Download THE ROAD TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: 1763-1775

THE ROAD TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: 1763-1775
I. The American colonies prior to the American Revolution.
A. In 18th century, large percentages of American colonists were proud to
belong to
British Empire.
1. Newer studies suggest that by 1763 the American colonies had
achieved tremendous integration within the empire; did not forget their
"Britishness"
2. On average, Americans had the highest standard of living in the
world.
a. Drop in price of British goods meant American consumers
had many choices.
b. Landownership opportunities far better than in Europe.
B. "Salutary neglect" (beginning about 1713)
1. Between 1713 and 1763 American colonials saw reduced gov't
intervention in colonial affairs.
a. Whig prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole, believed leaving
the colonies alone to run their own affairs with little interference would
produce more wealth and commerce, and cause less friction.
b. Britain would provide peace, protection, commerce, ensure
law and send more immigrants to America to increase numbers of customers.
c. Britain was focused on major wars in Europe.
d. Colonies left to raise, equip & train own militia for protection
against Indians.
e. In effect, colonies left alone; had to develop self-reliance;
effective organization
3. Development of self-government
a. 13 separate colonial governments emerged; often undermined
the authority of Parliament.
b. Local gov't was much more responsive to local needs
c. Americans became used to regulating their own affairs
without significant interference.
d. American manufacturing increased despite British policies to
protect British manufacturers (Navigation Laws)
-- Cost of American goods increased making merchants
wealthy.
4. Smuggling became rampant as British policy became lax in 18th
century.
C. Violent protests by western colonists toward eastern authority
continued.
1. Paxton Boys (1764): Philadelphia Scots Irish dissenters revolted
against
Quaker leniency regarding gov’t Indian policy:
-- 20 peaceful Indians killed, followed by a march on Philadelphia
demanding better representation, protection against Indians on the frontier,
and funds for internal improvements.
2. Regulator Movement (1771)
a. Eastern farmers in N. Carolina frustrated with British tax policies,
inadequate representation of western farmers in the colonial
assembly, and legislation favoring wealthy planters in the east.
b. Fighting lasted for three years.
3. These two rebellions were similar to Bacon's & Leisler's rebellions
in 17th c. and two future rebellions: Shays' Rebellion in 1787 and Whisky
Rebellion in 1794.
II.
The Mercantilist System
A. Mercantilism: Colonies existed for the benefit of the mother country
1. Colonies should add to empire's wealth, prosperity, and selfsufficiency.
2. Colonies' benefit to Great Britain
a. Ensure British naval supremacy by providing ships, ships'
stores, sailors and trade.
b. Provide raw materials: tobacco, indigo, lumber, fish, etc.
c. Provide a large consumer market for British goods.
d. Keep gold & silver in the empire through economic selfsufficiency.
-- Britain would not need purchase good from foreign
countries.
B. Navigation Laws
1. Purpose: enforce the mercantilist system
2. Motive: First enacted in 1651; aimed at rival Dutch shippers who
were active in the American trade.
3. Basic provisions of Navigation Laws passed in 17th and 18th
centuries:
a. Restricted commerce to and from the colonies to English or
American vessels.
b. Certain "enumerated" articles like tobacco couldn’t be
shipped to any other foreign market except England, despite higher prices
in other markets.
c. All European goods going to America had to go through
England first.
d. Certain restrictions on colonial manufactures for export:
British did not want manufacturing competition with the Colonies.
-- Forbade exportation of woolen cloth produced in America.
-- Beaver hats prohibited from exportation
--Encouraged colonists to produce pig and bar iron, but not
build any new steel furnaces, slitting mills, or plating forges.
e. Molasses Act (1733) -- Imposed heavy duties on all molasses,
rum and sugar imported form French Caribbean.
i. Colonists traded heavily with the French West Indies
ii. Some of the rum produced in America was traded for slaves
-- New England merchants heavily involved in the slave
trade
C. Positive results of British Mercantilism
1. Until 1763, Navigation Laws did not adversely impact the colonial
economy.
2. Colonials had rights of Englishmen and opportunities for selfgovernment
3. Colonies had British military protection free of charge
4. Colonies greatly profited from manufacturing and trading.
D. Negative impact of mercantilism
1. Colonial manufacturing was hindered by British policies.
2. Southern colonies suffered as export prices dropped due to
"enumeration."
-- Virginia especially affected; poor economic conditions resulted in
unrest
3. New England resented favorable British policies toward Southern
colonies (who produced tobacco, sugar and rice).
4. Writs of Assistance
a. Search warrants by British customs officers harassed colonial
shipping.
b. Aimed to reduce colonial smuggling (e.g. illegal triangular trade.)
c. 1761, James Otis, a young Boston lawyer, demanded Parliament
repeal the acts.
i. Parliament refused but Otis’ efforts gained press throughout
the colonies.
ii. Later, Otis wrote famous words "no taxation without
representation."
E. End of "salutary neglect"
1. The year 1763 marked a new era in relations between England and the
colonies.
a. George Grenville new Prime Minister, sought to enforce Navigation
Acts.
-- Americans particularly angry about increased authority of
Admiralty Courts hat could now try smugglers, tax evaders, ship owners, and
others accused of violating commercial restrictions; no trial by jury; located
in Nova Scotia.
b. British debt from the Seven Years' War was enormous
i. Half the debt due to protection of the colonies
ii. British thought colonists should pay 1/3 of maintaining a garrison
of 10,000 British soldiers to protect against Indian uprisings.
2. King George III
a. Extremely stubborn and surrounded himself with successive
governments of inexperienced, inward-looking, narrow-minded men.
-- Five different prime ministers during the 1st 10 years of his
reign.
b. Sought to exercise increased control over the colonies.
c. 50 years of Whig power was about to give way to a conservative
government dominated by the king beginning in 1762.
3. Proclamation of 1763
a. Prohibited colonials to move west of the Appalachians
b. British aim: Settle land disputes with Indians fairly to prevent future
uprisings like Pontiac's Rebellion.
c. Colonials infuriated
i. Many veterans had fought in the war and felt betrayed
ii. Land speculators believed Americans should have access to
lands.
d. Colonists generally ignored the Proclamation
4. Currency Act (1764)
a. British restricted colonial printing of paper money
-- Wanted colonists to pay back debts and taxes with hard currency.
b. Trade deficit between England & America hurt the colonies
i. Most gold & silver flowed to England from colonies since the
colonies imported more than they exported.
ii. Lack of gold meant lack of hard cash; bartering increased
5. Sugar Acts passed in 1764 (updated version of Molasses Act of 1733)
a. First act ever passed specifically that raised revenue for the crown.
b. Aimed to regulate the illegal triangular trade by collecting duties
that the colonists had not paid for many years.
c. Reduced taxes on molasses but taxed all molasses, not just molasses
from French West Indies.
d. Not enforced effectively; duties eventually lowered after Stamp Act
crisis.
6. Quartering Act, 1765: Certain colonies required to provide food &
quarters
for British troops.
III. Three great crises in the colonies led to the American Revolution: Stamp
Act,
Townsend Acts, & Tea Act
A. The Stamp Act of 1765 -- Perhaps the single most important event
leading to
the American Revolution
1. Purpose: Raise revenues to support the new military force in the
colonies
2. Provisions:
a. Official stamps on paper would serve as proof of payment.
b. Tax applied to published materials and legal documents e.g.,
pamphlets, newspapers, diplomas, bills of lading, marriage certificates, death
certificates, mortgages, insurance policies, liquor licenses, & playing cards.
c. Both Sugar Act and Stamp Act provided for trying offenders in
admiralty courts where juries were not allowed
-- Burden of proof on defendants; were assumed guilty unless
proved innocent.
3. Grenville’s' view
a. Stamp Act was reasonable and just
b. Only required colonials to pay their fair share for colonial defense
c. Stamp Act in Britain had been much heavier and in effect for 2
generations.
4. Virginia Resolves (led by Patrick Henry)
a. VA leaders believed Stamp Act attacked colonial's rights as
Englishmen
b. 5 of Henry’s 7 resolutions adopted by the House of Burgesses
including non-importation.
c. Claimed that Virginia could only be taxed by Virginians.
-- "No taxation w/o representation"
d. Assemblies of 8 other colonies passed resolutions similar to
Virginia’s.
5. Colonist views distinguished between "legislation" and "taxation"
a. Legislation, "external taxes," the right of Parliament regarding the
empire; e.g. customs duties (tariffs)
b. Taxation, "internal taxes," exclusive right of local representative
gov't.
-- British taxation was robbery; attacking sacred rights of property
c. Grenville’s response: colonies had "virtual representation" in
Parliament
-- All British subjects were represented, even those who did not vote
for members in Parliament.
d. Colonists dismissed "virtual representation"
i. "No taxation w/o representation"
ii. Did not really want "direct representation" (actual
representation)
-- Would mean increased taxes (as in Britain)
-- Increased responsibilities to the crown
-- Colonial reps. would be heavily outnumbered in Parliament
6. Stamp Act Congress (1765) -- brought together 27 delegates from 9
colonies
a. Massachusetts invited colonies who adopted Virginia Resolves to
meet.
b. Drew up a statement of their rights and grievances and demanded
that the king and Parliament rescind the Stamp Act.
c. Largely ignored in England; of little consequence in the colonies
d. Significance: Brought together reps from different & rival
colonies and
set a precedent for future resistance to British rule.
-- Helped break down sectional suspicions within the colonies.
e. Non-importation agreements against British goods.
-- England economy suffered from non-importation but nonimportation was not decisive in reversing Parliament’s decision
7. Sons of Liberty led by Samuel Adams violently enforced
nonimportation agreements against violators; (tarring & feathering was one
painful tactic).
a. Houses of pro-British officials were vandalized, theft occurred,
and the warehouse where stamps were stored was destroyed.
b. All stamp act agents were forced to resign; no one risked selling
stamps.
8. Stamp Act repealed in 1766
a. Lord Rockingham saw the Stamp Act as a possible cause of civil
crisis and encouraged British merchants to write Parliament to rescind the tax.
b. Parliament passed the Declaratory Act at the same time
i. Purpose was partly to save face
ii. Claimed that Parliament had the right to tax colonies in the future
c. Sugar Act tax lowered significantly
B. Townsend Acts (1767)
1. Charles Townsend took control of Parliament and sought to punish
the colonies for the Stamp Act uprising.
2. Provisions:
a. Small import duty placed on glass, white lead, paper, paint, silk and
tea.
-- Tax was an indirect customs duty ("external tax")
b. Revenues from taxes to pay salaries of royal governors and judges
c. Established a commission and vice-admiralty courts for
enforcement.
-- Royal judges would be allowed to grant "writs of assistance" in
private
homes, shops or warehouses.
3. Colonial reaction
a. Colonies angrily interpreted the act as an inappropriate tax to raise
revenue
b. John Dickinson, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania
i. Challenged distinction between "internal" and "external" taxes.
ii. Denied right to levy taxes for purpose of revenue.
iii. Prompted the Massachusetts Circular Letter
4. Massachusetts Circular Letter (Feb. 1768)
a. Massachusetts legislature, urged by Sam Adams and James Otis,
supported Dickinson's arguments and called for other colonies to
pass petitions calling for Parliament to repeal the acts.
b. In response, Lord Hillsborough, sent troops to Boston and
threatened to
dissolve Massachusetts' legislature if the letter not retracted.
-- Other colonies that voted for the circular would be dissolved.
c. Some colonies reenacted previous nonimportation agreements
-- British exports to America fell 40% over the next few months.
d. Several colonial legislatures dissolved as they supported
Massachusetts:
MA, MD, VA, DE, SC
5. Boston "Massacre", 1770
a. (Peaceful) Arrival of troops in Boston aroused American resistance
-- Colonials fearful of standing armies; believed Britain sought to
suppress
colonial liberties.
b. March 5, 1770 British soldiers (having been provoked) fired on a
crowd
i. Eleven civilians killed or wounded
ii. Crispus Attucks, a mulatto merchant seaman, the "first to die in
the revolution," and alleged leader of the unruly mob.
iii. Word of the "massacre" spread throughout the colonies (esp. by
Sons of Liberty)
iv. Colonial propaganda grossly exaggerated the event.
6. Townsend Acts repealed
a. Lord North, bowing to pressure, got Parliament to repeal the act in
1770.
i. Nonimportation agreements were pinching British manufacturers
ii. Three-pence tax on tea remained to demonstrate Parliament's
right to tax.
-- Taxed tea still cost less than smuggled tea.
b. Half the troops in Boston removed.
c. Until 1773, relations improved after Townsend Acts were repealed.
7. Gaspee Incident (1771) one of only a few incidents between 17701773 to cause conflict
a. British warship "Gaspee" ran aground near in RI, pursuing
smugglers.
-- Ship was notorious for extorting smaller vessels and allowing
men to steal cattle and cut fruit trees on local farms for firewood.
b. Sons of Liberty members, dressed as Indians, took crew off the ship
and set it on fire; the commander was wounded
c. "Gaspee" Commission was created by Lord Hillsborough to seek
retribution but could not find the guilty parties; would have sent them to
England for trial.
8. Committees of Correspondence, 1772-73
a. Some colonial discontent continued as British redoubled efforts to
enforce the Navigation Laws.
b. Samuel Adams used propaganda to whip up colonial resentment
c. Adams organized local committees of correspondence in Mass.,
Nov.1772.
d. Chief function was to spread propaganda and info. by interchanging
letters in order to keep opposition to British policy alive.
e. In particular, letters from the British gov't incl. those of Gov.
Hutchinson
showed that Britain was acting on Hutchinson's advice and wishes.
f. Intercolonial committees of correspondence emerged
g. Intercolonial groups evolved directly into the first American
congresses.
C. The Tea Act Crisis and the First Continental Congress
1. Tea Act(1773)
a. British gov't granted British East India Company a monopoly of
the American tea trade.
i. BEIC on the verge of bankruptcy which would have cost the
British government huge revenues.
ii. Price of tea would be even lower than existing prices, even with
the tax.
b. Americans reacted angrily: saw Tea Act as an attempt to trick
colonies
into accepting the tax through cheaper tea.
2. Boston Tea Party, Dec. 16, 1773
-- Sons of Liberty, dressed as Indians, boarded three ships, smashed
342
chests open, and dumped the tea into the harbor.
3. "Intolerable Acts" (Coercive Acts)
a. 1774, Parliament passed the "Repressive Acts" designed to punish
Boston
b. Boston Port Act -- harbor remained closed until damages were
paid
and law and order restored.
c. Massachusetts charter revoked
i. King had power to appoint the Governor's Council, not the
assembly
ii. Forbade town meetings except for election of town officials.
d. Enforcing officials who killed colonists could now be tried in
England
instead of the colonies (thereby avoiding colonial justice).
e. Quartering Act: Provided for the quartering of troops once again in
Boston.
4. Quebec Act -- coincidentally accompanied "Intolerable Acts"; not
intended
to punish the colonies
a. French in Canada were guaranteed right to practice Catholicism.
b. Quebec territory was extended down to the Ohio river, next to NY
& PA
c. French allowed to keep old customs and institutions which did not
include
a representative assembly or trial by jury in civil cases.
d. The act was actually an enlightened extension of British freedoms.
e. Colonial reaction:
-- Viewed act as insidious attempt to create a new French Canadian
and Indian threat in the Ohio Valley region.
-- Anti-Catholic sentiment arose; seen as an attack on Protestantism
5. The First Continental Congress, 1774
a. In response to "Intolerable Acts," the committees of correspondence
urged
the colonies to act quickly.
b. Bostonians agreed to end all trade with Great Britain and invited
other colonies to join the resistance.
c. First Continental Congress deliberated from Sept. 5 to Oct. 26, 1774
i. 12 of 13 colonies present (except Georgia)
ii. Delegates included S.Adams, J. Adams, G. Washington, &
Patrick Henry.
d. 1st Step: endorse several resolutions known as the Suffolk Resolves.
i. Denounced "Intolerable" Acts
ii. Urged colonies to organize militia for defensive purposes
iii. Called on colonies to suspend all trade with rest of British
empire
iv. Urged citizens not to pay taxes.
e. Rejection of Galloway Plan
i. Joseph Galloway called for a colonial union required to approve
all parliamentary laws affecting the colonies (like Franklin’s Albany Plan).
ii. Most members far too conservative to endorse such a radical
view
f. Main purpose: Petition for redress of grievances (Declaration and
Resolves)
i. Gave colonists the legal right to assemble in order to seek redress.
ii. "Bill of Rights": established structure for the Declaration of
Independence
(Preamble, list of grievances and mutual pledge)
g. The Association: most significant action of the Congress
-- Called for a complete boycott of British goods: nonimportation,
nonexportation, and nonconsumption.
h. Yet, Congress restated allegiance to the King
-- No real desire to independent; merely wanted grievances
redressed.
i. King and Parliament did not respond to Declaration and Resolves.
-- Would have recognized Congresses right as a legislative body.
6. Lexington and Concord, 1775 -- "The Shot Heard around the World"
a. Parliament ordered General Gage, new Gov. of Massachusetts, to
arrest
leaders of the rebellion and prepare for military action.
-- Gage sought to prevent bloodshed by disarming the local militia.
b. April 1775, 700 British redcoats sent secretly to nearby Lexington
&
Concord to seize gunpowder and arrest Sam Adams & John
Hancock.
-- Paul Revere and William Dawes warned the militia (Minutemen).
c. Battle of Lexington and Concord began when Minutemen refused to
disperse on the Lexington Green and shots were fired.
i. 8 Americans killed, 10 wounded. Who fired the first shot?
ii. Redcoats continued on to Concord. 6 miles away.
d. Concord -- British forced to retreat by American reinforcements
i. Militia picked-off British soldiers as they retreated to Boston
ii. By day’s end, 273 British casualties; 95 Americans casualties
e. Minutemen encamped outside the city and lay siege to Boston.
IV. British Strengths and Weaknesses during the American Revolution
A. British Strengths
1. Population favored Britain: 7.5 million to 2.5 for the colonies.
2. Superior monetary advantage and best navy in the world
3. 20,000 slaves in Carolinas and Georgia joined British (only 5K for
rebels)
a. British promised slaves’ freedom if they fought on their side
b. Many fled with the British after the war and left the country
4. Many Indians also sided with Britain and attacked Americans along
the frontier
-- British represented last hope for keeping land-hungry colonists out.
5. Britain possessed a 50,000 man professional army
-- King George hired an additional 30,000 German "Hessians" as
mercenaries.
6. British also enlisted about 50,000 loyalists
B. Weaknesses
1. Enormous distance from England to the Colonies
-- Communication was inefficient to meet the need for immediate
action.
2. America too large a region for Britain’s army to effectively occupy;
population was too dispersed
3. British generals in America were poor leaders
a. Many British soldiers did not want to kill Americans, whom
they saw as
their countrymen.
b. Provisions for the army were poor
4. Americans had only to tie in order to win; British had to win
outright.
5. France was waiting for an opportunity to exact revenge
6. London gov't was ineffective; King George & Lord North
inadequate
-- Whig factions in Parliament cheered American victories at the
outset
V. American Strengths and Weaknesses
A. Strengths
1. Outstanding leadership e.g., George Washington; Benjamin Franklin
(diplomat)
2. Economic aid from France at the outset; later military aid was
decisive.
3. Defensive military tactics worked to their advantage
4. Agriculturally self-sustaining
5. Colonials were competent marksmen; better than the redcoats
6. Moral advantage from belief in a just cause
B. Weaknesses
1. Badly organized for the war and lacked unity from the beginning.
a. Continental Congress was weak and ineffective
b. Fought almost the entire war without a constitution
2. Jealousy among colonies
a. Regarded themselves as sovereign
-- Resisted Congress' to exercise its weak power
b. Quarrels over the appointment of military leaders
3. Economic difficulties
a. Little metal money
i. Paper money printed to the point that it was worthless
ii. Individual colonies had to later print paper money
b. Soldiers deserted due to economic difficulties of their families
c. Debtors paid their debts with seriously depreciated money.
4. Military challenges
a. Military supplies were inadequate esp. firearms and gunpowder
b. Militiamen highly unreliable
5. Morale in the Revolutionary army undermined by greedy American
profiteers
a. Sold goods to British for payment in gold
b. Speculators forced prices sky-high
c. Boston merchants made profits of 50-200% while soldiers were
dying.
6. Only a select minority of Americans truly committed themselves to the
cause.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: 1775-1783
I. Second Continental Congress -- May 10, 1775
A. All 13 colonies present -- delegates still not interested in independence
but rather redressing of grievances (conservative position).
B. Most significant act of Congress: Selected George Washington to head
of the
Continental Army.
-- Selection largely political – Northerners wanted to bring Virginia into
the war.
C. Declaration of the Causes & Necessity of Taking Up Arms
(written by Jefferson & Dickinson)
1. Drafted 2nd set of appeals to the king and British people for redress
of American grievances.
2. Seen as intermediate step towards the Declaration of Independence
-- (Declaration & Resolves from 1st Continental Congress was
earlier step.)
3. Adopted measures to raise money and to create an army and a navy.
D. Olive Branch Petition (written largely by John Dickinson)
1. Last ditch effort by moderates in the Continental Congress to prevent
an all-out war.
2. Once again, pledged loyalty to the crown; sought to restore peace
3. Appealed to George III to intercede with Parliament to reconsider the
“Intolerable Acts”
4. King refused to recognize Congress; the war raged on
II. Early Battles
A. Ticonderoga and Crown Point -- May 1775
1. Tiny forces under Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys of
Vermont
& Benedict Arnold of Connecticut surprised & captured Br. garrisons.
B. Bunker Hill – June 17, 1775
1. Colonials seized Breed's Hill -- commanded a strong position
overlooking Boston.
2. Over 1,000 oncoming redcoats in ill-conceived frontal assault were
mowed down
by 1,500 American sharpshooters.
-- Americans had 140 killed and 441 wounded.
3. Americans ran out of gunpowder and were forced to abandon the hill
in
disorder.
4. Viewed as an American victory due to the heavy losses suffered by
Britain.
5. Bloodiest battle of the War for Independence
6. British Army left Boston to conduct the war from New York.
C. Following Bunker Hill, King proclaimed the colonies in rebellion (Aug.
23, 1775).
1. This was tantamount to a declaration of war against the colonies..
2. 18,000 Hessians (German mercenary soldiers) hired by King to
support British forces
-- Americans shocked that king would hire soldiers reputed for their
brutality; Colonials saw the war as a family conflict.
D. Americans failed to successfully invade Canada in Oct. 1775
-- Yet, invasion postponed large British offensive which eventually
contributed to
the American victory at Saratoga.
IV. Declaration of Independence, 1776
A. Most Americans did not desire independence; proud to be British
citizens
B. Reasons for shift of loyalty
1. Hiring of Hessians
2. Burning of Falmouth & Norfolk by the British
3. Governor of Virginia promised freedom to slaves who would fight
for Britain.
-- Impact: persuaded many southern elite to join New England in the
war effort.
C. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (published early 1776)
1. Became an instant best-seller in the colonies; effective propaganda
2. Main ideas:
a. Britain's colonial policies were inconsistent; independence was the
only course
b. nowhere in the physical universe did a smaller heavenly body
control
a larger one. Why should tiny England control huge North America?
c. King was nothing more than the "Royal Brute of Great Britain."
d. America had a sacred mission; moral obligation to the world to set
up an independent, democratic republic, untainted by association with
corrupt monarchical Britain.
3. Persuaded Congress to go all the way for independence
a. Could not hope for aid from France unless they declared
independence
b. France not interested in colonial reconstruction under Britain
D. June 7, 1776, Philadelphia Congress, Richard Henry Lee proposed
independence.
1. "These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and
independent states..."
2. Motion was adopted on July 2, 1776
3. Yet, formal explanation was needed to rally resistance at home and
invite foreign
nations to aid the American cause, especially France.
E. Congress appointed Committee on Independence to prepare an
appropriate
statement shortly after Lee's speech.
1. Task given to a committee that chose Thomas Jefferson.
--Other members: B. Franklin, J. Adams, Roger Sherman, & Robert
Livingston
2. Some debate and amendment had preceded its adoption especially
slavery clause
which was heavily modified with some portions being excised.
a. Jefferson had blamed England for continuing the slave trade despite
colonial
wishes (despite his owning slaves).
b. Yet, southerners in particular still favored slavery and dismissed the
clause.
3. Declaration not addressed to England; U.S. didn't expect a response
from the king.
4. Declaration of Independence formally approved on July 4, 1776
F. Declaration of Independence had three major parts:
1. Preamble (heavily influenced by John Locke)
a. Stated the rights of colonists to break away if natural rights were not
protected: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (property)
b. Stated "all men are created equal"
2. List of 27 grievances of the colonies (seen by Congress as most
important part)
a. Underwent the most changes from the original draft -- 24 changes
b. Charged King with imposing taxes w/o colonials' consent,
eliminating trial
by jury, military dictatorship, maintaining standing armies in
peacetime,
cutting off trade, burning towns, hiring mercenaries, & inciting
Indian violence.
3. Formal declaration of independence
a. officially broke ties with England
b. "United States" officially an independent country
G. Result: Foreign aid could now be successfully solicited
V. Patriots & Loyalists
A. John Adams claimed that 1/3 of colonists were Patriots, 1/3 were
Loyalists and 1/3 were neutral. This number is difficult to verify but is useful
anyway.
B. Loyalists ("Tories") = about 20% of the American people
1. Colonists who fought for return to colonial rule; loyal to the king.
2. Usually conservative: educated and wealthy; fearful of “mob rule.”
3. Included the older generation; younger generation was more
revolutionary
4. Included king's officers and other beneficiaries of the crown
5. Included the Anglican clergy and a large portion of their followers;
most numerous of the loyalists (except in Virginia)
6. Influential in aristocratic NY, Charleston, PA, and NJ.
7. Least numerous in New England
8. Ineffective at gaining allegiance of neutral colonists
C. Patriots
1. Sometimes called "whigs" (named after British opposition party)
2. American rebels who fought both British soldiers and loyalists
3. Most numerous in New England
4. Constituted a minority movement
5. More adept at gaining support from colonials
6. Financing: Robert Morris, “the financier of the Revolution” helped
Congress finance the war.
D. About 80,000 Loyalists fled the colonies.
1. Loyalists regarded by Patriots as traitors.
2. Their estates were confiscated and sold; these funds helped finance the
war 3. 50,000 fought for the British
1. Arnold frustrated with his treatment by his superiors despite his heroic
service
2. Persuaded Washington to make him head of West Point
3. Plotted with the British to sell out the key stronghold of West Point
commanding the Hudson River
4. Plot failed after it was accidentally discovered by Washington
IX. Articles of Confederation adopted in 1777 (Drafted by John Dickinson)
A. Set up by 2nd Continental Congress in order to create a lasting
government.
B. Did not go into effect until 1781.
C. First constitution in U.S. history; lasted until 1789 when Constitution
adopted
D. Congress had power to: conduct war, handle foreign relations & secure
loans, borrow money.
E. No power to: regulate trade, conscript troops, levy taxes.
X. France Becomes an Ally of the U.S.
A. French eager to exact revenge on the British for the French & Indian
War.
1. Saw Revolutionary war as an opportunity.
2. British America was England's most valuable colonies.
B. Secret supply to the Americans
1. France initially worried that open aid to America might provoke British
attacks on French interests..
2. Americans Silas Deane and Benjamin Franklin arranged for significant
amounts of munitions and military supplies to be shipped to America.
-- Helped forge the Franco-American Alliance.
3. Marquis de Lafayette significant in helping U.S. gets financial aid from
France.
C. Declaration of Independence was a turning point for French aid
1. Showed Americans meant business
2. Victory at Saratoga displayed an excellent chance for defeating England
VIII. The War in 1776-1777: Britain changed its focus to the mid-Atlantic
states
A. Battle of Long Island (Summer & Fall 1776)
1. Washington’s army escaped from Long Island to Manhattan and then
NJ.
2. British lost a great opportunity to crush the Americans early.
B. Battle of Trenton (Dec. 1776)
1. Washington crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River on Dec. 26, 1776
2. At Trenton, surprised and captured about 1,000 Hessians who were
sleeping off their Christmas partying.
C. Battle of Princeton (Jan. 1777)
1. One week later, Washington defeated a smaller British force at
Princeton
2. British forced to pull his outposts back to New York
3. Trenton and Princeton was a gamble by Washington to achieve quick
victories to revive the disintegrating Continental Army.
D. Battle of Saratoga (most important battle of the American Revolution).
1. British sought to capture New York and sever New England from the
U.S.
2. Benedict Arnold saved New England by slowing down British
invasion of New York
3. General Burgoyne surrendered entire command at Saratoga on Oct. 17,
1777 to American General Horatio Gates.
4. Saratoga one of history's most decisive battles
a. Made possible French aid which ultimately ensured American
independence.
b. Spanish and Dutch eventually entered; England faced with world
war.
c. Saratoga revived the faltering colonial cause
E. Washington retired to Valley Forge for winter of 1777-78
1. Supplies were scarce: food, clothing
2. Army whipped into shape by the Prussian drillmaster Baron von
Steuben.
3. Episode demonstrated American resolve despite horrible conditions.
F. Benedict Arnold becomes a traitor, 1780 -- tremendous blow to American
morale
D. Franco-American Alliance, 1778: France offers U.S. a treaty of alliance.
1. Promised Americans recognition of independence.
2. Both sides bound themselves to wage war until the US won its freedom
or until both agreed to terms with Britain.
3. Many Americans reluctantly accepted the treaty.
a. France a strong Roman Catholic country
b. hitherto a traditional enemy of Britain for centuries.
E. The Revolution turned into a world war that stretched Britain’s resources.
1. Spain and Holland entered in 1779.
2. Catherine the Great of Russia organized the League of Armed
Neutrality
-- Lined up almost all remaining European neutrals in an attitude of
passive hostility toward England as a result of England disturbing Baltic
shipping.
3. War raged in Europe, N.A., South America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
XI. Land Frontier & Sea Frontier
A. West raged throughout most of the war
1. Indian allies of Britain attacked American frontier positions
2. 1777 known as "the Bloody Year" on the frontier
-- Joseph Brant (“Monster Brant”), Mohawk Chief, and leader of the
Iroquois Six Nations, led Indian raids in western PA and NY.
-- Forced to sign Treaty of Ft. Stanwyk -- 1st treaty bet. U.S. &
Indians.
-- Indians lost most of their lands.
B. Illinois country taken from the British
1. George Rogers Clark, a frontiersman, seized several British ports
along the
Ohio River: Kaskaskia, Cahokia (St. Louis), and Vincennes, Indiana.
2. Helped quiet Indian involvement
3. His supporters credit him for forcing the British to cede the whole
Ohio region in the peace treaty of Paris after the war. This is still a debate.
C. The American Navy
1. John Paul Jones most famous American naval leader (Scottish born)
2. Chief contribution was destroying British merchant shipping and
carrying war into the waters around the British Isles.
3. Did not affect Britain's navy
D. American Privateers were more effective than the American navy
1. Privately owned ships authorized by Congress to attack enemy ships.
2. 600 British ships captured; British captured as many American
merchantmen & privateers.
3. Brought in gold, harassed the British, and increased American morale
by providing American victories.
E. Major naval battles between British, French, & other European powers
1. Mostly in the West Indies
2. British overcome by French, Spanish and Dutch.
-- War continued until 1785 when British won last battle near India.
XII. In 1778, Britain again changed its strategy: focused on former Southern
Colonies
A. Savannah, Georgia taken in late 1778-early 1779
B. Charleston, SC, fell in 1780 (4th largest city in America)
1. Devastating loss to American war-effort
2. Heavier loss to the Americans than Saratoga was to the British
C. Nathaniel Greene succeeded in clearing Georgia and S.C. of most British
troops
-- Cornwallis forced to abandon the Southern strategy; fell back to
Chesapeake
Bay at Yorktown
D. Battle of Yorktown: last major battle of the war
1. French Admiral de Grasse, head of powerful fleet in W. Indies,
blockaded Chesapeake Bay; British ships unable to enter.
2. Washington made 300-mile+ march to Chesapeake Bay from NY.
3. Accompanied by Rochambeau's French army, Washington attacked
British by land while de Grasse blockaded them by sea..
4. Oct. 19, 1781, General Cornwallis surrendered entire force of 7,000
men
5. War continued one more year (especially in the South)
XIII. Peace at Paris
A. British ready to come to terms after losses in India, West Indies, &
Mediterranean
1. Lord North's ministry collapsed in 1782; George III lost influence in
Parliament
2. New Whig ministry (more sympathetic to Americans) replaced the
Tory regime.
B. French attempted to create a weak U.S.
1. U.S. diplomats Ben Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay sent by
Congress to make no separate peace without consulting the French..
a. They ignored these orders as they were highly suspicious of France
& Spain.
b. John Jay believed France wanted to keep US border east of the
Allegheny mountains and give western territories to its ally, Spain, for its
help in the war.
2. U.S. turned to Great Britain
a. Britain eager to separate U.S. from the Franco-American Alliance.
b. Preliminary Treaty signed in 1782
C. Treaty of Paris of 1783: Britain formally recognized US independence
1. Granted US huge boundaries stretching to the Mississippi in the west,
the Great Lakes in the north, and to Spanish Florida in the south
a. Americans allowed to retain a share in the valuable Newfoundland
fisheries.
b. British promised troops would not take slaves from America.
2. American concessions:
a. Loyalists could not be further persecuted
b. Congress was to recommend to state legislatures that confiscated
Loyalist property be restored
c. American states were bound to pay back debts to British creditors.
d. U.S. did not comply with many of these concessions and it became
partial cause of the War of 1812 against Britain..
3. France approved the British-American terms (officially, no separate
Franco-American peace)
4. America alone gained from the war
a. Britain lost colonies and other territories
b. France became bankrupt which helped spark the French Revolution.
c. Spain gained little
XIV. American society during the war
A. Over 250,000 American soldiers fought
-- 10% who fought died; largest % of any American war in history
B. British occupied most major cities, e.g. Boston, New York, and
Philadelphia.
C. War Economy: all of society became involved in the war.
1. State and national governments created.
2. Men with military experience volunteered for positions in the army.
3. Some merchants loaned money to the army and to Congress. Others
made fortunes from wartime contracts.
4. Most of the fighting was done by the poorest Americans
-- Young city laborers, farm boys, indentured servants, and
sometimes slaves.
5. African Americans fought on both sides.
-- 5,000 in the Continental army and nearly 30,000 in the British
army in return for promises of freedom.
6. Native Americas also fought with the British since they hoped to
keep land-hungry Americans out of their territories.
-- Bitter feelings remained long after the war ended.
D. Women in the War
1. Women managed farms and businesses while men served in the army
2. Other women traveled with the Army as cooks and nurses.
3. Women more politically active and expressed thoughts more freely.
Memory Aid for Events Leading up to the Revolution:
Pretty
Silly
Tammy
Baked
Tea
Cookies
Inside
Freshly
Layered
Spicy
Dough
Proclamation of 1763
Stamp Act, 1765
Townsend Acts, 1767
Boston Massacre, 1770
Tea Act, 1773
Committees of Correspondence
“Intolerable Acts,” 1774
First Continental Congress
Lexington and Concord
Second Continental Congress
Declaration of Independence