Moving Toward Independence

U.S. History Chapter 6

In May of 1775, few delegates to the Continental Congress wanted to formally break ties with Britain.

After the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress sent a petition to George III, King of England.

Petition known as the “Olive Branch Petition”

Second Continental Congress formed the army and appointed George Washington as commander

Army advantage over British troops was the military strategy based on local geography

1st major battle of Revolution

British general Howe abandoned Boston because American cannons threatened the harbor

American naval blockade helped gain control of Boston

When Richard Henry Lee said that he was now “convinced of the necessity of separation,” he was influenced by Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Colonists made their final decision regarding their relationship with Britain when Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence.

Three main ideas in the Declaration of Independence are:Natural RightsBritish WrongsIndependence

Everyone has a right to life and liberty: restates a main idea of the Declaration of Independence

British General Howe led his forces to New York to face Washington’s army. More than 1,400 Americans were killed, wounded or captured. Washington fled to avoid capture.

Battle began with Washington crossing the Delaware River.

British General Burgoyne surrendered in New York.

Battle was turning point in the war.

Makeshift camp where American soldiers endured a long, cold winter.

Lack of government resources added to the terrible conditions

Necessities collected by women helped ease the harsh conditions.

British offered freedom to slaves who would serve the king.

Washington began to allow free African Americans to join the Continental Army.

British navy was the most powerful in the world. However, Captain John Paul Jones won an important victory for America when he captured the British warship Serapis.

British Commander-In-Chief Clinton knew many Loyalists lived in the southern backcountry. He hoped these Loyalists would join the British in fighting in the South.

Ability of the Patriot generals was the primary cause of the failure of Britain’s southern strategy.

Governor of Spanish Louisiana helped Patriot cause by seizing British forts.

American General Morgan used unconventional tactics to win this battle. He ordered his front line to retreat. British troops chased them directly into the fire of Morgan’s second rank.

Final conflict of the American Revolution

British army was trapped by a fleet of French warships.

British General Cornwallis disregarded an order and retreated to Yorktown Peninsula, trapping his troops.

Mutual agreement with Parliament finalized American independence from Britain

Treaty recognized U.S. as independent nation, extending from Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River.

Florida was returned to Spain.

Patriot: Favored war with the British

Loyalist: Favored peaceful solutions to the conflict with the British