American Revolution after Declaration of Independence

Marquis De Lafayette

French soldier who joined General Washington's staff and became a general in the Continental Army.

Who were the US Negotiators?

John Jay, Ben Franklin, John Adams

American Weaknesses in American Revolution

Not many men, not well supplied, always sick, no war experience

Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776. drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it formalized the colonies' separation from Britain and laid out the Enlightenment values (best expressed by John Locke) of natural rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" upon which the American Revolution was based.

Treaty of Paris 1783

This treaty ended the Revolutionary War, recognized the independence of the American colonies, and granted the colonies the territory from the southern border of Canada to the northern border of Florida, and from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River

General Burgoyne

surrendered to the Americans during the battle of Saratoga, Wanted three British armies to march on Albany, New York, from different directions. They would crush American forces there once they controlled the Hudson River, the British could stop the flow of soldiers and supplies from New England to Washington's army.

Boston Massacre

1770; 5 civilians who were part of a mob killed by British soldiers; depicted as a brutal slaughter in colonial newspapers. Used to help build support for Independence.

Lexington and Concord

April 8, 1775: Gage leads 700 soldiers to confiscate colonial weapons and arrest Adam, and Hancock; April 19, 1775: 70 armed militia face British at Lexington (shot heard around the world); British retreat to Boston, suffer nearly 300 casualties along the way (concord)

Boston Tea Party

Demonstration (1773) by citizens of Boston who (disguised as Indians) raided three British ships in Boston harbor and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the harbor

Why was it so important that the French joined the American Revolution?

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.

How many grievances are listed in the Declaration of Independence?

27

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?

General Horatio Gates

A general for the American forces, he was able to slow the progress of Burgoyne's troops by falling trees in their path and raiding British supply lines to Canada. He later blocked Burgoyne's army in a series of skirmishes with the help of American militiamen.

General Howe

British general who chose to enjoy himself in New York and Philadelphia rather than make it to the battle of Saratoga

Battle of Saratoga

Turning point of the American Revolution. It was very important because it convinced the French to give the U.S. military support. It lifted American spirits, ended the British threat in New England by taking control of the Hudson River, and, most importantly, showed the French that the Americans had the potential to beat their enemy, Great Britain.

Treaty of Paris Provisions

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,

Battle of New York

the British wanted to take over control of New York because of its importance to the colonies. When Washington retreated his troops were separated but the British did not capitalize on the advantage and the troops escaped. (British take NY)

British Strengths in American Revolution

well-equipped, disciplined, and trained army. The British Navy was the world's finest, strong central government, support of loyalists and Native Americans, mercenaries, more money

What ideas where clearly expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

Enlightenment values (best expressed by John Locke) of natural rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" upon which the American Revolution was based.

Hessians

Germans who were paid professionally to fight and help the British in the American Revolution. They did not necessarily hold the same political beliefs as the British soldiers.

Long term impacts of Revolution

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.

American Strengths in American Revolution

Knew the terrain, had passion for their cause, French alliances, good leadership

Battle of Yorktown

Last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Cornwallis and his troops were trapped in the Chesapeake Bay by the French fleet. He was sandwiched between the French navy and the American army. He surrendered October 19, 1781.

Valley Forge

Location where General Washington stationed his troops for the winter of 1777 to 1778. Soldiers suffered hunger, cold, and disease: nearly 1300 deserted over the course of the winter. Morale of the remaining troops was raised by the drilling and discipline instilled by Baron von Steuben, a former Prussian officer who had volunteered to aid the colonial army.

Battle of Trenton

On December 25th, Washington crossed Deleware River, and took advantage of the Hessains becuase they were celebrating Christmas. He took the Hessains by surprise, and it was a victory for the Continental army.

Baron Von Steuben

Prussian commander who trained American troops and taught officers to train their troops; he turned the American army from an unorganized army to a very mature army

George Washington

(1732-1799) no political party. Virginian who began as a commander and chief in the Revolutionary war. Had no desire to become president but the people wanted a strong national leader. Set prescient for many things, including the two terms rule. Warned US against being involved in foreign politics.

Intolerable Acts

in response to Boston Tea Party, 4 acts passed in 1774, Port of Boston closed, reduced power of assemblies in colonies, permitted royal officers to be tried elsewhere, provided for quartering of troop's in barns and empty houses

British Weaknesses in American Revolution

large distance between England and Colonies, bad communication, poor leaders

Townshend acts

passed by Parliament in 1767, placed taxes on imported materials such as glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. Led to outrage and British goods being boycotted.

Profiteer

person who takes advantage of a crisis to make money

Privateer

privately owned ship commissioned by a government to attack and capture enemy ships, especially merchant's ships