partnerships)

Splits caused the largest war in Native American history!

#PatriotArmyProblems#PatriotArmyProblems

Complied from state militias

Men were untrained, unskilled, and unprepared

Soldiers enlisted for only one year

Numbers never reached over 17,000 men

Off to a Lousy StartOff to a Lousy Start American armies lost

almost all early battles they fought

British were far better organized

Congress did not fund armies well enough for quality equipment, supplies, food or medical care.

#BritishArmyProblems#BritishArmyProblems Many officers refused

to fight against Americans

Soldiers enlisted for life

The war was expensive and unpopular in England

The British had to hire many mercenary soldiers from Germany called Hessians

George Washington’s George Washington’s LeadershipLeadership

George Washington had fought in the French and Indian War and was a great military strategist

However, Americans lost almost every early battle in the war

Moral was very low in the fall/winter of 1776

Washington knew he needed a victory before the end of the year

Surprising Them in their Undies!

Battle of TrentonBattle of Trenton

Battle of TrentonBattle of TrentonDecember 1776December 1776

On the night of December 25, 1776, George Washington crossed the freezing Delaware River to attack Hessians.

The American troops surprised Hessian mercenary soldiers in an early morning raid and captured nearly 1,000 men. There were no American casualties

The battle was a major victory for the Americans, as morale was boosted and soon the army began to attract recruits as a result

Battle of SaratogaBattle of SaratogaHope for the Colonies!Hope for the Colonies!

Battle of SaratogaBattle of SaratogaOctober 1777October 1777

October 7, 1777; Saratoga, New York

Turning point in the war – Victory at Saratoga

American General Heratio Gates faced off against British General John Burgoyne

(Benedict Arnold was the hero, but General Gates gets all the credit – remember this later on)

Ended a major British threat in the northern colonies

Why did the Battle of Saratoga take Why did the Battle of Saratoga take place?place?

The British plan was to cut the colonies in two along the New York state line like a snake– because when you cut off a snake’s head it dies!

This plan did not work because the colonists killed British generals and Native American guides, and by doing so did not follow eighteenth-century laws of war.

American Victory!American Victory!

Burgoyne is forced to surrender.Burgoyne is forced to surrender.

Gaining New Allies!Gaining New Allies!Upon hearing of the American

victory at Saratoga, European countries like France and Spain declared their recognition of the United States of America and fully supported their war for independence.

Help from France in particular was necessary in winning the war!

Merci, France!Merci, France!

France lost their North American colonies to the British during the French and Indian War, and they are still bitter.

France sent badly needed supplies such as funds and troops, to the colonies.

France also convinced their ally, Spain, to also help the colonists.

Britain was now forced to fight a two-front war: by land and by sea.

Foreign Officers Who Helped Foreign Officers Who Helped WashingtonWashington

In addition to funds, troops and supplies the French send Marquis de Lafayette to help the Americans.

Lafayette used his own money to provide warm food and shelter for his men and convinced the king of France –Louis XVI (16th) to send a 6,000 men army to America.

(Meanwhile, Louis XVI had been already giving secret aid to the Americans).

Another important general from Germany was named Baron de Kalb who had also fought for the French, who was very brave and trusted by George Washington.

““These are the times that try men’s These are the times that try men’s souls…” – Thomas Painesouls…” – Thomas Paine

Valley Forge, PennsylvaniaValley Forge, PennsylvaniaWinter of 1777Winter of 1777

When British troops took Philadelphia in September of 1777, General Washington was forced to make winter camp about 20 miles from Philadelphia at Valley Forge.

It was a miserable winter for the 10,000 soldiers of the Continental Army at Valley Forge. Washington’s army lacked supplies such as blankets, food and shoes.

2500 men – or about 1/4 of the army - died that winter from malnutrition, exposure or diseases such as smallpox and typhoid fever.

Congress was slow to respond to Washington’s requests for more supplies, and many soldiers deserted the army.

Hey Americans, Get It Together!Hey Americans, Get It Together!

Though times were tough, Washington’s determination and patriotism inspired men to keep fighting.

Another important addition to the Continental Army was German Officer Baron Friedrich von Steuben. He taught soldiers how to handle rifles and fight in formal battles against the British.

After the hard winter at Valley Forge the American army emerged a more efficient and stronger fighting machine!