Honors American History I: Chapter 6 Test-Pt.1

Thomas Paine's The Crisis: impact of

A work of writing that payed tribute to the soldiers of Valley Forge- "These are the times that try men's souls..." This rallied the troops and emphasized how much the American colonists appreciated them.

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys

A group of American Patriots who formed a militia led by Ethan Allen. They marched North and captured the British Fort Ticonderoga, this was the first victory of the revolution.

Why did the French aid the Americans?

The French were determined to avenge the loss of Canada in the Great War for Empire, and sought entry to North America again. They also believed that the colonists had a chance to beat the British because of their victory at the battle of Saratoga. They wanted to weaken Britain.

State Constitutions: common views among states, different views among states

Republicanism was a common view among the states, this included ideas like popular sovereignty and elected representatives. Some states banned property qualifications, granted taxpaying men the right to vote/hold office, mandated a system of elementary education, or protected citizens from imprisonment for debt.

Financial Crisis: issues of currency and inflation- explain

Most states were afraid to raise taxes so officials issued bonds to get gold and silver from the wealthy. When funds ran out in America the states financed the war by issuing paper money. They issued so much paper money that it lost its value and became worthless (inflation). Many refused to accept the money at face value.

Changes in urban power structure: traditional elites to republican entrepreneurs

Now the power was in the hands of a new group of republican entrepreneurs who promoted new trading ventures and domestic manufacturing. This shift facilitated America's economic development in years to come. The Revolution did not drastically change the structure of rural society.

Battle of Fort Ticonderoga- impact of American victory

Patriot troops took cannons and put them on a large hill to scare the British away from Boston. The cannons were from Fort Ticonderoga.

Women- role in colonial war effort- explain

Patriot women responded to the shortage of goods, Patriot women in Elizabeth New Jersey promised over 100,000 yards of linen and wool cloth, other women assumed the farming role. Some women made decisions for their families while others dressed as men and served. Molly Pitcher?

Baron von Steuben

Prussian military officer who raised the readiness of the American army. He was attracted to American republicanism and appointed as inspector general of the Continental Army. He instituted a strict drill system, encouraged officers to become more professional, and made the army out of Valley Forge much stronger and more disciplined.

John Adams: Thoughts on Government

Published by John Adams, he adapted the British Whig theory of mixed government to a republican society. Mixed government meant sharing power among the monarch, Houses of Lords, and the Commons. He insisted on separate institutions to preserve authority and preserve liberty; legislatures would make laws, executives would administer them, and judiciary would enforce them. He demanded a bicameral (two house) legislature, and an appointed (not elected) jury.

Women seek public voice: Eliza Wilkinson

She was from South Carolina and in 1783 she said that "The men say we have no business with politics, they wont even allow us liberty of thought, and that is all I want."

Women seek public voice: Mercy Otis Warren

Sister of James, organized support for the war effort, and later will be an anti-federalist.

Native American reaction

The British did not insist on a separate territory for their Indian allies and so the Cherokee were forced to relinquish claims to 5 million acres (¾ of their territory). This upset the Natives.

Southern Fighting: British plan and military figures of both British and American sides

The British government revised its military strategy to defend the West Indies and capture the tobacco and rice growing colonies (Virginia, Carolinas, and Georgia). They wanted to use the Loyalists and Indians to help them, and they knew that the planter elite feared slave uprisings and so they would stay home to watch their slaves (this weakens the American militia). Sir Henry Clinton would implement the British strategy, he launched an attack on Savannah Georgia, troops captured the town commanded by Archibald Campbell. American forces were commanded by General Horatio Gates (the hero of Saratoga). Lord Charles Cornwallis took control of British forces.

British and U.S. comparison of resources

The British had 11 million people and access to wealth from the South Atlantic System. They also had a powerful navy and an army with 48,000 with experienced officers, and 1,000 Hessian mercenaries. They had support of Loyalist and Native Americans. The Americans had 2.5 million people and a weak economy, they also lacked a strong central government (only had the Continental Congress). The Continental Army had 18,000 poorly trained soldiers.

Victory at Saratoga- Oct. 1777-British plan and military figures involved

The British wanted to separate New England from the rest of the colonies at Albany. General Burgoyne would travel south to Albany from Quebec, St. Leger would travel from the west to Albany, and General Howe would travel North to Albany from NYC.

Peace treaty negotiations- American team

After Yorktown diplomats took 2 years to conclude a peace treaty. The American team was made up of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, who negotiated secretly with the British. They were prepared to ignore the Treaty of Alliance and sign a separate treaty.

Change from social centered society to widening sphere- explain

Before the movement, social life was a the center (family, kinship, and locality). When the society changed, it became about Republican citizenship, and the individual relationship with the state government. They went from being subjects to being republican citizens.

British separate treaties with France and Spain- results

Britain made peace with France and Spain, neither of the allies gained much. Spain reclaimed Florida from Britain, did not receive Gibraltar. France recieved the Caribbean island of Tobago, this was a small consolation for the war which had raised taxes and quadrupled France's national debt.

General Howe

British general that was ordered to take New York City by Lord North. He hoped for compromise with Patriots, he did not support the Coercive Acts. His goal was to show weakness in the continental army and force surrender.

Battles of Long Island and Brooklyn

Brutal attack by the British with an embarrassing retreat by Continental Army. The battles in Manhattan almost trapped George Washington, but the Americans were able to hold them at Harlem Heights. The Americans retreated into New Jersey.

Victory at Saratoga- Oct. 1777 -Colonial response and military figures

Colonial General Horatio Gates fought Burgoyne and stalled him along the way. 2,000 Patriots pushed him back and made him stuck near Saratoga. Patriot forces from the west forced St. Leger to retreat. Colonial General Horatio Gates fought Burgoyne and stalled him along the way. 2,000 Patriots pushed him back and made him stuck near Saratoga. Patriot forces from the west forced St. Leger to retreat.

Women seek public voice: Abigail Adams

Demanded equal rights for married women (Under common law they could not own property, enter into contracts, or initiate lawsuits). In her letters to her husband she reminded him to remember the ladies. One of the early feminists.

Washington's Retreat

During the Battles of Long Island and Brooklyn the Continental Army retreated and embarrassed George Washington. However the Americans were able to hold at Harlem Heights. They were forced to cross the Hudson River into New Jersey while the Hessians were sent to finish them off.

Confiscated Loyalist property: impact of some class changes for Americans

Every state seized some Loyalist property. American leaders worried that wholesale confiscation would impair the nation's commercial credit and violate republican principles. They auctioned the property to the highest bidders. Social turmoil was greater in the cities. The war replaced the traditional economic elite who invested profit in real estate.

Kosciusko

From Poland, helped create a secret fort called West Point on the Hudson River. He also helped design strategies in the Battle of Saratoga and helped the Patriots in the south.

Pulaski

From Poland, saved George Washington's life in battle.

Compare strategies of General Howe and General Washington

General Howe was restrained and hoped for a compromise with the Patriots. He did not support the Coercive Acts and his goal was to show weakness in the Continental Army and force them to surrender. George Washington was very cautious and had a defensive war strategy. He wanted to draw the British to the coastlines which would make it harder for the British to get their supplies. He had many problems including low numbers which was a result of yeomen farmers needing to work for their families. His troops were also inexperienced.

General Lafayette and Comte de Rochambeau

General Lafayette was responsible for the French dispatching troops to the American mainland, he was very close with George Washington. He was a longtime supporter of the American cause and persuaded King Louis XVI to send General Comte de Rochambeau and 5,500 men to Newport Rhode Island, there they threatened the British forces holding New York City.

Treaty of Paris 1783-Parts of the treaty

Great Britain formally recognized American independence, Britain relinquished its claims to lands south of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi River (borders set). Americans got fishing rights in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, they guaranteed freedom of navigation on the Mississippi to American citizens. The American government allowed British merchants to pursue legal claims for prewar debts, and encouraged state legislatures to return confiscated property to Loyalists and grant them citizenship. The Native Americans were not recognized, and the British were not able to take slaves out of the country.

Gen. Greene and Swamp Fox Francis Marion

Greene was dispatched by Washington to recapture the Carolinas, he put local militiamen who were undisciplined under strong leaders and unleashed them on less-mobile British forces. Francis Marion (the swamp fox) commanded the American guerillas and won a series of small but fierce battles which helped turn the tide of the war.

General Cornwallis

He assumed control of the British forces and defeated an American force at Camden, he then took control of South Carolina. He also fought with Benedict Arnold against American forces near the York Peninsula, and surrendered in the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

Benedict Arnold- betrayal and role for British

He was an American military leader who was not promoted and grew extremely angry. He was in charge of a secret fort called West Point along the Hudson R. He gave this information over to the British but the Americans were tipped off. He escaped to England and fought for Britain in Virginia with General Cornwallis.

Robert Morris: identify and explain contributions to war

He was the government chief treasury official. Since congress lacked the authority to impose taxes Morris relied on funds from the states (they paid late or not at all). He secured loans from France and Holland, and sold Continental loan certificated to firms and individuals (war bonds). He also issued paper money and used his own wealth to help pay for Washington's troops.

Sir Henry Clinton

His job was to implement the British southern strategy. He launched an attack on Savannah Georgia. He also forced the surrender of Charleston South Carolina and took the coast of Georgia. This was the best victory for the British in the war, 100s of slaves broke to freedom.

Victory at Saratoga- Oct. 1777-Howe's mistake- explain

Howe ordered 4,000 British troops from NYC to Philadelphia to take the city. He was successful in Philly, but was needed in upstate New York where local militias from multiple states joined Horatio Gates and surrounded Burgoyne who surrendered almost 6,000 troops.

Post Saratoga- British attempts to negotiate an end to the war

King George III was stunned by the defeat at Saratoga and decided that he no longer wanted to crush the rebellion, but to thwart the American alliance with France he authorized Lord North to seek a negotiated settlement. In February 1778 Parliament repealed Tea and Prohibitory acts and renounced its power to tax the colonies. Patriots rejected the offer because they believe they have a chance at victory.

Patriot control over local government- impact of

Loyalists and those neutral were jailed, and militia units created the Continental Army and began to recruit members. This allowed them to gain support for the war, and encourage citizens to have an active role in the government.

Colonial officers and their pension demands-

Most officers were gentlemen who equipped themselves and raised volunteers, In return they insisted on lifetime military pensions at half pay.

Loyalists leave: Why? Where?

The Loyalists left because many of them suffered from financial losses, and suffered psychologically. Some Patriots also seized Loyalist property and distributed it to Americans. The Loyalists went back to Europe. 10,000 of them left to mostly Canada and England. They felt bitterness and sadness when leaving.

French American Alliance- agreement

The Treaty of Alliance of February 1778 said once France entered the war, neither partner would sign a separate peace without the "liberty, sovereignty, and independence" of the United States. In return the Continental Congress would recognize any French conquests in the West Indies. Also the French would recognize American independence.

Troops- shortage of supplies

The government requisitioned military supplied directly from the people due to a shortage of goods. Soldier's clothing was rotting off of their backs.

American advantages in the war

The main advantages for the Americans were the French aid and the inspired leadership of George Washington. Washington won the support of the Continental Congress and State government, he pursued a defensive strategy, the Patriot control of local government gave Washington a great margin for error, and the American people helped fight the war and pay the expenses.

Three major British mistakes during the war

The ministry pointed to a series of blunders by the military leadership which were: Howe not pursuing Washington in 1776, Howe and Burgoyne failing to coordinate attacks in 1777, and Cornwallis marching deep into Patriot territory in 1781.

Lord North's reaction to the British surrender at Yorktown

The resolve of the British government was broken. They were isolated diplomatically in Europe, stymied militarily in America, and lacked public support at home. Lord North and the British ministry gave up active prosecution of the war on American mainland.

Treaty of Paris 1783-Why was it a secret negotiation?

The treaty was a secret in because the Americans and the British both wanted to ignore the Treaty of Alliance with the French.

Victory at Saratoga- Oct. 1777-Turning Point of the War- explain

The victory allowed for diplomatic success in Paris military alliance with France. Foreign aid began to come because they saw hope for the colonies (France, Spain, and Holland).

Battle of Yorktown: Oct 1781 -British mistake

Their army was outnumbered 2 to 1 on land, and they were cut off from reinforcements or retreating by sea. The British went inland too far and were then cut off from their resources.

Republican Mother

Their role was to train and raise the future leaders of America. This kept women in the realm of nutrition and gave them an "important" role.

Radical Whigs- fear of standing army

They feared that a standing army would threaten American liberty.

Hessians

Trained German soldiers fighting for the British. Sent to finish off the Americans in the Battle of Manhattan, they faced a surprise attack by the Americans in Trenton and 1,000 of them were captured.

Effects of British blockade, British occupation of urban centers and American migration west

Unemployed artisans and laborers move to the countryside, the New York City population decreased because the colonists were adapting to the war economy. There was a trade declined (for example tobacco) and a huge migration by the unemployed to the west.

Victory at Trenton and Princeton- impact of

Washington lead his troops to a surprise attack against the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas in 1776. They captured 1,000 Hessians and defeated them. After this victory they won against at Princeton and it gave them a lot of confidence in the war and boosted morale.

Battle of Yorktown: Oct 1781-Colonial Plan and result

Washington was informed that France had finally sent its West Indian fleet, and devised an audacious plan. He secretly marched General Rochambeau's army from Rhode Island to Virginia. At the same time the French fleet took control of the Chesapeake Bay. The Americans surrounded Cornwallis and forced him to surrender, the British could not escape or get any reinforcements.

Valley Forge- importance of

Washington's army retreated to Valley Forge when Howe's army was living comfortably in Philadelphia. The American soldiers lived in horrible conditions, freezing, and with a lack of supplied. Nearby farmers refused to help, some were Quaker and German pacifists who were neutral, others even sold grain to the British for gold. 1,000 American soldiers deserted and 3,000 died.

Crossing the Delaware- plan

When the Americans retreated through New Jersey and crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. The Hessians sent by Howe went to Trenton, and Washington made a plan to conduct a surprise attack against them on Christmas. The Americans crossed the Delaware R. and walked 9 miles to Trenton where they defeated the Hessians and captured 1,000 of them.

Camp followers

Women who provided food and care for the troops.

Women seek public voice: Judith Sargent Murray

Wrote The Equality of the Sexes that argued men and women had equal capacities for memory. She also argued that women had superior imaginations, and conceded that most women were inferior in judgement and reasoning to men (only from a lack of training).