Download Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence

The American Revolution and British North America
Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence
The American Revolution and British North America
Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence
The fighting begins Tensions between American colonists and British soldiers were high

April 19, 1775 - first battle occurred at Lexington Green, Massachusetts

British soldiers were on their way to confiscate weapons at Concord

American patriots learned of this, Paul Revere spread the news on midnight ride, and a
militia was organized to resist the British

Americans were greatly outnumbered, started to retreat

Someone fired the “shot heard round the world”, and battle began

News of war spread through the colonies

Vocabulary:
Militia: military force made up of
regular citizens
The American Revolution and British North America
Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence
Early gains for the patriots George Washington was chosen as commander in chief of the American forces at the 2nd
Continental Congress


American military force strengthened

Americans won a “moral victory” at The Battle of Bunker Hill
British military underestimated Americans' strength and used tactics that caused them to
suffer huge losses (1000 British died, to the colonists' 450)

Patriotism increased as the Americans had military successes

More people joined ranks of American forces

The American Revolution and British North America
Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence
The war reaches Canada 
Americans decided to attack Quebec since it was controlled by British

Win of Quebec would prevent the British from being able to attack from the north

Colonists thought that Canadiens would join them to fight the British
Americans were not supported by Canadiens, but General Montgomery and Colonel
Benedict Arnold won battles in Quebec

Governor Guy Carleton and his small army resisted long enough for British support soldiers
to arrive

The Americans were defeated at Quebec City, Quebec remained a British Colony

The American Revolution and British North America
Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence 
Many Americans were still loyal, did not want a complete break from England
Thomas Paine's “Common Sense” complained about king and how Americans suffered
under British rule


“Common Sense” became a best-seller and convinced many that independence was needed
Important leaders of American Congress debated separation and most supported

Thomas Jefferson, with input form Benjamin Frankin, John Adams and others wrote the
Declaration of Independence from Britain

Battles continued for another 7 years, with the Americans finally winning complete
independence from Britain when France joined war.

The American Revolution and British North America
Revolutionary War music as propaganda
Here are two versions of the same song; One British
and one American. Can you figure out which is which?
Yankee Doodle came to town
For to buy a firelock.
We will tar and feather him,
And so we will John Hancock.
There was Captain Washington
Upon a slapping stallion
A-giving orders to his men
I guess there was a million.
Yankee Doodle came to town
Riding on a pony,
Stuck a feather in his hat
And called him Macaroni.
Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.
The American Revolution and British North America
Revolutionary War music as propaganda
American Taxation, by Peter St. John
While I relate my story, Americans give ear;
Of Britain's fading glory, you presently shall hear.
I'll give a true relation, attend to what I say,
Concerning the taxation of North America.
The cruel lords of Britain, who glory in their shame,
The project they have hit on they joyfully proclaim;
Tis what they're striving after our rights to take away,
And rob us of our charter in North America.
There are two mighty speakers who rule in Parliament,
Who ever have been seeking some mischief to invent;
'Twas North, and Bute his father, the horrid plan did lay,
A mighty tax to gather in North America.
O George! you are distracted, you'll by experience find
The laws you have enacted are of the blackest kind.
I'll make a short digression, and tell you by the way,
We fear not your oppression in North America.