The colonies fight for independence and create a new nation
After Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia (May 1775). They had important decisions to make:
Virginia delegate chosen to write the Declaration of Independence. At 33, he was one of the youngest delegates. Later became the 3rd President of the United States.
Jefferson worked for 17 days writing the document. He was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke. The Declaration has three main parts:
1. Natural Rights
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
2. Social Contract
Governments get their power from "the consent of the governed." If a government violates people's rights, the people have the right to change or abolish it.
3. List of Grievances
27 complaints against King George III, explaining why the colonies must break away
Congress votes for independence (John Adams thought this would be the celebrated date)
Congress approves the final Declaration of Independence - INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Most delegates sign the official parchment copy
President of the Continental Congress. He signed the Declaration with a large, bold signature, saying "There, I guess King George will be able to read that without his spectacles!" Today, "John Hancock" means "signature."
British Advantages:
American Advantages:
American Disadvantages:
Commander of the Continental Army. Not a brilliant military strategist, but an inspirational leader who kept the army together through terrible hardships. His greatest achievement was keeping the revolution alive when it seemed hopeless.
After Bunker Hill, Washington's army surrounded Boston. Henry Knox brought cannons from Fort Ticonderoga (dragging them 300 miles through winter!). Facing the cannons, the British evacuated Boston in March 1776.
Britain sent a huge force to capture New York City. Washington's army was badly defeated and forced to retreat across New Jersey. The revolution seemed close to failure.
In January 1776, Thomas Paine published a pamphlet arguing for independence. Written in plain language anyone could understand, it became a bestseller and convinced many colonists to support independence.
Later, during the dark days of 1776, Paine wrote "The Crisis": "These are the times that try men's souls..." His words inspired the army to keep fighting.
In a daring move, Washington crossed the icy Delaware River on Christmas night and attacked Hessian troops (German soldiers hired by Britain) at Trenton, New Jersey.
Victory at Trenton, New Jersey
Victory at Princeton, New Jersey - more hope for the cause!
British General Burgoyne planned to march south from Canada to Albany, New York, cutting off New England from the other colonies. But his army got lost in the wilderness and ran low on supplies.
American forces surrounded Burgoyne near Saratoga, New York. After two battles, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army of about 6,000 soldiers!
The American victory at Saratoga was the turning point of the war because it convinced France to officially join the war as America's ally!
Benjamin Franklin had been in Paris seeking French help. After Saratoga proved Americans could win, France agreed to an alliance (February 1778).
French assistance was crucial to American victory:
While British soldiers stayed warm in Philadelphia, Washington's army spent a brutal winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Prussian military officer who trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge. He taught soldiers how to march in formation, use bayonets, and fight like professional soldiers. His training transformed the Continental Army.
Despite terrible suffering, the army stayed together. They emerged in spring as a stronger, better-trained force. Valley Forge showed the determination and sacrifice that would win the war.
Britain believed many Loyalists lived in the South. They tried to capture Southern colonies, counting on Loyalist support. But they found fewer Loyalists than expected and faced fierce resistance.
South Carolina militia leader who used guerrilla tactics - surprise attacks, hiding in swamps, quick strikes then disappearing. The British couldn't catch him!
General Cornwallis moved his army to Yorktown, Virginia, on the coast. He planned to receive supplies and reinforcements by sea. But the French navy had other plans!
French fleet defeats British navy in the Battle of the Chesapeake - Cornwallis can't escape by sea!
Washington's army (with French troops) surrounds Yorktown by land
Cornwallis surrenders! His army of 8,000 troops lays down their weapons
Legend says the British band played "The World Turned Upside Down" as they surrendered. The mighty British Empire had been defeated by its own colonies!
It took two more years to negotiate peace. The Treaty of Paris officially ended the war:
The Revolution included people from all backgrounds: