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AMERICAN HISTORY UNIT 2 LECTURE 4
The Fight For Independence
WAR!
Early on, Patriots struggle – lose all keycities in the Northeast
British Army is better trained and better armed. Many Loyalists fight on side of the Brits…
Britain had a much larger population and the best military in the world.
We know America wins, but how?
Key Battles
Battle of Brooklyn July/August 1776Winner: BritishBritish Army takes New York City.
Washington and his army narrowly escape being totally defeated.
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Key Battles
Battle of Trenton December, 1776Winner: Americans
Washington’s Army has broken up – he now has only 8000 men
Needs a victory to keep them from quitting Washington crosses the Delaware River in NJ
on Christmas Night, surprising a force of drunken Hessian Mercenaries, capturing 918.
*Important victory because it boost morale – keeps soldiers fighting
Key Battles
Battle of Saratoga, NY October, 1777Winner: Americans Turning point of the war as Americans
under General Horatio Gates defeat British force of soldiers, mercenaries, and Mohawk Indians.
Battle proves that Americans could win the war. As a result, France enters into an alliance with America.
Valley Forge
Following Saratoga, Washington’s forces spend brutal winter camped at Valley Forge, PA
20% of troops die from exposure, illness, and hunger, but they persevere
Valley Forge as a sign of determination and Washington’s leadership
Weak central government has trouble sending supplies
Help from Europe
Many foreign officers eagerly joined the Patriot cause
Marquis de Lafayette volunteered and led American troops in battle
Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian officer, trained American soldiers
Key Battles
Battle of Charleston May, 1780Winner: British British take the war to the South, hoping
for support from Loyalists. Charleston is a big victory for ambitious
General CORNWALLIS. British march North, and win another
battle at Camden SC British brutality in the South causes
anger and loss of support
Key Battles
Battle of Kings Mountain, Battle of Cowpens, Battle of Guilford Courthouse (late 1780 – Spring 1781) Winner: Split Patriots win important victories at King
Mountain and Cowpens, SC. British win a costly victory at Guilford
Courthouse in Greensboro. Cornwallis and Brits head north to VA
Key Battles
Battle of Yorktown October, 1781Winner: Americans
British troops are surrounded by Americans and French naval fleet.
Cornwallis surrenders British army to Washington.
LAST MAJOR BATTLE OF THE WAR!
Life During Wartime
FOR WOMENFOR AFRICAN AMERICANS*
War is a struggle for women and children
Women fill roles of men and home and some fight in battles
Inflation and shortages effect everyone
Many fight for the Patriot cause
More joined British for promise of freedom
An estimated 100,000 African Americans escaped, died or were killed during the American Revolution.
* Primary materials and notes on Af. Americans in the war.
The War Ends
Treaty of Paris – 1783 ends the war Confirms US Independence and sets
national boundaries Becomes Symbol ofDemocracy, Equality, and Freedom to The World
