Download The American Nation

The American Nation
Chapter 6
The American Revolution
1775–1783
Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
The American Nation
Chapter 6: The American Revolution 1775–1783
Section 1:
Fighting Begins in the North
Section 2:
The Colonies Declare Independence
Section 3:
Struggles in the Middle States
Section 4:
Fighting for Liberty on Many Fronts
Section 5:
Winning the War in the South
Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Fighting Begins in the North
Chapter 6, Section 1
• How did Congress struggle between
peace and war with Britain?
• What advantages did each side have as it
entered the war?
• How did the Continental Army gain control
of Boston?
Congress Struggles Between Peace and War
Chapter 6, Section 1
• The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.
Members of Congress looked for a way to avoid a break
with Britain.
• Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III.
• Congress declared its loyalty to the king.
• Congress asked the king to repeal the Intolerable Acts.
• The king was angry. He ordered more troops to the
colonies.
• Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, a band of
Vermonters, took Fort Ticonderoga. They took British
cannons and gunpowder and control of a key route into
Canada.
• The Second Continental Congress established the
Continental Army.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Side
Chapter 6, Section 1
Sides
Advantages
Disadvantages
Patriots—
colonists who
favored war
with Britain
Many Patriots owned rifles.
George Washington was a
brilliant commander.
Patriots were determined to
defend their homes and
property.
• Poorly organized and
untrained
• Few cannons, little
gunpowder, no navy
• Few colonists were willing to
enlist for long terms
British
Highly trained and experienced.
Best navy in the world.
Loyalists—American colonists
who remained loyal to British.
• Far from home
• Attacked by the colonists in
the countryside
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Chapter 6, Section 1
• British troops controlled Boston. Colonial militia
surrounded the city.
• Across the river from Boston, minutemen fired on
British ships from Bunker Hill.
• British troops drew near to attack the colonists.
• Two times the colonists turned back British attacks.
• With the third attack the British took Bunker Hill and
Breed’s Hill, but they suffered heavy losses.
The Battle of Bunker Hill showed:
• Americans could fight bravely.
• The British would not be easy to defeat.
How the Continental Army Gained Control of Boston
Chapter 6, Section 1
• When Washington reached Boston, he found
16,000 American troops waiting.
• Washington began to train an army.
• The cannon that the Green Mountain Boys
captured arrived. Washington placed them on
Dorchester Heights, overlooking British ships in
the harbor.
• British General Howe spotted the cannon and left
Boston for Canada.
Section 1 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 1
When the Second Continental Congress first met, the members were hoping to
a) drive the British out of Boston.
b) establish an independent empire.
c) crush the revolt.
d) avoid a final break with Britain.
One of the Patriots’ advantages was that
a) they were fighting for their own homes and property.
b) they had an excellent navy.
c) Loyalists were on their side.
d) many colonists were willing to sign up for long periods of time.
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Section 1 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 1
When the Second Continental Congress first met, the members were hoping to
a) drive the British out of Boston.
b) establish an independent empire.
c) crush the revolt.
d) avoid a final break with Britain.
One of the Patriots’ advantages was that
a) they were fighting for their own homes and property.
b) they had an excellent navy.
c) Loyalists were on their side.
d) many colonists were willing to sign up for long periods of time.
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The Colonies Declare Independence
Chapter 6, Section 2
• How did Common Sense influence the
colonists?
• What steps did Congress take to declare
independence?
• What are the main ideas of the Declaration
of Independence?
Common Sense Influenced the Colonists
Chapter 6, Section 2
Thomas Paine wrote an essay—Common Sense—urging the
colonies to declare independence. Paine and other radicals—
people who want to make drastic changes in society—began
to think of creating their own nation.
Against Independence
For Independence
• Many colonists felt loyal to Britain.
• People felt they owed their
allegiance to the king.
• Colonists did not owe loyalty to
George III or any other monarch.
• Colonists did not owe anything to
Britain. The British had helped the
colonists for their own profit.
• Staying under British rule would be
harmful to the colonies.
Congress Declares Independence
Chapter 6, Section 2
• Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution for
independence.
• Second Continental Congress debated the resolution.
Members of Congress worried that the British could hang
them as traitors, people who betray their country.
• Congress appointed a committee to draw up a formal
declaration of independence.
• Thomas Jefferson wrote the final document for the
committee.
• The declaration was read to Congress.
• The delegates voted to accept the declaration.
• The declaration was printed and signed.
• Copies were distributed through the colonies.
The Declaration of Independence
Chapter 6, Section 2
Preamble
• Introduction; explains that the declaration will tell why the
colonies want to break from Great Britain.
First part—Natural rights
• Rights that belong to all people from birth, such as life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness. Governments exist to protect
people’s natural rights.
Second part—British wrongs
• Great Britain has committed many wrongs. King George III
disbanded colonial legislatures, sent troops, and limited colonial
trade. The colonists asked for justice but did not get it.
Third part—Independence
• The colonies are now a free and independent nation—the United
States of America.
Section 2 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 2
The essay Common Sense
a) was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth.
b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies.
c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain.
d) urged colonists to remain under British rule.
According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in
order to
a) make war and provide jobs.
b) make drastic changes in society.
c) express their allegiance to a ruler.
d) protect their natural rights and liberties.
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Section 2 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 2
The essay Common Sense
a) was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth.
b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies.
c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain.
d) urged colonists to remain under British rule.
According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in
order to
a) make war and provide jobs.
b) make drastic changes in society.
c) express their allegiance to a ruler.
d) protect their natural rights and liberties.
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Struggles in the Middle States
Chapter 6, Section 3
• What battles were fought in New York and
New Jersey?
• How did the Battle of Saratoga mark a
turning point in the war?
• What hardships did the Continental Army
suffer at Valley Forge?
Battles in New York and New Jersey
Chapter 6, Section 3
Battle
What Happened
Results
Battle of Long
Island
Americans were outnumbered
and defeated.
The British chased the
Americans into Pennsylvania.
Battle of
Trenton
On Christmas night,
Washington led a surprise
attack on Trenton.
The Americans took a force of
German soldiers prisoner.
Battle of
Princeton
British General Charles
Cornwallis set out to retake
Trenton. Washington fooled
him and slipped behind his
troops to attack other British
forces at Princeton.
The victories at Trenton and
Princeton gave Americans new
hope.
Saratoga—A Turning Point
Chapter 6, Section 3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
General John Burgoyne planned to defeat the Americans.
Three British armies would march on Albany from different
directions and crush American forces.
General Howe was supposed to capture Philadelphia first, then
march on Albany. Howe retired to Philadelphia instead.
Two British armies marched toward Albany. Americans drove
one of the British armies back at Fort Stanwix.
Only one British army was left to march on Albany.
In the Battle of Saratoga, north of Albany, Americans defeated
the British. Burgoyne was forced to surrender his entire army.
The victory boosted American spirits and led France to
become one of America’s allies—nations that work together to
achieve a common goal.
Saratoga—A Turning Point
Chapter 6, Section 3
France and Britain in conflict for many years
Conflict between France and Britain
increases after the French and Indian War
Americans appeal to France for support
during the Revolutionary War
France gives American rebels money and
supplies but stays neutral
Americans defeat British at Saratoga
Victory at Saratoga proves to France that
Americans can win
France gives military and naval support to
American forces
The War in the Middle States
Chapter 6, Section 3
Hardships at Valley Forge
Chapter 6, Section 3
Conditions at Valley Forge were harsh:
• Mid-winter snow, mud, and slush
• Damp, drafty huts; frozen ground
• Soldiers poorly clothed; some did not have shoes
or coats.
• Soldiers suffered from frostbite and disease
• Poor food
Section 3 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 3
One reason the Patriots had to retreat often early in the war was that
a) Washington had fewer troops than the British.
b) the Patriot navy did most of the fighting.
c) Nathan Hale gave away Patriot secrets.
d) the war moved away from New England.
The American victory at Saratoga was important because it
a) tricked British General Howe away from Philadelphia.
b) revealed the spy Nathan Hale.
c) took by surprise a force of Germans fighting for England.
d) convinced the French to be an ally of the United States.
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Section 3 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 3
One reason the Patriots had to retreat often early in the war was that
a) Washington had fewer troops than the British.
b) the Patriot navy did most of the fighting.
c) Nathan Hale gave away Patriot secrets.
d) the war moved away from New England.
The American victory at Saratoga was important because it
a) tricked British General Howe away from Philadelphia.
b) revealed the spy Nathan Hale.
c) took by surprise a force of Germans fighting for England.
d) convinced the French to be an ally of the United States.
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Fighting for Liberty on Many Fronts
Chapter 6, Section 4
• What role did women play in the war?
• What choices did African Americans
have?
• How was the war fought on the frontier
and at sea?
Women Played a Role in the War
Chapter 6, Section 4
•
•
•
•
Women took on added work at home.
Some women joined their husbands at the front.
Betsy Ross sewed flags for Washington’s army.
A few women took part in battle, for example,
Mary Ludwig Hays, known as Molly Pitcher.
African Americans Faced Hard Choices
Chapter 6, Section 4
• Some African Americans served in the United
States Army.
• Some served in the newly formed United States
Navy.
• Some were minutemen.
• Some enslaved African Americans looked for
freedom by following British troops.
The War in the West and at Sea
Chapter 6, Section 4
Northern Frontier
• Mohawk Indians and Loyalists raided settlements in
Pennsylvania and New York.
• Patriots struck back by destroying Iroquois villages.
Middle Frontier
• George Rogers Clark led Virginians against the British
in the Ohio Valley.
• The British surrendered the fort at Vincennes.
Southern Frontier
• The governor of Spanish Louisiana supplied the
Patriots.
• Later, he seized British forts along the Mississippi River
and Gulf of Mexico. He drove the British out of West
Florida.
At Sea
• Captain John Paul Jones captured the British warship
Serapis.
The War in the West
Chapter 6, Section 4
Section 4 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 4
Which statement is true of the Patriot army?
a) All African Americans could join.
b) African Americans could not join at all.
c) Free African Americans could join.
d) Free African Americans could join, but they could serve only as spies.
Which statement is true of the war in the West?
a) Native Americans fought for both sides in the war.
b) Native Americans were chased into the hills and stayed until after the
war.
c) Native Americans sided only with the British.
d) Native Americans sided only with the Americans.
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Section 4 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 4
Which statement is true of the Patriot army?
a) All African Americans could join.
b) African Americans could not join at all.
c) Free African Americans could join.
d) Free African Americans could join, but they could serve only as spies.
Which statement is true of the war in the West?
a) Native Americans fought for both sides in the war.
b) Native Americans were chased into the hills and stayed until after the
war.
c) Native Americans sided only with the British.
d) Native Americans sided only with the Americans.
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Winning the War in the South
Chapter 6, Section 5
• Why did Britain decide to start fighting in
the South?
• How did the Americans and French defeat
the British at the Battle of Yorktown?
• What were the terms of the Treaty of
Paris?
• What factors helped the Americans win
the war?
Britain Takes the War to the South
Chapter 6, Section 5
Savannah, Georgia
Charleston and
Camden, South
Carolina
The British seized these cities in 1778.
Kings Mountain,
South Carolina
Patriots took the mountain from a Loyalist force.
Showed that Britain could lose in the South.
The Carolinas
General Nathanael Greene struck the British when he had a
geographical advantage and wore them down.
Battle of Cowpens,
South Carolina
Patriot General Daniel Morgan fooled the British into thinking
his army was retreating, then turned and fired on the British.
Guilford Court House
A bloody battle. The Americans retreated, but the British
suffered great losses.
Guerrilla, or hit and
run, warfare
Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, led a small band of
soldiers that harassed the British in the South.
The War in the South
Chapter 6, Section 5
The Battle of Yorktown
Chapter 6, Section 5
• Cornwallis planned to conquer Virginia.
• American troops under Lafayette kept Cornwallis from
succeeding.
• Cornwallis was ordered to send part of his army to New
York. Instead, he retreated to Yorktown peninsula.
• A combined American and French army trapped
Cornwallis on the peninsula.
• A French fleet kept Cornwallis from escaping by sea.
• The American and French armies laid siege to
Cornwallis’s army, that is, they surrounded and
blockaded the enemy position.
• The British lost the Battle of Yorktown. They
surrendered.
The Treaty of Paris
Chapter 6, Section 5
• Congress ratified, or approved, the Treaty of
Paris on April 15, 1783.
• The British recognized the United States as an
independent nation.
• The boundaries of the United States extended
from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River
and from the Great Lakes to Florida.
• Florida was returned to Spain.
• Americans agreed to ask states to pay Loyalists
for property they had lost.
• All British Troops must leave the United States.
Why Americans Won the War
Chapter 6, Section 5
Geography
Foreign Help
Patriotism
Leaders
Americans were fighting at home on familiar ground.
The British were far from home in unknown territory.
Spanish and French forces fought with the
Americans. France, the Netherlands, and Spain
loaned money. German and Polish officers provided
training.
Patriots gained skill as soldiers. They didn’t give up.
George Washington’s leadership and military skills
were so good that he was respected by Americans
and British alike
Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 5
Cornwallis’s army marched throughout the South. How was he finally
stopped?
a) Loyalists turned against him.
b) He sent part of his army to New York, so he didn’t have enough troops.
c) Benedict Arnold betrayed his position.
d) French and American armies trapped him on a peninsula in the
Chesapeake Bay.
One provision of the Treaty of Paris was that
a) the United States kept Florida.
b) Great Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation
c) the states would pay money to France and Spain for their help.
d) the United States would pay Great Britain for government property.
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Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 5
Cornwallis’s army marched throughout the South. How was he finally
stopped?
a) Loyalists turned against him.
b) He sent part of his army to New York, so he didn’t have enough troops.
c) Benedict Arnold betrayed his position.
d) French and American armies trapped him on a peninsula in the
Chesapeake Bay.
One provision of the Treaty of Paris was that
a) the United States kept Florida.
b) Great Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation
c) the states would pay money to France and Spain for their help.
d) the United States would pay Great Britain for government property.
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