Study guide and term list will be posted by the weekend prior (expected Friday).
Exam content strictly based on class material, not covered in textbooks such as Bocana's "Sacagawea" or "Linched Bone."
Structure of the Exam
Format:
Combination of multiple-choice questions and written responses.
Review of Historical Events
The Situation of the Continental Army
Context:
Following the British invasion of New York, the Continental Army finds itself in a panic due to the overwhelming number of British troops.
Evacuation:
The Continental Army retreats from New York City under the cover of night, setting fires to simulate a continued presence in their fortifications.
Loyalist Presence:
Many in Manhattan cheer for the British, indicating a significant loyalist population.
Challenges Faced by George Washington
Continental Army’s Struggles:
Low morale and dwindling numbers; Washington realizes that his forces lack sufficient soldiers, weapons, and training to engage in traditional European warfare.
Adapting Tactics:
Introducing guerrilla warfare strategies, focusing on quick, small-scale attacks followed by immediate retreats.
Emphasis on mobility to prevent being overwhelmed in open battle.
Desertion and Recruitment Challenges
Desertion Rates:
Increasing abandonment of the Continental Army by soldiers. This impacts Washington's ability to recruit new members.
The Continental Congress lacks the power to impose taxes, resulting in soldiers not receiving pay and relying on promises of repayment for provisions taken from local farmers.
Washington’s Incentives:
Attempts to offer land to recruits, but Congress lacks the authority to make such guarantees.
The Winter of 1776-1777
Situation by December 1776:
British forces occupy New York City, and are stationed just miles from Philadelphia.
The Continental Army numbers around 6,000, insufficiently equipped and under-equipped for winter.
Unrest among the troops with calls to replace Washington as commander.
Key Victories Leading to a Turnaround
The Crossing of the Delaware
Washington’s Strategy:
Conducts surprise attacks during winter, breaking from tradition; famously crosses the Delaware River on Christmas night (December 25-26, 1776) with 2,400 men to engage Hessians at Trenton.
Outcome:
The assault on Trenton results in the capture or killing of approximately 1,200 Hessians with no American casualties.
This victory boosts morale and confidence in the Continental Army.
Following Victoria at Princeton
Subsequent Engagement:
Washington launches another sneak attack at Princeton, further pushing British forces from New Jersey.
Transition to 1777 Events and Strategies
British Strategies in 1777
Goals:
The British aim to split the colonies into two by gaining control of New York.
Forces Involved:
General John Burgoyne to lead troops south from Canada, General William Howe moving from NYC to meet in the middle.
Initial British Successes and Challenges
Battle for Fort Ticonderoga:
Burgoyne captures Fort Ticonderoga by exploiting weaknesses in American defenses due to unguarded heights.
American forces retreat, but this success does not diminish the challenges Burgoyne will face moving forward.
The American Response
Maneuvering:
American forces hinder Burgoyne’s advance through hit-and-run tactics, and Sabotage of supply lines while Washington positions his troops in assistance.
Saratoga Campaign:
Burgoyne gets encircled and is forced to surrender his troops at Saratoga on October 17, marking a significant turning point in the war.
Diplomatic Moves and French Alliance
Role of Ben Franklin
Mission to France:
Sent December 1776 to garner French support during the war, establishing a presence and relationship that would later yield military aid post-Saratoga victory in 1777.
Outcome:
His success at Paris changes the dynamics of warfare in favor of the Americans due to financial support, weapons, and a formal alliance.
European Support and Notable Figures
Marquis de Lafayette:
A young French nobleman joins the Continental Army contributing in strategic discussions and later aiding in French troop requests for support.
The Winter at Valley Forge
Harsh Conditions:
The winter of 1777-1778 is marked by severe suffering for the Continental Army, encamped at Valley Forge with a severe shortage of resources.
Over a thousand men succumb to illness.
Rescue through Training:
Arrival of Prussian General Wilhelm von Steuben revitalizes the army, instituting training and improved hygiene measures which enhance overall troop effectiveness.
Protagonist and Antagonist Dynamics
Benedict Arnold's Betrayal
Response to Recognition:
Arnold felt slighted by Congress’s promotions during the war and rebelled towards British allegiance.
Engaged in espionage, providing critical military information to the British but ultimately losing favor as a traitor among both sides.
War’s Stalemate Transition to the South
Capture of Southern Cities
British Strategy:
Moving into the South after 1779, significant victories initially with the capture of Charleston and other coastal cities, yet stability decreases due to encouraging slave alliances and arming loyalists.
Shift in Strategies by Continental Commanders
General Nathanael Greene’s tactics:
Engaging in guerrilla tactics against a larger British army in attempts to elude direct confrontations.
Final Battles:
The culmination of efforts leads to the Battle of Yorktown, where combined Franco-American forces effectively besiege Cornwallis and lead him to surrender, marking a critical point that incites negotiations from Britain for peace.
Conclusion of the American Revolutionary War
Aftermath of Yorktown:
Surrender on October 17, 1781, leads to shifts in public sentiment within Britain.
Resulting negotiations culminate in a peace treaty signed later, officially ending hostilities and recognizing American independence.