GA's Role in The American Revolution

Loyalist

Many older colonists were born in England and were still loyal to the mother country. many people were against independence because they wanted to protect their economic interests. (money)

Battle of Kettle Creek

A militia led by Elijah Clarke and John Dooly surprise attacked the soldiers. Clark and dooly led the troops and they surrounded the camp while a third group attacked head on. Only 250 British soldiers escaped.

Siege of Savannah

October 9, 1779, the second bloodiest battle of the American rev. Occurred in Savannah. A joint force of French and patriot troops attacked Savannah attempting to regain control of the city from the British. The battle itself only lasted 90 minutes but thousands of French and American soldiers were killed.

Austin Dabney

He was an enslaved Georgian who earned freedom in exchange of his service in the patriot army.

Casimir Pulaski

He was a Polish solider who helped in the American revolution. He distinguished himself through the revolution most notably when he saved the life of George Washington.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak national government and a confederation of sovereign states.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Key flaws including no president, no federal courts, lack of power to tax or regulate trade, and requirement of approval from 9 of 13 states to pass laws

Why was the national government intentionally weak?

American leaders feared a tyrant or monarchy like Britain's King George III, so they intentionally limited federal power to protect states' sovereignty and individual liberties.

Why did the articles lead to the constitution?

The national government's inability to levy taxes, enforce laws, or maintain economic stability proved the Articles were too weak to govern effectively.

French and Indian war

A conflict between Britain and France (1754–1763) over territory in North America; British victory left the nation in debt, leading to taxes on the colonies.

Proclamation of 1763

A British order forbidding American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains in order to avoid conflicts with Native Americans.

Stamp act

A 1765 British law that taxed printed materials in the colonies, triggering widespread colonial protests over taxation without representation.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document in which the Thirteen Colonies formally declared independence from Great Britain, outlining human rights and grievances against King George III.

Why was Georgia slower to resist Great Britain?

Georgia was the youngest and southernmost colony, relying heavily on British financial aid and military protection against Native American threats.