U.S. Chapter 8
Second Continental Congress
(1775-1781): Representative body of delegates from all thirteen colonies. Drafted the Declaration of Independence and managed the colonial war effort.
Model Treaty
(1776): Sample treaty drafted by the Continental Congress as a guide for American diplomats. Reflected the Americans' desire to foster commercial part- nerships rather than political or military entanglements.
Common Sense
(1776): Thomas Paine's pamphlet urg- ing the colonies to declare independence and establish a republican government. The widely read pamphlet helped convince colonists to support the Revolution.
Armed Neutrality
(1780): Loose alliance of nonbelligerent naval powers, organized by Russia's Catherine the Great, to protect neutral trading rights during the war for American independence.
Treaty of Paris
(1783): Peace treaty signed by Britain and the United States ending the Revolutionary War. The British formally recognized American independence and ceded territory east of the Mississippi while the Americans, in turn, promised to restore Loyalist property and repay debts to British creditors.
Treaty of Fort Stanwix
(1784): Treaty signed by the United States and the pro-British Iroquois granting Ohio country to the Americans.
Declaration of the Rights of Man
(1789): Declaration of rights adopted during the French Revolution. Modeled after the American Declaration of Independence.
Battle of Long Island
(August 1776): Battle for the con- trol of New York. British troops overwhelmed the colonial militias and retained control of the city for most of the war.
Battle of Trenton
(December 1776): George Washington surprised and captured a garrison of sleeping German Hessians, raising the morale of his crestfallen army and setting the stage for his victory at Princeton a week later.
Olive Branch Petition
(July 1775): Conciliatory measure adopted by the Continental Congress, professing American loyalty and seeking an end to the hostilities. King George rejected the petition and proclaimed the colonies in rebel- lion.
Declaration of Independence
(July 4, 1776): Formal pro- nouncement of independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson and approved by Congress. The declaration allowed Americans to appeal for foreign aid and served as an inspi- ration for later revolutionary movements worldwide.
Battle of Bunker Hill
(June 1775): Fought on the out- skirts of Boston, on Breed's Hill, the battle ended in the colonial militia's retreat, though at a heavy cost to the British.
Battle of Saratoga
(October 1777): Decisive colonial vic- tory in upstate New York, which helped secure French sup- port for the Revolutionary cause.
Battle of Yorktown
(October 1781): George Washington, with the aid of the French Army, besieged Cornwallis at Yorktown, while the French naval fleet prevented British reinforcements from coming ashore. Cornwallis surren- dered, dealing a heavy blow to the British war effort and paving the way for an eventual peace.
What were the American advantages?
1. Exceptional military leadership 2. Advantages of home terrain 3. Traditional vs. Non- traditional warfare 4. Supremely motivated- liberty 5. Foreign alliances are crucial
What were the weaknesses of Britain?
1. On foreign soil; difficult to resupply 2. Many tactical and strategic military blunders 3. Lack of an animating reason to fight 4. Impossible to really secure victory
The War of American Independence changed from being what to what?
A colonial resistance to the creation of a confederation of sovereign states
Articles of Confederation
A constitution creating a general government for the fledging United States; drafted in November of 1777, ratified in 1781. Authored by a committee headed by John Dickinson. Each state possessed one vote- States considered equal. Established a "perpetual union" of the 13 states; asserted that each state retained its sovereignty and every right not expressly delegated to the central government. Characterized the confederation as a "league of friendship" for common defense; stipulated that no alteration could be made unless agreed to by both the Confederation Congress and the legislature of every State.
Constitution
A written instrument embodying the basic principles and laws of a nation that determine the powers, duties, and structure of government and guarantee certain rights to its people
Common Sense did what?
Advocated independence from Great Britain and attacked the concepts of the monarchy and English constitutionalism
Loyalists
American colonists who opposed the Revolution and maintained their loyalty to the King; sometimes referred to as "Tories."
Why did not all colonists want independence?
Approximately 20% remained British loyalists. Many thought Britain was too powerful to be defeated. Some feared a loss of business, income, and abuse from lawless Patriots. Some resented Patriot taxes and militia demands. Native Americans feared settlers moving westward; many slaves hoped for freedom under the British
Olive Branch Petition was
Asking King George III, to halt the war, remove British troops, and make peace. The King ignores the petition and declares the colonies to be in rebellion. Issues the Proclamation for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition
Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys
Attack Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775, with aid of Benedict Arnold. Captured 50 cannons
The Yorktown Campaign
August to October of 1781, the closing military operations of the war, culminating in the siege of Yorktown, Virginia.
Why is the American Revolution controversial in being called a revolution?
Because like the French Revolution, they overturned the monarchy and society but we can't call this a revolution because they weren't looking to overturn their way of life
British General Thomas Gage wanted to do what?
Capture the Massachusetts militia's weaponry at Concord, and arrest Hancock and Samuel Adams
Colonial charters were replaced with what?
Constitutions which differed from state to state, as did the definition of "citizen". Most state constitutions contained a Bill of Rights, modeled on that of Virginia
On July 4, 1776 delegates officially approved what?
Declaration of Independence
What resolutions were made in the First Continental Congress?
Declaration of Rights and Grievances, loyalty of colonies to the crown, formation of a nonimportation association
George Mason pens the Fairfax Resolves of 1774
Delineates the political rights of the Colonies, calls for union of the Colonies, redress of grievances, end of slavery, and economic boycott of British goods
State Constitutions
Established the various branches of government, Most legislatures were bicameral (two- house), representatives were directly elected by voters, expansion of voting rights
Hessians
German troops hired from their princes by George III to aid in putting down the colonial insurrec- tion. This hardened the resolve of American colonists, who resented the use of paid foreign fighters.
General Richard Montgomery
In Canada, fails to capture Montreal in November of 1775. General Benedict Arnold defeated at Quebec in early 1776
Second Continental Congress met when?
In May of 1775, delegates from all thirteen colonies meet in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia
First Continental Congress
In September of 1774, delegates from all Colonies (except Georgia) meet in Philadelphia.
Why was the Massachusetts Provincial Congress created?
In defiance of British General Thomas Gage; John Hancock given executive authority. Militia prepares for war
Richard Henry Lee
Introduces a resolution for independence to the Continental Congress in June 1776
Battle of Cowpens
January 17, 1781: General Daniel Morgan defeats British General Conwallis in South Carolina
Battle of Princeton
January 3rd, 1777: Battle after skirmish at Trenton, the Continental Army attacks the British garrison. American General Mercer's Forces were beginning to cave in, but Washington and reinforcements arrive to rally the troops to victory. Washington relocates to Morristown; British under General cornwallis evacuate southern New Jersey
Who were the notable new attendees of the Second Continental Congress?
John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson
Resolution for independence was adopted when
July 2, 1776
Battle of Bunker Hill was when
June 17, 1775; colonial forces seize high ground surrounding Boston; lay siege. British attack, gain the position on the third assault after colonies run out of ammunition but suffer significant casualties. Pyrrhic victory for the British they suffered heavy losses over 800 wounded and 226 killed
Battle of Monmouth
June 28, 1778: Washington attacks a British Army under command of General Henry Clinton. Fought in oppressively hot and humid conditions; darkness forced the end of the battle, which ended in a draw. The british headed to new york. First time the Continental Army fought a prolonged, pitched engagement and did not lose. Demonstrated the effectiveness, discipline, and morale of the Continental Army, which had undergone training by Major General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben and Marquis de Lafayette.
Who ascended into the British throne in 1760 to 1820?
King George III, a Hanoverian King
The Continental Army
Lacked training, weapons, supplies, food; badly outnumbered by the British army. Most soldiers preferred to stay with their state militias; restored to a navy of privateers
John Paul Jones
Legendary American naval hero and founder of the American naval tradition. Daringly took the war to the shores of Britain. In one of the most famous battles in naval history, he attacked a British fleet returning from the Baltic Sea. His Bon Homme Richard engaged the British Serapis; both ships terribly damaged. As his ship was about to sink, the British captain asked if he would surrender. He proudly replied, "Sir, I have not yet begun to fight". Later he sailed for the Imperial Russian Navy under Catherine the Great
What happened between the First Continental Congress and the Second meeting in the following spring?
Lexington and Concord
Battle of Guilford Courthouse
March 15, 1781: General Nathaniel Greene battles Cornwallis and the British in North Carolina; British control the battlefield but sustain heavy casualties. Another Pyrrhic victory! General Cornwallis will need to reinforce and reequip his battered army.
European military aid
Marquis de Lafayette, Baron Friedrich von Steuben, Casimir Pulaski, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Bernardo de Galvez.
Who were the leading colonies of the War?
Massachusetts and Virginia
What did Parliament declare of Massachusetts during the time of Lexington and Concord?
Massachusetts to be in rebellion; Patrick Henry urges Virginia to prepare for war
Battle of Kings Mountain
October 1780: Patriot militas destroy Loyalist militas near the border between the Carolinas; greatly raising morale. British General Cornwallis was forced to abandon his plan to invade North Carolina and retreated into South Carolina.
Battle of Germantown
October 4, 1777: Part of General Howe's Philadelphia Campaign. A british victory; maintained British control of Philadelphia. Fought in a dense morning fog, Washington made multiple tactical errors. Despite defeat, Americans were encouraged, as British victory here meant General Burgoyne would be isolated at Saratoga. Howe withdrew to Philadelphia while the Continental Army wintered at Valley Forge.
What exactly happened at Lexington and Concord?
On April 19, 1775, 700 British soldiers skirmish with 70 minutemen at Lexington. At Concord, a larger battle ensues; the British were forced to retreat to Boston while under assault. The American Revolution has then begun
Who performed "midnight rides" during Lexington and Concord?
Paul Rever and William Dawes
Privateers
Privately owned armed ships authorized by Congress to prey on enemy shipping during the Revolutionary War. Privateers, more numerous than the tiny American Navy, inflicted heavy damages on British shippers.
The Virginia Convention instructed its delegates to do what?
Propose a resolution for independence, the formation of foreign alliances, and a confederation of states
What did George III seek to do? How was his reign?
Seeks to increase the power of the monarchy at the expense of Parliament. His reign encompasses a turbulent period of English history. It suffered from recurrent and later permanent mental illness
Battle of Brandywine
September 11, 1777: Part of British General William Howe's plan to capture Philadelphia. British victory and americans retreated back to Philadelphia. Subsequent maneuvers leave Philadelphia vulnerable; the British capture it soon after. Occupation will last until June 1778.
What were previous acts of Parliament that had angered the colonists?
Sugar, Quartering, Stamp, Declaratory, Townshend, Tea, and Coercive Acts
The Battle of Bunker Hill was what for the colonies?
Tactical loss, moral victory
Battle of Saratoga was
The British's attempt to divide New England from other colonies, but logistical problems beset British General Burgoyne. American forces led by General Gates and Arnold, plus various militia units, repeatedly engage/ ensnare British forces. Burgoyne's expected reinforcements will not arrive! The first great American victory; a decisive battle and a significant turning point in the war. Boosts American morale and encourages France, who had been sending clandestine supplies and funds, to become an American ally. Spain and the Netherlands will help, too!
What were the opposing sides of the American Revolution?
The Continental Army and the British Army
When colonies started calling for independence, they drafted up new constitutions led by what colony?
Virginia, which creates a Declaration of Rights and a Constitution
What was adopted at the 2nd Continental Congress?
Washington was named commander of the Continental Army. Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (Serious calls for independence emerge)
Battle of Trenton was
Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River to attack a Hessian garrison. Captures most of the Hessian force, very few American casualties. Enormously inspirational victory!
George Mason
Wealthy planter and political theorist who was declared as being the "wisest man of his generation". He was the author of the Declaration of Rights and was the primary author of the Virginia Constitution and a major contributor at the constitutional convention. Greatest of the Anti- Federalist leaders
The British Army
Well- trained and supplies; supported by superb naval power- the preeminent military power in the world!
Thomas Paine
Wrote the incredibly persuasive treatise Common Sense and subsequently wrote the American Crisis which inspired the American military cause. Presented complex ideas and lucid and concise form
Declaration of Independence was
a document that officially justifies the resolution of independence adopted by Congress on July 2, 1776
Patriots
colonists who supported the American Revolution; they were also known as "Whigs."
Tactics deployed in South were
often non- traditional, guerrilla warfare. Francis Marion epitomized the style and tactics or irregular colonial troops.
Battle of Long Island was
the largest battle of the war; Americans outnumbered 3:1. Continental Army attempted to defend New York City. British General William Howe will surround the Americans, who will eventually retreat north, driven out of New York. British take control of New York and surrounding area. Several defeats followed; the Continental Army eventually retreated through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania