Chapter 6, Lesson 1 (Part 1 & 2)_ The War
Page 1: Introduction
Title
The American Revolutionary War
Page 2: Duration
Timeline
Duration: 1775 - 1783
Page 3: Previous Lessons
Lexington & Concord
Date: April 18, 1775
British marched to Concord, MA to seize rebel ammunition.
Met by militia in Lexington, marking the "first shots" of the American Revolution.
Page 4: Battle of Bunker Hill
Overview
Date: June 17, 1775
British attack a fortified hill in Boston.
Heavy British losses, seen as a moral victory for Patriots.
Page 5: Declaration of Independence
Key Event
Date: July 4, 1776
Unanimous declaration by the States of America.
Page 6: Washington Takes Command
Leadership
George Washington appointed Commander-in-Chief on June 15, 1775.
Nominated by John Adams to secure Virginian support.
Page 7: Patrick Henry's Speech
Notable Quote
"There is no retreat but in submission and slavery... Let it come!"
Page 8: British Advantages
Strengths of Great Britain
Strongest navy and a well-trained army.
Population: 8 million vs. America’s 2.5 million.
Page 9: Colonial Challenges
Patriot Forces
Colonists lacked a regular army and experienced soldiers.
Reliance on militias with short enlistments.
Page 10: Loyalists vs. Patriots
Division within Colonies
Loyalists (20-33% of population) strong in Carolinas and Georgia.
Family divisions over loyalty to Britain.
Page 11: African Americans in the War
Participation
Both sides had African American fighters.
British promised freedom for fighting slaves, leading to migration post-war.
Page 12: Women in the War
Contributions
Deborah Sampson: Disguised as a man to fight.
Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig): Provided water to soldiers and took over her husband's role in battle.
Page 13: Washington Takes Command
Event Summary
Washington takes command on July 3, 1775.
Army surrounds Boston during Siege.
Page 14: British Evacuation of Boston
Event
Date: March 1776
British forced to evacuate Boston.
Page 15: Early Campaigns
British Invasion of New York
General Howe arrives with 32,000 troops in August 1776.
Page 16: Nathan Hale
Early Hero
Quote: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
Captured as a spy.
Page 17: Defeat on Long Island
Battle Overview
August 1776
Washington's 20,000 troops defeated by larger British force.
Page 18: Retreat from New York
Washington's Struggles
Forced to retreat to New Jersey as army shrinks to 5,000.
Page 19: British Control of New York
Outcome
British settle in New York City, control it for the war duration.
Page 20: Crossing the Delaware
Notable Event
Date: Christmas night 1776
Washington leads attack on British camp.
Page 21: Battles of Trenton & Princeton
Context
Against German mercenaries (Hessians).
Critical morale boosters for Patriots.
Page 22: British Strategy in 1777
Overview
British campaign aimed at capturing Philadelphia.
Page 23: British Blunder
Campaign Challenges
Split troop strategies to control the Hudson River, facing Patriot resistance.
Page 24: Battle of Saratoga
Key Event
October 1777, Burgoyne met by Patriot forces.
Page 25: Burgoyne's Surrender
Victory for Patriots
Major victory at Saratoga changes war dynamics.
Page 26: Conclusion
Next Lessons
Topics: Valley Forge, The War at Sea, French involvement.
Page 27: Key Notes
Summary Points
Independence declared on July 4, 1776.
Soldiers typically signed one-year contracts.
British advantages noted.
Loyalists versus Patriots dynamics noted.
Contributions of African Americans and figures like Nathan Hale highlighted.