The American RevolutionThe stage is set between the King of England, King George III and the colonists. For years, the King has placed measures on the colonists to repay the treasury after the French and Indian War. Although at times the two have reached compromises, tensions between the two sides have escalated into war. Let’s see where we stand…

Narrator: Scene One: Boston (November 1773)Samuel Adams: Has anyone seen the Boston Harbor today? Looks like someone had some fun last night. I’m not going to say any names, but the Sons of Liberty are NOT responsible for anything…

John Adams: Sure, Sure…cousin! My lips are sealed but you know that the KING is going to punish us for destroying 342 chests of tea! That was his monopoly – but yes, our first true ACT of civil disobedience! Form the militias, let’s prepare for whatever the King may throw our way!

Narrator: Scene Two: Philadelphia (September 5 to October 26, 1774)John Hancock: Okay men. Here we are at the First Continental Congress. What are we going to do?

George Washington: I know what we need to do but it’s risky.

Samuel Adams: What’s that?

George Washington: We need to form militias and get ready for war. The KING is coming after us since that mishap in Boston.

Samuel Adams: Protest! I know nothing about a protest. Those were Natives who threw the King’s tea into the harbor.

John Jay: Sure…Samuel!

John Adams: I think we need to propose one more petition to the King. I propose the Olive Branch Petition…our last offering of peace to this tyrannical King.

Thomas Jefferson: Okay…then it is set. We will form militias to prepare for war but we will also try one last offering of peace! Just let it be known…I favor the first!

John Adams: I, too! Must we must be diplomatic?

Narrator: Meanwhile across the pond (Atlantic Ocean)…

KING George: What! Those colonists…what do they think they’re doing? There must be punishment for those people. And it has to be swift! Soldiers, soldiers, soldiers

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(march in)…invade Boston at once! Shut down the port in Boston! What is this? The Olive Branch Petition…are they nuts! They want peace…they’ll never get that from me! I want blood! Bring me Samuel Adams and John Hancock at once! Dead or alive! (Soldiers cross the Atlantic to the colonies).

Narrator: Scene Three: Boston (early 1775)Paul Revere: Burrrrr! It’s cold up here! -There must be some Redcoats in the atmosphere (atop the Old North Church steeple)! I wonder – are the Redcoats going to come into the city by land or by sea! O, what do I see there? Are my eyes playing tricks on me? No, they’re not! Look at all of those ships…The King has sent his entire army to reign down on us! Quick Wentworth…light two lanterns to shine from this steeple. We must alert the minutemen militia that the “British Regulars are here!”

Wentworth Cheswell: Which way are you going to ride Paul? As for me, I will ride north and tell the minutemen the news!

Paul Revere: I will ride west towards Lexington. I must warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the King’s soldiers are looking for them. Good luck Wentworth! May the force be with you!

Narrator: Scene Four: Lexington, Massachusetts (early April 19, 1775)Captain John Parker: Don’t fire minutemen until I give the signal. Here they come boys!

Redcoat Captain: Disperse colonists – go home! We don’t want trouble.

Narrator: From out of nowhere, a single shot rang out and 8 colonists lay dead.

Redcoat Captain: Let’s march on to Concord to see the arsenal there.

Narrator: The redcoats marched on to Concord to see if the colonists were hiding any weapons. Discovering none, the redcoats marched back to Boston where they were riddled with gunshots as they crossed Concord’s Bridge. Eventually, 73 redcoats were killed and another 200 British soldiers were wounded by 300 minutemen and women who took shot at them on their way back to Boston. These shots were known as “the shots heard ‘round the world” marking the first shots of the American Revolution.

Narrator: Scene Five: Philadelphia, May 1775, The Second Continental CongressThomas Jefferson: The petition we sent the king was ignored and he has sent more injury to our colonies.

John Adams: I agree. It is time for us to fight. Who will lead us?2

George Washington: I will take the command of the Continentals. I will be their Commander in Chief. I know it will be a difficult challenge but I want to make these willing farmers into proud patriots. Off I go to train my men! Wish me luck!

Narrator: Scene Six: Boston, June 1775, a place that history will call Bunker Hill Captain Prescott: Okay men. We have taken the high ground. We have the advantage point. When they storm, shoot down with all of your might.

General Howe: Let’s send 2,400 men over there to take the hill from those continentals. They want a fight; they’re going to get one.

Captain Prescott: Here they come. Wait! We’re already low on ammunition. Save it, save it. Make it count! “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”

Narrator: When the fighting ended, over 1,000 redcoats lay dead or wounded. American losses numbered only about 400. The battle was the first true engagement of the war. It showed that Americans could not be easily defeated but also that the American forces were unequipped and undermanned. When Washington reached Boston, the Continental Army reached a number of 16,000. He noticed though, men of the same army, were not getting along with each other. How can we be ONE when we’re acting like 13!

Soldier 1: Connecticut wants no Massachusetts men in her corps.

Soldier 2: Rhode Islanders will not welcome men of Massachusetts rank into our corps either.

Washington: Have you ever seen Benjamin Franklin’s Albany Plan of Union cartoon? If we don’t fight as 13, we will all lose. We must be united to win against the British. “Join or Die” men!

Narrator: Scene Seven: Tavern, outside of PhiladelphiaBenjamin Franklin: Well, Tom, I think you did it!

Thomas Paine: What do you mean, Ben?

Benjamin Franklin: This is a mark of a true genius. The wording, the passion for liberty, the statement,” ‘Tis time to part!” How motivating? If only I was young enough to pick up a sword to fight, I would.

Thomas Paine: I’m glad you like it. I did my best to light the fuse for separation. Now, we must let the people read it!

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Narrator: Paine’s Common Sense pamphlet becomes a best seller of the time. The simple language attracts readers of all kinds to embrace his passion for separation and liberty.

Narrator: Scene Eight: Philadelphia, Independence Hall, The Second Continental Congress continues their workRichard Henry Lee of Virginia: I move for total independence. That pamphlet Common Sense has me so inspired…yes, sir! Total separation….who’s in? Let’s form a committee to write a formal Declaration of Independence.

Benjamin Franklin: Since I’m too old to take up a sword, I’m in!

Robert Livingston: I’m in.

Roger Sherman: I’ll do it!

Thomas Jefferson: I’m young and a good writer. You bet…I’m in!

Richard Henry Lee: You men are very brave. You will be marked as traitors to the King but what an act of patriotism. Hear, Hear to you all!

Narrator: Out of the four, Thomas Jefferson took up the pen and began his challenging task. He designed the document as an eloquent document but let’s face it – it was a break up letter with the KING full of grievances or complaints! Let’s hear some of his words…

Thomas Jefferson: “When in the course of human events…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty, and pursuit of property…”

Benjamin Franklin: Such big words…unalienable – who’s from outer space?

Thomas Jefferson: No, Ben! Unalienable rights are rights given to you by your creator. And are rights that should never be taken from you by any man on earth.

John Adams: Thomas, looking things over, let’s change that “property” word to something else. We don’t want the colonies breaking apart on the issue of slavery. At this point in history, slaves are still considered property. The northern half of the colonies have already banned slavery and the southern half has not. Now is not the time to bicker about that issue – we’ll save that debate for the future. Hmmm – let’s say 1861!

Thomas Jefferson: Sure thing…let’s say, pursuit of happiness! I have about 23 grievances that I feel we should address with the KING.

Ben Franklin: Sounds good, where do I sign?

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John Hancock: Leave room for me, I know that the KING can’t read without his glasses…so out of sarcasm, I will sign my name extra big for him to see just what a traitor I AM!

Thomas Jefferson: Well, men it is a done thing here on this day, July 4th, 1776! We are free and independent states of the new country of the United States of America! The Declaration of Independence has been signed!

Benjamin Franklin: Now, we just have to win the war! I’m going to France to see if they would like to help defeat their old foe – The British!

Narrator: Sure enough, Benjamin Franklin makes his way to France to see if they would like to help the NEW United States fight against their arch enemy, Britain. It will take some convincing or perhaps just a decisive WIN and they will join the Continental side.

Narrator: Scene Nine: New Jersey, December 1776George Washington: All of this correspondence. When will it end? People criticizing my every move! I can’t help it. My men are underfed, undersupplied, and undertrained. I need some good news today. Let me open this one last letter from my rich Jewish friend, Haym Salomon.

“Dear George, I know things aren’t going your way. I know you regret your loss of New York City to General Howe but I want to assure you that the cost of liberty is worth everything. To help in the march, I want to guarantee my personal funds to the cause. No need to even think about repayment.”

Narrator: From the period of 1781-1784, records show Solomon is financial skills and personal lending helped provide over $650,000 financing to the war effort notes. His biggest financial contribution to the war, however, came in the last battle, Yorktown.

Alexander Hamilton: General Washington the boats are ready for the crossing of the Delaware River. We have the men down by the river. Are you ready Sir?

George Washington: Yes, let’s begin. Hey Alex, Merry Christmas.

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Alexander Hamilton: Thank you sir, you, too!

Narrator: Washington had written to his brother, “I am wearied to death. I think the game is pretty near up.” He needed a bold move to rally his troops. Washington decided to move his troops across the icy Delaware River and launched a surprise attack on the Hessians (German mercenaries/paid assassins) that were in winter encampments at Trenton, New Jersey.

Let’s go there now to see what Washington’s move is.

George Washington: Let’s attack now, Alex.

Alexander Hamilton: Yes, sir.

Narrator: Washington attacked at 8:00 a.m. on 1,408 Hessians and 39 officers…an hour later….

George Washington: Alex, give me the status reports.

Alexander Hamilton: Sir, the Hessian population is at 0. We have taken food, uniforms, blankets, weapons, and ammunition. This was a major win for our defense and our men sir.

Narrator: Scene Ten: just outside of Albany, New YorkNarrator: The British had a plan of launching a three pronged attack on Albany, New York; therefore, cutting off the New England Colonies from the others. If the British controlled the Hudson River, Washington could not get the supplies he needed to continue this fight. General Howe got sidetracked capturing Philadelphia leaving General John Burgoyne and Barry St. Leger carrying the weight. St. Leger got cut off by Benedict Arnold, who later proved to be an American traitor leaving the attack of Albany all in the hands of Burgoyne.

Patriot Captain: The British will shortly move through these woods. Hurry men and cut down as many trees as you can. We can trap them here at the village of Saratoga.

Narrator: As the Patriots hurried to cut down the forest around Burgoyne, the British are slowed carrying heavy baggage carts. Realizing that he was trapped, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army to the Americans on October 17, 1777. This battle was a huge victory for the Americans. It boosted American spirit and convinced France to become an ally of the United States.

Benjamin Franklin: We We….Viva the French! They have finally joined our side. My work here is done….I’m coming home to my America.

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Narrator: The French were cautious about joining the United States but finally in February 1778, France recognized the United States as a new nation. Soon, Spain also provided loans and military support to the United States.

George Washington: My dear friend Marquis de Lafayette – I have told you for months we would eventually be fighting on the same side. You’re a man of French nobility and also a man of your word. I appreciate your help in training my troops and donating some of your own money to help with the American cause.

Marquis de Lafayette: My word is true and so is the fight for liberty. But that Prussian you brought in – who does he think he is?

George Washington: Why Marquis? I respect you and your French ways. Now it’s time that you respect the Baron.

Marquis de Lafayette: The Baron.

George Washington: Yes, Baron von Steubon. If you and he would join forces and train my troops, I would have one heck of a fighting machine. We will continue our training at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. I must get my men ready for winter encampment. See you there, Marquis.

Narrator: Scene Eleven: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Winter Encampment: 1777-1778George Washington: I have nothing to give my 2,000 men. The smell of death is everywhere. How can I help my men? I wish this winter would hurry and be over.

Army surgeon - Albigence Waldo: General Washington, the men are so sick and fatigued. Disease is running rampant. A bowl of beef soup, full of burnt leaves and dirt cannot satisfy the needs of the men anymore. The hard lodging of huts cannot protect the men from the harsh weather. What is your advice sir?

George Washington: I know Albigence. I know. I will write Martha to see if she can rally help from women in the area. But I, myself must also do something.

Narrator: After receiving a short visit from Thomas Paine at Valley Forge, Washington received a collection of thoughts written to inspire even the most desperate.

Alexander Hamilton: General. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Were you praying?

George Washington: I was Alex. I have nothing to give to my men but the words from Thomas Paine’s new publication, The Crisis. I hope it works.

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Alexander Hamilton: The men respect you and your sincerity. They’re waiting in the clearing of the woods for you, Sir.

George Washington: Here goes nothing.

Narrator: Washington addresses his men.

George Washington: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

Narrator: Washington’s men were speechless and continued their fight to hang on during that difficult winter. The words worked testing the capability and the courage of all men. As warmer weather came, Baron von Steubon continued his training of the Continentals.

Narrator: Scene Twelve: On the home frontMartha Washington: Dear Abigail. I apologize for the delay of correspondence but I’ve been really busy trying to aid the troops as much as I can. I have the women in the area taking food and supplies to the men camped with George at Valley Forge. I hope this letter finds you well. Write soon. Martha

Abigail Adams: My dearest friend Martha, it was so great to hear from you. I’ve heard several reports about your George and his troops. I pray for them continuously. My efforts here in Boston are the same. Women are doing what they can to support the cause of our men. Many have opened their homes to wounded soldiers and I do what I can for passersby. Many of them are in need of fresh clothes and food. Some soldiers just want to talk and have me write to their loved ones telling them that the war and their efforts continue. My dearest John and the Continental government are working on the new government of the United States. I write him often telling him of my days and

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to “Remember, the ladies”. Maybe, one day, we women will also have a vote in this new country. Stay well, -Abigail.

Narrator: Scene Thirteen: Outside of Philadelphia, Continental Congress continuesJohn Adams: We must create a new government for the new United States. If we don’t and perhaps win this war, we need a government in place to stop anarchy. Ideas gentlemen….

Roger Sherman: Where should the power lie? The government or the people?

Benjamin Franklin: Obviously, with the people. Isn’t that the whole purpose here?

Josiah Bartlett: We will draft a new constitution…it will be called the Articles of Confederation. We will give power to the states and limit the federal government so we will not have a tyrant like we do today.

John Dickinson: This new government may not be the best, but for now it will do! Do I hear cannonade? If so, where do I sign to get out of here! We have our new government let’s move before we all die and can’t enjoy the freedom we’re fighting for…

Narrator: The Articles of Confederation was in fact our first constitution. Have you heard of it? Maybe not because it didn’t stick around for a long time. After the war was over, the topic of this document would be revisited. States vs. Federal OR Federal v. State…see you in the next unit!

Narrator: Scene Fourteen: Somewhere in the North Sea, September 23, 1779Narrator: The American navy was an absolute joke. Why? If the Continental Army could not be funded by the Continental Congress, an American Navy was really in trouble. However, at times, bold American captains would step up to the challenge – fighting the strongest navy in the world – The Royal Navy of Britain! Let’s go to sea and meet one of those brave men will stand for that challenge…

John Paul Jones: We will win boys. Let’s head the Bonhomme Richard right alongside of The Serapis.

Narrator: The two frigates, the American Bonhomme Richard and the British ship, The Serapis go at it. Exchanging launches back and forth.

Sailor 1: Captain Jones!

John Paul Jones: Yes, what is it!

Sailor 1: The Bonhomme Richard is badly damaged. We will sink soon.

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Richard Pearson: Jones, have we struck your colors?

Narrator: The exchange of words between Jones and Pearson will only be short lived. The naval meaning for, “Have we struck your colors” is a polite way of asking, “Do you surrender?” To the surprise of both the British and the American sailors aboard the Bonhomme Richard, Jones replies…

John Paul Jones: “I have not yet begun to fight!”

Narrator: After three more hours of furious fighting it was the Serapis that surrendered. After the victory, the Americans transferred to the Serapis from the Bonhomme Richard, which sank the following day.

Jones will go down in history for doing this and therefore; become known as the Father of the U.S. Navy. All ports of the United States were in jeopardy and needed protection. To aid in this lets meet Bernardo de Galvez.

Bernardo de Galvez: Why do these bloody British think they’re any better than anyone else? I will drive them down. They will not get past me with their little scheme of taking the Mississippi River. I will block them here at the Port of New Orleans.

Narrator: And that is what he did. Not only did he block their efforts, he seized some British forts along the Gulf coast and provided American patriots medicine, cloth, muskets, and gunpowder. The city of Galveston, Texas is named in his heroic efforts.

Narrator: Scene Fifteen: South CarolinaNarrator: In late 1778, the British began an invasion of the Southern colonies. Starting at Savannah, a port city in Georgia, the British swept through the countryside looking for any resistance. To their surprise, they came across many loyalists that were still backing the connection between the colonies and England.

Loyalist: Long live King George III. We will do whatever it takes to stomp out any patriot behavior in these parts. We are forever loyal to King George III – he continues to buy our raw materials. If we didn’t have England buying from us, who then would buy our goods?

Narrator: As loyalty was seen in the Southern Colonies, the British still had their hands full. They needed someone with more experience so they send Lord Cornwallis to the colonies to defeat The Continentals.

Nathanael Green of Rhode Island: I have been sent here to command Continental Forces. I will use the geography of the South to wear out the British.

Narrator: And so Nathanael Green did. The new commander of Britain, Lord Cornwallis suffered high causalities and decided to move his army out of the Carolinas. In the spring of 1781, he moved his army into Virginia. His plan was to cut off the Americans’

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supply routes to the South. There in Virginia everything seemed to be going right for the British…especially now, after getting one of our finest soldiers. What happened?

Benedict Arnold: Burn it to the ground. Richmond, the capital of Virginia is mine for the taking. I can’t believe that my old friend Thomas Jefferson, the now governor of Virginia, has a reward for my capture. Yes, I am a traitor, and my loyalty is now to the Union Jack, Britain that is! God save the Queen, I mean King!

Thomas Jefferson: One of our own has turned on us. Poor Benedict got his feelings hurt about not receiving enough credit for his wins in upper New York. So what…this is war and all achievements are not going to get noticed. I will give any man a sizable reward for Benedict Arnold’s capture.

Narrator: Benedict Arnold was never captured but his raids and burning of towns were felt by all Americans. On the question of why he became a traitor – the answer its LOVE for a girl, a girl from a very rich loyal family. The power of money – go figure! On the side of war, Lord Cornwallis wanted the same type of success that Arnold had in Virginia.

Lord Cornwallis: Take Charlottesville and try to capture Thomas Jefferson, the Governor of Virginia. For him writing that Declaration of Independence, I will have his head!

Narrator: Thomas Jefferson and other Virginian officials fled the city without being caught. Cornwallis was disappointed but that was the least of now his worries.

Narrator: Scene Fifteen: Yorktown, South CarolinaLord Cornwallis: I am defying orders from my superiors and will move my troops to the Yorktown peninsula. My men deserve a break and the British Navy will pick us up. I am sure of it. Hey James, come here please!

James Armistead: Yes, my lord?

Lord Cornwallis: I need some tea and my dogs need to be fed and bathed. Please take care of this for me.

James Armistead: Sir, does this mean we will settle down here in Yorktown for a while.

Lord Cornwallis: Yes, well until the Navy gets here to pick us up. I hate this dreaded place but I refuse to walk to our next destination.

James Armistead: I understand sir. No worries…I will get your tea to you very shortly. Two sugar cubes or just one?

Lord Cornwallis: I’ll take two.

Narrator: To the surprise of all James Armistead was a black servant to the British by day but he played a secret role as well. He was actually a spy and very good friends

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with Marquis de Lafayette. So when this decision was made by Cornwallis to stay at Yorktown for a time, James secretly smuggled these plans to Lafayette. Lafayette in turn took the plans to General Washington himself.

Narrator: Scene Sixteen: Yorktown, South CarolinaGeneral Washington: Hurry men, speed up your step! We must get to Yorktown, Virginia ASAP!

Soldier 3: My feet are about to fall off. We’ve been marching steadily south from New York now for days. Something very big must be waiting for us in Yorktown.

General Washington: I know my men are hungry, tired, and undermanaged. I wish there was a way to get the needed supplies for my men. Alexander…!

Alexander Hamilton: Yes, General!

General Washington: Please send Haym Soloman a letter for me. Please ask him for more financial funds to help in the fight.

Alexander Hamilton: Do you think he will help?

General Washington: If he doesn’t, we’re finished and will not be able to fight here at Yorktown against Cornwallis. Hurry, Alex…send the letter fast.

Narrator: As we later found out, Solomon played a heavy role in securing $20,000 in funding so Washington could keep fighting Cornwallis at Yorktown.

General Washington: From the bottom of my heart, I thank Haym Soloman for his generosity. Let’s keep fighting boys…Go get them!

Narrator: Washington joined up with French soldiers under the command of Marquis de Lafayette in Virginia just outside of Yorktown.

Marquis de Lafayette: I’m so glad to see you. Are you ready for this? You know this may be it…Right?

General Washington: Good to see you to Lafayette…is the French fleet off the coast in place for a blockade?

Marquis de Lafayette: They are sir. We have Cornwallis blocked by land and the French fleet has him blocked by sea. The British Navy will never be able to sweep in there to rescue Cornwallis. He’s trapped.

General Washington: On that note, let’s lay siege. Good luck men!

Narrator: Washington’s army mounting 16,000 men to Cornwallis’ 8,000 bombarded Cornwallis for weeks. With supplies diminishing and causalities mounting, Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, 1781. As Cornwallis vacates Yorktown, French and American

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troops created two columns in which the British had to march through. As the British left Yorktown, their band played the tune “The World Turned Upside Down.” Now, let’s talk peace shall we?

Narrator: Scene Seventeen: Paris, France 1783 Benjamin Franklin: How I love France.

John Adams: Calm down Ben…we know you love the ladies! But we are here in Paris on official business. We are here to talk peace.

John Jay: Here come the negotiators of England.

Henry Laurens: Let us not fall into their demands. We are an independent country now…they need to respect us!

Narrator: The British and the Americans decided on the terms of the Treaty of Paris, 1783 officially ending the American Revolution. In it, Britain recognized the United States as an independent country, the western border was set at the Mississippi, the U.S. northern border was at the Great Lakes, England claimed Canada, and Florida was given back to Spain as a payment for helping the U.S. during the war. The United States were now free if the people could keep it.

Characters: (40 total)Narrator Captain John Parker Soldier 2 Richard Henry Lee

Samuel Adams

Redcoat Captain Benjamin Franklin John Hancock John Adams George Washington

Thomas Paine Alexander Hamilton King George III Captain Prescott Robert Livingston

Patriot Captain Paul Revere General Howe Roger Sherman Marquis de Lafayette

Wentworth Cheswell Soldier 1 Thomas Jefferson Army Surgeon Martha Washington

John Paul Jones Benedict Arnold John Jay Abigail Adams Bernardo de Galvez

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Lord Cornwallis Henry Laurens Josiah Bartlett Loyalist James Armistead

Richard Pearson John Dickinson Nathaniel Green Soldier 3Sailor 1

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