(1378) The AMERICAN REVOLUTION [APUSH Review Unit 3 Topic 5 (3.5)] Period 3: 1754-1800

Introduction to the American Revolution

• Focus: Factors contributing to American victory in the Revolutionary War.

• Context: America faced formidable challenges against Britain, the world's most powerful nation at the time.

• Economic impact: Declaring independence led to significant economic consequences as colonists went to war with their primary trading partner.

Support for Independence

• Division among colonists: Not all colonists supported independence; active supporters were likely fewer than half.

  • Patriots: Represented by the Continental Congress and inspired by Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense."

  • Loyalists: Those opposed to independence, preferring loyalty to the British crown.

• Internal conflict: Opposition from loyalists posed a significant hurdle for the revolutionaries.

The Continental Army

• Appointment of General: George Washington chosen as leader of the Continental Army.

• Initial struggles: For the first six months, the Continental Army faced defeats due to:

  • Poor training and arms among soldiers.

  • Many soldiers coerced into service; limited sense of national identity.

• Regionalism: Soldiers often prioritized local allegiances over national commitments.

  • Example: Resistance to Washington’s commands as they favored their local ties over battles in distant places like New York.

Shift in Strategy

• Washington’s strategy evolution: Realization that prolonged conflict (war of attrition) was necessary to tire the British forces.

• Role of African Americans: Approximately 5,000 black men, including free blacks from the North and some from the South, joined the patriot cause. Washington, initially hesitant, changed course due to British offers of freedom.

Key Battles and Turning Points

• Crossing the Delaware: On Christmas Eve 1776, Washington’s army achieved a surprise attack against Hessian troops, marking a significant morale boost.

• Battle of Saratoga: 1777, pivotal American victory that:

  • Securely influenced France to ally with America, persuading them of the revolutionaries’ potential to win.

  • France’s involvement aimed to weaken Britain, subsequently leading to Spain and Holland entering the conflict as well, stretching British resources.

Conclusion of the War

• Final confrontation: The decisive battle occurred at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, where the Continental Army, supported by French forces, defeated the British.

• Peace Treaty of Paris: Signed in 1783, officially recognized American independence and outlined territorial boundaries, establishing the Mississippi River as the western boundary of the new nation.

Summary

• Overall understanding: Despite initial disadvantages and internal conflicts, a combination of strategic leadership, alliances, and persistent effort led to American victory in the Revolutionary War.