Chapter 6 - A Revolution, Indeed

What were the three tasks of the First Continental Congress?

1) Define American grievances 2) Develop a plan for resistance 3) Articulate constitutional relationship with Britain

What were two benefits to the Franco-American alliance?

1) France openly aided America 2) Britain also had to lay focus on France and Spain, who would later ally with France.

What were the three main tasks points of the initial meeting of the 2nd continental congress?

1) Not talking about revolution yet 2) Use their own paper money - continental currency and created military 3) Created committee to negotiate with foreign countries

What were the 3 incorrect assumptions that Lord North and Lord George Germain make about the Revolutionary war?

1) Patriot forces could not withstand British regulars. Expected only one campaign, so Britain deployed its most fearsome troops and vessels ever- huge numbers. Had thousands of German missionaries. 2) Treated war as if it were European - capturing cities and such. 3) Assumed military victory would achieve goal of regaining colonies' allegiance.

What were the three main points of Common Sense by Thomas Paine?

1) Smaller body should not control a larger body (colonies were larger than Britain) 2) George III is a brute 3) Doubly radical - we should be independent, their own independent country, should be a REPUBLIC (the last republic was Rome!)

What were the two treaties between America and France?

1) Treaty of Amity and Commerce: France acknowledged American independence and agreed to trade. 2) Treaty of Alliance: France and America agreed not to negotiate peace with Britain when at war without consulting the other. france also abandoned claim to Canada and other North American territory

Loyalits

1/5 loyal to Great Britain. Merchants, minorities, and British officials feared power wielded by Colonial assemblies who did not care for them in the past. At war, they congregated to cities held by British army, and after war, they dispersed to different areas of the British Empire.

Neutrals

2/5 remained neutral. Some were pacifists (ex. Quakers), others shifted to winning side, some wanted to be left alone, caring little about politics and obeying whoever was in power. Cared little about either side, and made up a large portion of the backcountry. Patriots despised neutrals as much as they hated loyalists. In the 2nd continental congress, ordered all "disaffected" to be disarmed and arrested. All voters required to take oaths of allegiance, lest they be banished to England or given extra taxes. Proceeds for confiscated goods were used for the war. Policies ensured loyalists and neutrals would not join against them.

Costs of the Revolutionary War

25,000 dead. Economy in shambles - indebtedness soared, many unable to pay taxes. People refused to work in government as they did not want to take responsibility for taxes.

Cost of the Battle of Bunker hill

272 British casualties, 228 british deaths (20% of british losses for the whole war!), 150 american deaths, 300 americans wounded

Cost of the battle of Concord

272 British casualties, 90 deaths, 73 american casualties

What forces did Britain bring for the Revolutionary war?

32,000 troops, 13,000 sailors, 73 ships

How many British troops surrendered at Saratoga?

6,000

Cost of the battle of Lexington

8 americans dead, 10 americans wounded

Greene and the Southern Campaign

After Camden defeat, Washington had Nathanael Greene command the southern campaign. Dire circumstances led to cautious action: conciliatory policy to those who switched sides, fair treatment of captives, helped reestablish Georgia and South Carolina's shattered congresses, and won cooperation of all Indians save for the creeks. Tide turned - Greene and allies confronted Cornwallis's troops and many others, forcing redcoats to retire to Charleston

How did the British strategy change after the Saratoga disaster?

After the Saratoga disaster, Britain focused on attacking the south to serve as a base for attacking the north

What happened in New York and New Jersey?

America lost battles at Brooklyn Heights and Manhattan Island, losing New York and having 3,000 soldiers captured by Britain. Washington crossed New Jersey into Pennsylvania, only for New Jersey to be caught, too. Thomas Paine referred to these trying times in "The Crisis". Despite deserting New York, Washington managed to hold the core of the army together. Britain went on a rampage of rape and plunder in New Jersey, infuriating Washington. Washington crossed the Delaware and attacked Hessian camp at Trenton while everyone was still in the Christmas spirit. Captured 900 Hessians. Attacked at Princeton as well, increasing morale with 2 swift victories. He then set up winter headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey.

How did America lose New York?

America lost the battles at Brooklyn Heights and Manhattan island, losing New York and having 3,000 soldiers captured by Britain. Although Washington deserted the city, he managed to hold the core of the army together.

What are some important events of 1775?

April - Lexington and Concord May - 2nd Continental Congress June - Battle of Bunker Hill

African Americans and Slaves

Areas with less slaves were more supportive of independence, while areas with many, such as Georgia, were wary that revolutionary fervor would cause slave revolts. This was why Georgia sent no delegates to the 1st Continental Congress. Bondspeople and slaves wondered how to seek their own personal independence. Most offered to support Britain, with their own freedom in return. The worst incident occurred in Charleston, where free black harbor pilot Thomas Jeremiah was brutally executed after being convicted of attempting to foment a slave revolt. Virginian royal governor, Lord Dunmore, promised freedom to all slaves who supported Britain. This gave Britain more soldiers and would disrupt the American economy, as they would have no form of labor. At the end of the war, at least 9,000 slaves supported Britain. Patriots used fear of slave revolts for their advantage: Continental Association offered to protect masters from revolts, gaining the favor of many wavering Carolinians. These other forces were threats, but patriots rarely feared them hampering their movement. The impracticality of revolts and Indian raids ensured patriot control of the countryside as they sought independence.

What happened in August 1776?

Britain comes to attack. Washington intends to retreat. Attack occurs in New York. Wants to lure Britain into an American area that America knows better, as well as to remove them from their supply lines.

Describe Lexington and Concord

Britain did not like Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and after hearing rumors that the two were located in Concord, Britain sent troops with ammo. Paul Revere ran out as a messenger, shouting "The Regulars are out!" Revere stopped in the tiny town of Lexington, telling them that 1,000 British troops are coming. 3:30 AM town meeting to decide what to do. Go out on green, 40-50 people, with guns against 1000 British soldiers. Leader tells them to get off the King's Green. They said no. British troops got close and a shot is fired. The shot heard around the world. 3 colonists killed, 18 injured. No British dead. Gives Concord time to prepare. When they get to Concord, they can't find Sam Adams or John Hancock. Minutemen- Concord citizens, got guns and used guerilla warfare to pick off the British. 73 British dead, 49 colonists dead. 275 wounded. British troops marched off to Boston.

Describe the three pronged attack

Britain wanted New York - Albany, the capital. Prong 1) St. Leger - British general coming from montreal - The west prong. Came from the west - hit Germany. Gets to the Battle of Oriskany. He kind of wins but went back to Montreal, so he lost. Prong 2) Burgoyne also came from Montreal - northern force. October - Saratoga. America took 5,000 prisoners - a major victory. Thanks to this victory, Franklin convinced France to help America, playing skillfully on France's fear of reconciliation. Prong 3) Howe was supposed to come from the south to take Albany, but he never came up.

The Campaign of 1777

Britain wanted to cut off New England. General John Burgoyne, subordinate of Howe, would lead force of redcoats and Indians down the Hudson river from Canada to rendezvous near Albany. Similar force moving from the east. Plan was to link up with Howe's forces in New York, but Howe moved independently, intending to capture Philadelphia. Having British forces move independently resulted in disaster. Howe took Philadelphia very slowly, clashing twice with America at Brandywine Creek and Germantown. There was little effect to Philadelphia's capture, and campaign season was nearly over with revolutionaries much more confident. Burgoyne headed down to defeat, winning at Ft. Ticonderoga, set back twice after battle at Oriskany and Bennington. By the time they arrived near the goal, Burgoyne and co. were surrounded and forced to surrender at Saratoga, New York

Describe what happened in 1777 with Howe

Britain wants to take Philadelphia - essential capital of the states. Britain properly took it. America needed help - got troops and aid from France. France gladly joins the fray, as the country was not a big fan of Britain.

What happened during the first year of war?

By April 20, thousands of American militiamen met around Boston, training and organizing new recruits and constructing new defensive methods. For a year, the two sides watched each other from siege lines. Britain only attacked once, at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where they faced their worst losses. During the first year, America captured British Fort Ticonderoga, tried to bring Canada to their side, only to be ravaged by smallpox, and both armies were able to plan, organize, and regroup their armies. Both sides used a year-long lull in fighting to plan their future strategies.

Common Sense (1776)

By Thomas Paine. Bestseller - everybody read it, even the illiterate heard its ideas. The first thing to idealize independence. Three main points: 1) Smaller body should not control a larger body. (Colonies were larger than Britain) 2) George III is a brute 3) Doubly radical - we should be independent, their own independent country. Should be a REPUBLIC (the last republic ever was rome!)

What did America do during the first year of the Revolutionary war?

Captured British Fort Ticonderoga, tried to bring Canada to their side, only to be ravaged by smallpox, and both armies were able to plan, organize, and regroup their armies.

Describe the Battle of Bunker Hill

Colonel Prescott told to go seize a hill to get good ground. This was Bunker hill. Battle actually occurred at Breed's hill - the wrong hill - right next to bunker hill. America took the hill. Britain did not like that they took the hill. Britain marches up the hill, gets shot down at, turns around due to casualties, then gets told to go back up by general at the base. Marched back up, dropped like flies, went back to the bottom, told to take the hill again. Colonists ran out of ammo. Britain takes the top of the hill the third time. Colonists fled to get saved. "Victory" for Britain, since they successfully took the hill. 140 colonists were killed, 228 British were dead. (20% of all British deaths of the war)

Committees of Observation

Committeemen elected by all men qualified to vote for members of the lower houses of assembly became local leaders of the American resistance. Committees tasked with overseeing the boycott ended up becoming de facto governments in charge of ending Britain-like frivolity. All suspected dissenters were urged to support the colonial cause publicly, lest the committees charge them with treason. Developed elaborate spy networks to identify opponents of American resistance

Continental Army

Continental soldiers were usually propertyless, hoping to gain property and citizenship as benefits for their enlistments. Many immigrants - up to 45% of the army. After Dunmore's proclamation in 1776, slaves were no longer prohibited from serving in all colonies except Georgia and South Carolina. Fought so they could be promised freedom after the war. 10% of army was made up of slaves. Women often came to support soldiers - wives and widows serving as cooks, nurses, launderers for rations and low wages. A bit difficult to manage, as they could not be treated like soldiers.

Surrender of Yorktown

Cornwallis met with American traitor Benedict ARnold in Virginia and gained new army, heading to fortify Yorktown. Washington quickly moved in to attack. De Grasse (French Naval Officer)'s fleets defeated Royal Navy vessels, leaving Cornwallis trapped. October 19th, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered. Lord North's ministry fell, parliament voted to cease offensive in America, authorizing peace negotiations. Washington's officers threatened mutiny unless they were compensated. This Newburgh conspiracy was met with a deep, heartfelt speech from Washington. Washington later resigned as commander-in-chief, establishing enduring precedent of civilian control of the American military. Costs of war: 25,000 dead, economy in shambles - indebtedness soared, many unable to pay taxes. People refused to work in government as they did not want to take responsibility for taxes.

Continental Association

Delegates agreed on acts they would want repealed (Specifically Coercive Acts), implemented economic boycott, petitioned the king. Continental association's goals: nonimportation, nonexportation, and nonconsumption. Carefully designed to appeal to all: banned trade in slaves, appealing to Virginia, and delayed nonconsumption until after nonimportation to allow merchants time to sell.

How did colonists end up in the backcountry?

European squatters took residency in native land, ignoring the Proclamation of 176. After Britain abandoned Fort Pitt, the Proclamation of 1763 could no longer be enforced.

How did the First Continental Congress know all colonies would support its measures?

First Continental Congress knew all colonies would support its measures, as they had already come together in agreement many times before with nonimportation. Government had banned assemblies, so even public gatherings to pick delegates for the congress was a great act of defiance.

Treaty of Amity and Commerce

France acknowledged American independence and agreed to trade

Treaty of Alliance

France and America agreed not to negotiate peace with Britain when at war without consulting the other. France also abandoned claim to canada and other north american territory

Franco-American Alliance of 1778

Franklin convinced France to help under the guise of an innocent American farmer. Two treaties were signed: the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (france acknowledged american independence and agreed to trade) and the Treaty of Alliance (France and America agreed not to negotiate peace with Britain when at war without consulting the other. FRance also abandoned claim to Canada and other North American territory) Marquis de Lafayette greatly helped America. There were two major benefits to the French-American alliance: 1) France openly aided America 2) Britain also had to lay focus on France and Spain, who would later ally with France

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Gage, receiving the letter, sends an expedition to Concord, in order to confiscate colonial military stockpiles. Boston sent dispatchers William Dawes and Paul Revere to rouse countryside. Redcoats passed through Lexington to find about 70 men blocking their way. Right as the Americans began to disperse, redcoats fired, killing 8, wounding 10. When redcoats reached Concord, there was a greater defense, and through the use of guerilla warfare, the first British blood of the war was spilled.

Describe the 2nd Continental Congress

Georgia joined the fray! All 13 colonies were present, meeting in Philadelphia. It was completely radical - appointed George Washington in charge of the continental army. 1) Not talking about Revolution yet 2) Used their own paper money - continental currency and created military 3) Created committee to negotiate with foreign countries

How did islands and Nova Scotia handle the Stamp Act?

Halifax (major Nova Scotian port) and islands such as St. Christopher and Nevis also dealt with and protested the Stamp Act - levied even higher duties on islands. Went through with the act until repeal, eventually questioning the aims of the resistance movement.

What gave America more time to defend New York?

Howe waited off the coast of New York for more British troops to arrive, giving America more time to defend New York.

Treaty of Paris

Ignored agreement to consult France - less a friend of America and more an enemy to Britain. France was secretly trying to prevent a stable American government and Spain wanted American land, anyways. America got its independence. New British ministry, Lord Shelburne, made so many concessions that Parliament ousted the ministry after many terms were approved. Gave clear borders for america, ignoring Indian wishes. Also gave unlimited fishing rights off of Newfoundland. Ambiguous wording about treatment of loyalist compensation troubled Britain greatly. Unconditional independence, September 3rd, 1783. Borders at Atlantic Ocean, the Mississippi River, Canada, and Florida

Second Continental Congress

Initially organized to react to ministry's response to the Continental Association, the second Continental Congress had to take the mantle of intercolonial government. Authorized printing of many, established foreign relations committee, strengthened military, and created continental army. Originally, the army was handled by General Ward and Massachusetts, but Massachusetts's resources were draining, so it was handed to congress. Unanimously appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief.

Describe frontier hostilities

It was difficult for natives to strategize, as after the Seven Years' war, they couldn't play foreign powers off each other. Tribes divided over what they should do. Few tribes supported American revolt, most remained neutral. Settlers fought back, capturing British posts in native allies' land. Never could get British Stronghold in Detroit, however. Native and colonial struggles persisted after the war. Some Shawnee and Cherokee tribes attacked settlements, but the Indians suffered defeat.

What initiated the battles of Lexington and Concord?

January 27th, Lord Dartmouth, America's secretary of state, wrote a letter to Thomas Gage, a general in Boston, urging him against opposition

Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson was a private man and a lawyer, a member of the House of Burgesses who drafted the Virginia state constitution, and only dedicated himself to public service after his wife died. The draft of the Declaration of Independence was finished on June 28, had 6 days of debate before being properly adopted on July 4th. Attacked King George III for attempting to oppress America and destroying representative government in the colonies. Long-term importance in laying American ideals such as freedom and equality. Delegates in Philadelphia committed treason by signing the constitution, thus putting their lives at risk for their nation.

Who made the initial June 7th resolution that America must be independent?

John Adams and Richard Henry

What did John Adams's Congress's Declaration of Rights and Grievances say?

John Adams's Congress's Declaration of Rights and Grievances said America would obey Parliament, only voluntarily, and resist all taxes in disguise.

Describe the First continental Congress

Leading political figures from all colonies (except Georgia) attended the Philadelphia congress. Important figures: Samuel and John Adams, John Jay, Joseph Galloway, John Dickinson, Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, and George Washington. Three main tasks: 1) Define American grievances 2) Develop a plan for resistance 3) Articulate constitutional relationship with Britain. Some argued allegiance to King George but not to parliament. Others argued for joint consent with parliament on laws. John Adams' Congress's Declaration of Rights and Grievances said America would obey parliament, only voluntarily, and resist all taxes in disguise.

Describe the Battle of Princeton (Jan. 2)

Left the fires burning. Tricked Britain to think that they were in a town only to attack them when the scout returned.

Who did slaves go to to enlist?

Lord Cornwallis or Lord Dunmore

What was the main British strategy of the war?

Lord North and Lorge George Germain made 3 assumptions about the war: 1) Patriot forces could not withstand British regular forces. Expected only one campaign, deployed most fearsome troops and vessels ever - huge numbers, and had thousands of German missionaries - Hessians. 2) Treated war as if it were European - capturing cities and such. 3) Assumed military victory would achieve goal of regaining colonies' allegiance. All of these were wrong. Patriots were committed, population was dispersed, and should a harbor be captured, trade was rerouted. Colonies would not swear allegiance when defeated, Britain installed new policy of using loyalists to restore civilian authority too late. New type of conflict: first modern war of national liberation.

Patriots

Many residents of the colonies supported resistance, then independence. About 2/5s were actively resistant. Patriots spanned from all jobs. Wives usually followed what husbands thought. Some wanted limited political reform, some, extensive political change, others, socioeconomic reform. Some colonists did not support independence, instead just seeking constitutional reform. Objected to violent protests and anarchy. Came prominently from those who dominated colonial society.

Which Native American communities sided with Britain?

Mary and Joseph Brant won Seneca, Cayuga, and Mohawk support

Give a brief introduction to strategies of the Revolutionary War

Men such as Daniel Boone, a kentuckian man captured by Shawnees are examples of how allegiances during the revolution shifted. The American revolution required leaders to accept three tasks: 1) Political and ideologically transforming a consensus favoring independence into a coalition supporting independence. Ensure neutrality of Indians and slaves. 2) Gain foreign support, especially from France. Benjamin Franklin was sent to Paris, successfully negotiating the Franco-American alliance of 1778. 3) George Washington realized his primary goal was not to win battles, but to avoid losing decisively. To make sure his army lived to fight another day. War consisted of British action, American reaction. Britain treated the war how they treated all previous wars: focusing on winning battles. This failed them in the end, as it failed to retain the colonies' allegiance. America owed triumph to their own endurance and Britain's mistakes than to military prowess.

who was in charge of the American side of the southern campaign?

Nathanael Greene

Officer Corps

Officers gained a strong image as those who sacrificed personal gain for the good of the nation. Those who defected, such as Benedict Arnold, became metaphors for villainy. Officers' wives prided themselves on their husbands' service, coming for extended visits while troops were at camp. Martha Washington and other wives lived at Valley Forge in winter of 1777-1778, getting to know each other before their husbands became the nation's leaders.

Which Native American communities sided with America?

Oneidas and Tuscaroras

Which Native American community was split on where to side?

Onondagas

How did Patriot persecution of neutrals and loyalists work?

Patriots despised neutrals as much as loyalists, and in the 2nd continental congress, ordered all "disaffected" to be disarmed and arrested. All voters were required to take oaths of allegiance, lest they be banished to England or given extra taxes. Proceeds for confiscated goods were used for war. Policies ensured loyalists and neutrals would not join against them.

Describe distrust and warfare in the backcountry

People held no interest in trade or positive relations with natives. Just wanted land. Virginia headed to Kentucky, were after "Lord Dunmore's War", a large-scale confrontation between Shawnee warriors and Virginia militia, thousands of settlers flooded across the mountains. Attempted to assert its title to the backcountry in Kentucky. Continental Congress sought to recapture Fort Pitt so Indians and settlers would support them in the war. Britain sought Indian neutrality, as it would be for the best. Continental Congress sought native neutrality and Iroquois agreed, but at some point Cherokees attacked to get land. Others agreed to a treaty that ceded more of their land. Sought Native neutrality.

Provincial Conventions

Popularly elected provincial conventions ended up replacing or working concurrently with colonial governments in 1774 and 1775. Elected delegates for May's Second Constitutional Congress and also managed the military. Royal officials crumbled: taxes were paid to conventions' agents. courts were prevented, etc. This was a form of independence at a local level. Took over the task of governing in most colonies, rather than the initial colonial governments.

Who replaced Sir William Howe and took control on the Southern front?

Sir Henry Clinton

South Carolina and the Caribbean

Sir Henry Clinton replaced Sir William Howe and reorganized British plan. ORdered evacuation of Philadelphia and capture of French Caribbean island, St. Lucia. Captured Charleston and set up bases all around South Carolina. South Carolinians quickly renounced America and rejoined, loyally to Britain. Success of Southern campaign depended on the Navy, and French naval fleets were beginning to impose on Britain. Americans seized cargoes bound to and from British islands. France picked off said islands. Britain captured St. Eustatius, but was so focused on that that it ignored French fleet docking at Virginia, later playing a huge role in the Battle at Yorktown. Loss of Charleston only spurred patriots. Lord Cornwallis, new British commander of the south, and his former-slave soldiers greatly disrupted South Carolina's patriot work. Had the exact effect Britain wanted.

Nova Scotia and The Caribbean

Southern islands wanted British naval protection, as they were still worried about being vulnerable to the French after the Seven Years War. Also wanted British protection as sugar planters feared slave revolts, and the wealthy were greatly outnumbered. Both islanders and Nova Scotians faced economic trouble from the colonies' laws, as their monopolies were denied, so they had reason to side with Britain, benefiting greatly from British retaliation to rebel commerce.

What were the direct results of the surrender of Saratoga?

Surrender at Saratoga depleted British morale. Lord North offered to bring peace commission to return things to how they were in 1763, but patriots rejected. Saratoga brought France into the conflict, desiring vengeance for what happened in the Seven Years War. Benjamin Franklin went to Paris to gain this support

What was Richard Henry's resolution?

That America must be independent.

What was the one Indian community that Greene could not convince cooperation from?

The Creeks

What was the most important document of 1776? (Think July)

The Declaration of Independence

What happened in 1778?

The Treaty of Alliance was signed based on the Battle of Saratoga, and France joined the fray.

Iroquois Confederacy Splinters

The battle at Oriskany divided Iroquois confederacy. Mary and Joseph brant thought they should side with Britain, winning Seneca, Cayuga, and Mohawk support. Oneidas converted to Christianity, and they and Tuscaroras supported America. Onondagas split into neutral, patriot, and British support. Oneidas and Tuscaroras supported patriots at Oriskany, shattering 300 year friendship. America retaliated against the Iroquois for supporting Britain. General John Sullivan burnt settlements and forced them out of New York and into Canada.

What were two vital battles that served as great morale boosts for the American Army?

The battles of Trenton and Princeton. Served as fantastic morale boosts and got great recruites

Who was the main author of the declaration of independence?

Thomas Jefferson

Who were some of the members of the 5 man committee in charge of drafting the declaration of independence?

Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin

What important pamphlet was published in 1776?

Thomas Paine's Common Sense

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine's radical common sense pamphlet exploded. Urged for independence under a new republic, as the British monarchy had exploited the colonies unmercifully. Asserted that America would be strong and united, not weak and divided. Wrote in common, enraged language and sourced the Bible as authority. Independence was inevitable at this point - 2nd Continental Congress advised that the states make their own governments. At this point, loyalists cut off all ties with Congress. June 7, John Adams and Richard Henry Lee gave a resolution deciding that America must be independent. A 5 man committee, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin (mainly Thomas Jefferson) was in charge of drafting the declaration of independence.

Describe Lord Dunmore's promise to slaves

Virginian Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, promised freedom to all slaves who supported Britain. This would give Britain more soldiers and would disrupt American economy, as they would have no form of labor. At the end of the war, at least 9,000 slaves supported Britain.

Hardship and Disease

Wages were small, rations were poor, clothes were poor, men had to forage for food, some hired themselves out for farmers. In deteriorating conditions, some mutinied or deserted. The punishments for this were great. Dysentery and smallpox ravaged the American army - especially smallpox. Smallpox ravaged British-held Boston, troops attacking Quebec, and African Americans fleeing to join Lord Dunmore or Lord Cornwallis. Redcoats remained unravaged by smallpox, as it was already in endemic in Britain. Washington ordered all troops to get inoculated with smallpox, a risky move that ended up helping soldiers later in war - contributing to victory.

British Evacuation of Boston

Washington calmly commanded Ward's army, receiving a cannon from Ticonderoga. Britain and Commander Sir William Howe wanted to evacuate Boston to get to New York City. The cannon properly convinced them to evacuate and abandon Boston forever. After British fleet left Boston for Halifax (temporary haven), American leaders still denied seeking independence until Common Sense by Thomas Paine was published

Describe the Battle of Trenton

Washington crosses the Delaware - a surprise attack on Christmas night. Lots of Hessians - German mercenaries - at the site. Quick British surrender, America captures many. Morale increased.

George Washington

Washington was an aristocrat - inherited family land after brother's early death and married widow Martha Curtis, becoming one of Virginia's largest slaveholders. Not much of a revolutionary, but was greatly committed to representative government. Reparied reputation by rallying troops and remaining calm after Braddock's defeat. A natural leader (very tall) with great stamina.

Newburgh Conspiracy

Washington's officers threatened mutiny unless they were compensated for the war. The Newburgh Conspiracy was met with a deep, heartfelt speech from Washington. After defusing the Newburgh Conspiracy and at the war's end resigning his commission as commander-in-chief, set precedent of civilian control of the American military.

Home Front

With their husbands gone, many women worked to oversee their farms. All Americans suffered from supply shortages and inflation. Those close to camps found their towns plundered. Smallpox snuck into the homefront as well.

What did the Continental Association call for?

nonimportation of British goods, nonconsumption of British products, and nonexportation of American goods to Britain and the British West Indes.