History Alive: Grade 5 - Chapter 13
How long did it take the British ships to arrive in America and why was this a problem?
3 months. It took a long time to get supplies, orders and soldiers.
revolution
the overthrow of one government and its replacement with another
enlist
to agree to serve in an army or navy
strategies
plans that you use to achieve something
Who fought in the Continental Army?
poor farmers, merchants, workers, some woman
Name 2 things the British agreed to in the Treaty of Paris.
1. Britain agreed to recognize the United States as an independent nation. 2. They gave the U.S. a huge amount of land, including all territory east of the Mississippi, not including Canada and Florida.
What motivated soldiers in the Continental Army?
1. Defending their homes 2. defending their rights described in the Declaration of Independence 3. trying to make a better future
What 4 challenges did the British face when they fought the war so far home ?
1. Hard to get supplies and soldiers to America. 2. Supply ships were attacked, 3. didn't know the land, 4. no local support
Name 3 groups living in America who did not fight the British.
1. Loyalists 2. some African Americans 3. many Native Americans
What 4 factors helped the American colonies win the Revolutionary War?
1. The Continentals were fighting close to home so they did not have to wait for supplies. 2. They had stronger motivation to win. 3. They had the support of Allies. 4. They fought a defensive war.
Name 3 ways the allies helped the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
1. The French supplied money and soldiers. 2. The Spanish captured a British fort at Pensacola, FL. 3. The French blocked British supply ships and helped the continental army defeat the British at the Battle of Yorktown.
The British fought an offensive war. Name 3 examples of an offensive move by the British.
1. controlling Boston 2. capturing important cities, like New York 3. defeating the Continental Army in face-to- face fighting
What 4 problems did the Continental Army face?
1. little money to pay for supplies and soldiers, 2. soldiers knew little about being a soldier, 3. little discipline, 4. small navy made of fishing boats
The Continental Army fought a defensive war. List 3 examples of a defensive move by the Continental Army.
1. using hit-and-run tactics in the countryside 2. surprise attacks on small groups, then retreat 3. Avoiding the British until they get discouraged
George Washington
1st President of the United States; commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1732-1799)
Battle of Saratoga
American victory over British troops in 1777 that was a turning point in the American Revolution.
home front
Areas away from the fighting in a country at war, activities happening at home
Why did Native Americans fight for the British?
Because the British helped them to keep their lands safe from settlers
Who did the Continental Army send to Paris in 1776 to seek help?
Benjamin Franklin
Battle of Bunker Hill
First major battle of the Revolutions. It showed that the Americans could hold their own, but the British were also not easy to defeat. Ultimately, the Americans were forced to withdraw after running out of ammunition, and Bunker Hill was in British hands. However, the British suffered more deaths.
Who was asked to lead the Continental Army in 1775?
George Washington
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.
What is a hired mercenary? Who used them?
Mercenaries are soldiers who fight for anyone who will pay them. The British used German mercenaries.
What are militiamen?
Part-time soldiers, like farmers and merchants
allies
People or countries who help each other
Which army had bayonets?
The British
Name 4 ways the British army are different from the Continental Army.
The British army is: 1. large and professional, 2. included mercenaries, 3. Native American, and Loyalists, well trained and experienced, 4. well-supplied soldiers
Continental Army
The official army of the colonies, created by second continental congress and led by George Washington
How did France help the Patriots?
The French offered supplies and lent money.
What was the last big battle of the war?
The battle of Yorktown in 1781.
Revolutionary War
The war between the American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 until 1783
How did women help soldiers?
They cooked, mended uniforms, cared for sick and wounded
How did Spain support the Continental Army?
They supported France and captured a British Fort in Florida.
Why did the British spend 3 years trying to win the war in the south?
They thought they would have more Loyalists in the south who would support them.
What happened at the Battle of Saratoga? and What did this battle prove?
This battle was a turning point in the war. This battle proved the Continental Army could defeat the British.
treaty
a formal agreement between two or more nations
volunteer
a person who does a service for free
tactic
a planned action, such as a way of moving or using troops, aimed at reaching a certain goal
bayonet
a sharp blade, like a sword, attached to the end of a rifle
mercenary
a soldier hired to fight for a foreign army
turning point
an event that leads to a dramatic change