GA's role in the American Revolution

loyalist

Many older colonists were born in England and were still loyal to the mother country; these people  were called Loyalists.Despite being in the colonies, loyalists still felt like British subjects of the king. Also, many people were against independence because they wanted to protect their economic interests.

Battle of Kettle Creek

Patriot militia led by Elijah Clarke and John Dooly surprise attacked the soldiers. Clarke and Dooly led their troops across Kettle Creek and surrounded the camp, while a third group attacked head on. Only 250 British soldiers escaped.The surprise attack caused the British to withdraw from Augusta temporarily. The Battle of Kettle Creek broke the British stronghold in Georgia. It led to a Patriot victory and boosted the morale of Georgia’s Patriots.

Siege of Savannah

On October 9 1779, the second bloodiest battle of the American Revolution occurred in Savannah. A joint force of French and patriot troops attacked Savannah and attempted to regain control of the city from the British.The battle itself, known as the Siege of Savannah, lasted only 90 minutes, but thousands of French and American soldiers were killed. This attack was a dismal failure and Savannah remained under British control until 1782.

Austin Dabney

Austin Dabney was an enslaved African American who became a private in the Georgia militia and fought against the British during the Revolutionary War (1775-83). He was the only Black patriot to be granted land by the state of Georgia in recognition of his bravery and service during the Revolution and one of the few to receive a federal military pension.

Casimir Pulaski

Pulaski was a Polish patriot and American Revolutionary War hero born in Warsaw, Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, now known as Warsaw, Poland, March 6, 1745,  who was known as the “Father of the American Cavalry. Following a recommendation by Benjamin Franklin, Pulaski traveled to North America to help in the American Revolutionary War. He distinguished himself throughout the revolution, most notably when he saved the life of George Washington at the battle of Brandywine. When the Continental Army troops began to yield, he reconnoitered with Washington's bodyguard of about 30 men and reported that the enemy were endeavoring to cut off the line of retreat. Washington ordered him to collect as many as possible of the scattered troops who came his way and employ them according to his discretion to secure the retreat of the army. His subsequent charge averted a disastrous defeat of the Continental Army cavalry, earning him fame in America and saving the life of George Washington.

Articles of Confederation

In 1777, colonial representatives worked together to write a new government called the Articles of Confederation.After four years of work all 13 States agreed and Articles of Confederation went into effect on March 1, 1781. The Articles set up a representative  democracy where citizens elect people to represent them.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

No president, no federal courts, congress couldn't tax or collect state’s debt, congress could not draft an army or navy, congress could not regulate trades with other countries, no national currency, 9 of 13 states needed to approve all laws, unicameral congress with each state having one vote each, and all 13 states had to approve any amendments to the Articles.

Why was the national government intentionally weak?

The national government under the Articles of Confederation was intentionally designed to be weak because the newly independent American states deeply feared centralized tyranny and the abuse of power.

Why did the Articles lead to the Constitution?

The Articles of Confederation led to the U.S. Constitution because the first system created a central government that was too weak to manage the new nation's economic, financial, and security needs.

French and indian war

In 1756, fighting broke out between the Great Britain and France/India over fur trading lands in the Ohio valley.

Proclamation of 1763

Royal statement prohibiting colonists from moving west of the Appalachian mountains. Colonists who lived and there had to pack up and move back east.

Stamp Act

In 1765, England imposed the stamp act, which required colonists to buy a government stamp for nearly every paper document. Most colonists rebelled and didn't pay.

Declaration of Independence

On July 4 1776, the delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed to the world that the American colonies were united in the fight for Independence.

Why was Georgia slower to resist Great Britain?

Georgia was slower to resist Great Britain during the American Revolution because it was the youngest, smallest, and most exposed of the thirteen colonies.