Chapter 8Chapter 8““America Secedes from the America Secedes from the

EmpireEmpire””

Second Continental Congress Second Continental Congress

Met in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775, Met in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775, with no real intention of independence, with no real intention of independence, merely a desire to continue fighting in the merely a desire to continue fighting in the hope that the king and Parliament would hope that the king and Parliament would consent to a redress of grievances.consent to a redress of grievances.

Meeting occurred after the Battle of Meeting occurred after the Battle of Lexington and ConcordLexington and Concord

Accomplishments of 2Accomplishments of 2ndnd Congress Congress

1.1. Adopted measures to raise money and to Adopted measures to raise money and to create an army and a navycreate an army and a navy

2.2. Selected George Washington as Selected George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.Army.

General George WashingtonGeneral George Washington

Forty-three year old Forty-three year old Virginia planterVirginia planter

Colonel in the Virginia Colonel in the Virginia militiamilitia

Fought in the French and Fought in the French and Indian war at the Battle of Indian war at the Battle of Fort DuquesneFort Duquesne

Political move by Political move by Congress since they Congress since they needed Virginianeeded Virginia’’s support s support for the warfor the war George Washington in

the uniform of the Virginia Regiment

Fort TiconderogaFort Ticonderoga 1775 Attack1775 Attack – In the early morning hours of – In the early morning hours of

May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold advanced upon Fort Ticonderoga. Arnold advanced upon Fort Ticonderoga. They approached the fort that was being They approached the fort that was being held by a small British company of about held by a small British company of about twenty men under the command of Captain twenty men under the command of Captain Delaplace.  Delaplace. 

They marched on the fort in column, three They marched on the fort in column, three abreast. A sentry on guard at the entrance abreast. A sentry on guard at the entrance attempted to fire at the intruders, but his attempted to fire at the intruders, but his gun misfired (a common problem even gun misfired (a common problem even today — firing demonstrations held at the today — firing demonstrations held at the fort often misfire). The Americans stormed fort often misfire). The Americans stormed into the fort and Ethan Allen demanded into the fort and Ethan Allen demanded surrender. When Captain Delaplace asked surrender. When Captain Delaplace asked under whose authority, Allen responded, under whose authority, Allen responded, "the Great Jehovah and the Continental "the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." Delaplace surrendered and Congress." Delaplace surrendered and Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold had taken Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold had taken the fort without firing a shot.the fort without firing a shot.

Gave the Colonists much needed Gave the Colonists much needed ammunition.ammunition.

Battle of Bunker HillBattle of Bunker Hill June 1775June 1775 Fought on Breeds HillFought on Breeds Hill Occurred after the Battle of Lexington and Concord when colonial Occurred after the Battle of Lexington and Concord when colonial

militia surrounded the British in Bostonmilitia surrounded the British in Boston The Americans worked through the night constructing extensive The Americans worked through the night constructing extensive

earthworks for their protection at the crest of the hill. On the morning earthworks for their protection at the crest of the hill. On the morning of the 17th, the British command in Boston was shocked to see a of the 17th, the British command in Boston was shocked to see a colonial army putting the finishing touches on their fortification. The colonial army putting the finishing touches on their fortification. The Americans continued their labors until midday despite bombardment Americans continued their labors until midday despite bombardment by British ships below. by British ships below.

British mounted an attack on the hillBritish mounted an attack on the hill ““DonDon’’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”” In the battle there were 1,054 British casualties, their heaviest toll of In the battle there were 1,054 British casualties, their heaviest toll of

the war; the Americans suffered 441 casualties, most of them during the war; the Americans suffered 441 casualties, most of them during the retreat. the retreat.

Battle of Bunker HillBattle of Bunker Hill

Here stand the raw American militia in the main redoubt at Breed's Hill as they are about to fire upon the seemingly endless advancing ranks of British regulars. Colonel Prescott stands on the works with his sword ready to give the famous command that would reshape American history forever.

Boston From Bunker HillBoston From Bunker Hill

Today, the Bunker Hill monument stands on top of the hill Today, the Bunker Hill monument stands on top of the hill where the battle took placewhere the battle took place

Google Earth of Breeds HillGoogle Earth of Breeds Hill

HessiansHessians German soldiers loyal to German soldiers loyal to

King George III who King George III who fought for Britain in the fought for Britain in the Revolutionary War. King Revolutionary War. King George was from George was from Hanover, an area in Hanover, an area in Germany, and called in a Germany, and called in a favor to his homeland, favor to his homeland, asking for soldiers willing asking for soldiers willing to fight in the New World. to fight in the New World. The Hessians numbered The Hessians numbered almost 30,000, and they almost 30,000, and they fought mostly in the fought mostly in the Northern Campaign. Northern Campaign.

The Abortive Conquest of CanadaThe Abortive Conquest of Canada

An attempt made by the An attempt made by the colonists to take Canada colonists to take Canada and make it a 14and make it a 14thth state. state.

General Richard General Richard Montgomery pushed up Montgomery pushed up the Lake Champlain route the Lake Champlain route and captured Montreal.and captured Montreal.

General Benedict Arnold General Benedict Arnold joined with Montgomery joined with Montgomery in an attempt to also take in an attempt to also take Quebec.Quebec.

The attempt failed due in The attempt failed due in large part to cold weatherlarge part to cold weather Benedict Arnold's troops work their way through the Maine

wilderness on their way to Canada CREDIT: Adamson, Sydney, artist. "Working Against the Flood on Dead River." Engraving by H. Davidson. The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, January 1903. Prints and

Photographs Division, Library of Congress.

Evacuation Day in BostonEvacuation Day in Boston

After Americans After Americans fortified Dorchester fortified Dorchester Heights over Boston, Heights over Boston, the British got in their the British got in their boats and left Boston.boats and left Boston.

1500 loyalist left with 1500 loyalist left with themthem

Many colonists Many colonists celebrated thinking celebrated thinking the war was over.the war was over. Boston from the Dorchester Heights

Common SenseCommon Sense

Pamphlet written by Pamphlet written by British-born colonist British-born colonist Thomas PaineThomas Paine

Urged Americans to Urged Americans to forgo redress of forgo redress of grievances and go for grievances and go for complete separation complete separation from Britain.from Britain.

Richard Henry LeeRichard Henry Lee’’s Resolutions Resolution On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry

Lee of Virginia introduced this Lee of Virginia introduced this legislation in the Second legislation in the Second Continental Congress Continental Congress proposing independence for the proposing independence for the American colonies.American colonies.

Resolved, That these United Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Crown, and that all political connection between them and connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.ought to be, totally dissolved.

Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of Independence

In response to LeeIn response to Lee’’s resolution Second s resolution Second Continental Congress hired Thomas Continental Congress hired Thomas Jefferson to write a declaration of Jefferson to write a declaration of independence.independence.

He was assisted by John Adams and He was assisted by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin.

John HancockJohn Hancock

John Hancock was President of the Second Continental Congress and of the Congress of the Confederation; first Governor of Massachusetts; and the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence

Preamble to Declaration of Preamble to Declaration of IndependenceIndependence

When in the course of human events, it becomes When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

LoyalistsLoyalists

Also known as ToriesAlso known as Tories About 20% of the American peopleAbout 20% of the American people Remained loyal to the KingRemained loyal to the King Conservative Americans generally were loyalistsConservative Americans generally were loyalists Loyalist were most numerous in the South were Loyalist were most numerous in the South were

the Anglican Church prevailed (except Virginia)the Anglican Church prevailed (except Virginia) Loyalists were least numerous in New England Loyalists were least numerous in New England

areaarea

PatriotsPatriots

Also known as WhigsAlso known as Whigs Most numerous where Presbyterianism and Most numerous where Presbyterianism and

Congregationalism flourished, notably in New Congregationalism flourished, notably in New EnglandEngland

The Patriots were generally the younger The Patriots were generally the younger generation, like Samuel Adams and Patrick generation, like Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry.Henry.

““Give me liberty or give me deathGive me liberty or give me death”” – Patrick – Patrick HenryHenry

The Patriot militias constantly harassed small The Patriot militias constantly harassed small British detachments.British detachments.

Battle of Long IslandBattle of Long Island After Britain's retreat from Boston After Britain's retreat from Boston

Washington guessed that they Washington guessed that they would return to New York.would return to New York.

July and August of 1776, 32,000 July and August of 1776, 32,000 British troops landed at Long British troops landed at Long IslandIsland

Washington had only 20,000 Washington had only 20,000 troopstroops

Americans were defeated by the Americans were defeated by the British and retreated across the British and retreated across the Delaware River and into Delaware River and into Pennsylvania.Pennsylvania.

British followed the Continental British followed the Continental Army but did not engage in battleArmy but did not engage in battle

Hessians took over and watched Hessians took over and watched the decimated Armythe decimated Army

Low Point for Continental ArmyLow Point for Continental Army

Low Point for the Continental ArmyLow Point for the Continental Army Washington and his men were at their Washington and his men were at their

lowest point, lacking shoes, food and lowest point, lacking shoes, food and sheltershelter

PainePaine’’s s CrisisCrisis

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Battle of TrentonBattle of Trenton

On December 26th, Washington's Army On December 26th, Washington's Army crossed the Delaware and surprised the crossed the Delaware and surprised the British at Trenton. The main attack was British at Trenton. The main attack was made by 2,400 troops under Washington made by 2,400 troops under Washington on the Hessian Garrison. Washington's on the Hessian Garrison. Washington's troops achieved total surprise and troops achieved total surprise and defeated the British forces. The American defeated the British forces. The American victory was the first of the war, and helped victory was the first of the war, and helped to restore American morale. to restore American morale.

This famous event from the American Revolution was painted by German-born Emanuel Leutze

Battle of TrentonBattle of Trenton

The surrender to General George Washington of the dying Hessian commander, Colonel Rahl, at the Battle of Trenton

Battle in the Streets of Trenton

BritainBritain’’s 3-Pronged Plan to take the s 3-Pronged Plan to take the Hudson River Valley Hudson River Valley

1.1. General Burgoyne would push down the General Burgoyne would push down the Lake Champlain route from Canada Lake Champlain route from Canada

2.2. General HoweGeneral Howe’’s troops in New York, if s troops in New York, if needed, could advance up the Hudson needed, could advance up the Hudson and meet Burgoyne in Albany.and meet Burgoyne in Albany.

3.3. A third and much smaller British force A third and much smaller British force commanded by Colonel Barry St. Ledger commanded by Colonel Barry St. Ledger would come in from the west by way of would come in from the west by way of Lake Ontario and the Mohawk Valley.Lake Ontario and the Mohawk Valley.

General William HoweGeneral William Howe General Howe, at a time General Howe, at a time

when he should be starting when he should be starting up the Hudson, disobeyed up the Hudson, disobeyed orders and deliberately orders and deliberately embarked on an attack on embarked on an attack on Philadelphia.Philadelphia.

Howe and his troops took Howe and his troops took Philadelphia but left Philadelphia but left Burgoyne to fend for Burgoyne to fend for himself.himself.

In May 1778, Howe was In May 1778, Howe was replaced as British Army replaced as British Army Commander in America by Commander in America by Lt. General Henry Clinton. Lt. General Henry Clinton.

Treaty of Alliance With FranceTreaty of Alliance With France

France was eager to get back at Britain France was eager to get back at Britain so they supplied the Americans with so they supplied the Americans with gunpowder and other supplies gunpowder and other supplies throughout much of the war.throughout much of the war.

After Saratoga France believed that an After Saratoga France believed that an American victory was possible so they American victory was possible so they decided to fully get involved.decided to fully get involved.

Battle of SaratogaBattle of Saratoga

Burgoyne began his mission with 7000 troops Burgoyne began his mission with 7000 troops and a heavy baggage train consisting of a great and a heavy baggage train consisting of a great number of the officersnumber of the officers’’ wives. wives.

BurgoyneBurgoyne’’s doomed troops were bogged down, s doomed troops were bogged down, and the rebels swarmed in with a series of sharp and the rebels swarmed in with a series of sharp engagements.engagements.

Burgoyne surrendered his entire force at Burgoyne surrendered his entire force at Saratoga, on October 17, 1777 Saratoga, on October 17, 1777

Turning Point of the Revolutionary WarTurning Point of the Revolutionary War

Turing Point of WarTuring Point of War

General Burgoyne General Burgoyne surrenders to surrenders to General GatesGeneral Gates

Valley ForgeValley Forge

Of all the places Of all the places associated with the associated with the American War for American War for Independence, perhaps Independence, perhaps none has come to none has come to symbolize perseverance symbolize perseverance and sacrifice more than and sacrifice more than Valley Forge. The Valley Forge. The hardships of the hardships of the encampment claimed the encampment claimed the lives of one in ten, nearly lives of one in ten, nearly all from disease. all from disease.

General Washington's Headquarters, Valley Forge

General Friedrich Von SteubenGeneral Friedrich Von Steuben

Despite his claims, Despite his claims, the genial von the genial von Steuben was only a Steuben was only a captain, not a former captain, not a former Prussian general; but Prussian general; but he was a superb he was a superb drillmaster. drillmaster.

Hired by Washington Hired by Washington to train the troops at to train the troops at Valley ForgeValley Forge

Washington and Von Steuben

General Benedict Arnold the TraitorGeneral Benedict Arnold the Traitor

Considered a hero at battles in Saratoga, New York Considered a hero at battles in Saratoga, New York and Quebec, and Quebec,

Arnold was constantly persuaded that he was Arnold was constantly persuaded that he was neglected and ill treated by Congress.neglected and ill treated by Congress.

He began a secret correspondence with Sir Henry He began a secret correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, through Major John Andre. Clinton, through Major John Andre.

Arnold turned traitor by plotting with the British to sell Arnold turned traitor by plotting with the British to sell out West Point.out West Point.

The plan was foiled when Andre was captured. Arnold The plan was foiled when Andre was captured. Arnold escaped to the British and Andre was hanged as a escaped to the British and Andre was hanged as a spy. For the remainder of the war Arnold led British spy. For the remainder of the war Arnold led British forces against American colonists, then settled in forces against American colonists, then settled in London as an officer. London as an officer.

War in the SouthWar in the South

Tired of fighting against colonial militia, the Tired of fighting against colonial militia, the British moved the fighting to the South in British moved the fighting to the South in hopes of getting Loyalist support.hopes of getting Loyalist support.

Initially the British had success. Georgia was Initially the British had success. Georgia was ruthlessly overrun in 1778-1779. Charleston, ruthlessly overrun in 1778-1779. Charleston, South Carolina, fell in 1780.South Carolina, fell in 1780.

In 1781, American riflemen wiped out a British In 1781, American riflemen wiped out a British detachment at Kingdetachment at King’’s Mountain, and then s Mountain, and then defeated a smaller force at Cowpens.defeated a smaller force at Cowpens.

Continental Army General Nathaniel Greene Continental Army General Nathaniel Greene helped clear the British out of most of Georgia helped clear the British out of most of Georgia and South Carolina.and South Carolina.

Yorktown Yorktown

Retreating to Chesapeake Bay and assuming that the Retreating to Chesapeake Bay and assuming that the British would send more troops and supplies, British would send more troops and supplies, Cornwallis instead fell into a trap. WashingtonCornwallis instead fell into a trap. Washington’’s army, s army, which had come 300 miles from New York, which had come 300 miles from New York, RochambeauRochambeau’’s French army, and the navy of French s French army, and the navy of French Admiral de Grasse surrounded Cornwallis and his Admiral de Grasse surrounded Cornwallis and his men.men.

King George wanted to continue the war, since he still King George wanted to continue the war, since he still had 54,000 troops in North America and 32,000 in the had 54,000 troops in North America and 32,000 in the U.S., and U.S., and

Fighting continued for about a year after Yorktown, Fighting continued for about a year after Yorktown, especially in the South, but America had won.especially in the South, but America had won.

Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown (John Trumbull, 1797). Despite the painting's title, Cornwallis (claiming illness) was not present and is not depicted. Washington is on horseback in the right background; because the British commander was absent, military protocol dictated that Washington have a subordinate—in this case Benjamin Lincoln—accept the surrender.

Maneuvering Before the TreatyManeuvering Before the Treaty

Benjamin Franklin, John Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay were Adams and John Jay were sent to Paris, with the hopes sent to Paris, with the hopes of negotiating a peace of negotiating a peace treaty. The three envoys treaty. The three envoys were under instructions not were under instructions not to make a separate peace to make a separate peace with the British. The with the British. The negotiators, fearing French negotiators, fearing French interests were not the same interests were not the same as those of the Americans, as those of the Americans, decided to open direct talks decided to open direct talks with the British, who were with the British, who were eager to entice one of the eager to entice one of the enemies from the alliance. enemies from the alliance.

Painting by Benjamin West: (from left to right) John Jay,

John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and

William Temple Franklin. The British commissioners

refused to pose, and the picture was never finished

Treaty of Paris of 1783Treaty of Paris of 1783 Great Britain had to Great Britain had to

acknowledge the United States acknowledge the United States as a free and independent as a free and independent country country North to CanadaNorth to Canada West to the Mississippi RiverWest to the Mississippi River South to FloridaSouth to Florida

The U.S. also retained fishing The U.S. also retained fishing rights off of Newfoundland. rights off of Newfoundland.

Congress promised to Congress promised to recommend that loyalist recommend that loyalist property be returned by the property be returned by the statesstates

The Mississippi River was to The Mississippi River was to remain open to both the U.S. remain open to both the U.S. and Great Britain.and Great Britain.