The American Revolution: From Lexington to Independence
The American Revolution: From Skirmish to Declaration
Introduction to the American Revolution
This lecture accompanies Chapter on the American Revolution, focusing on the background, principles, and early stages of the war.
An example college essay (five paragraphs, identifiable thesis statement) is provided, illustrating a response to a question like, "What did 'no taxation without representation' mean to American colonists and how did it become the rallying cry of revolution?"
Students are reminded to prepare for their upcoming essay exam on the th, with questions provided in a previous video.
The Outbreak of Fighting and the Siege of Boston (1775)
Initial British Actions: British troops, led by General Gage, marched out of Boston Harbor to confiscate gun stores in surrounding communities.
Colonial militias, acting on orders from Massachusetts's "shadow government" (disbanded legislature, still meeting), had been stockpiling weapons.
The British aimed to neutralize a perceived colonial rebellion threat by seizing these supplies.
Colonial Response: The British action backfired spectacularly, leading to the formation of a spontaneous army of patriot militias.
This patriot army laid siege to the British position in Boston, effectively trapping the British.
Boston, Massachusetts, was strategically challenging for defense against a hostile population.
The British controlled land approaches to the city by holding high ground: Bunker's Hill and Breed's Hill.
The Second Continental Congress (May -)
Reconvocation: After the skirmishes outside Boston and the ensuing siege, the Second Continental Congress reconvened in Philadelphia.
Delegates from most colonies participated, facing a difficult dilemma.
The Dilemma: While agreeing that taking up arms was necessary and not condemning the actions in Massachusetts, many delegates still wished to avoid full-scale war and remained loyal to the British crown.
Middle Ground Approach:
Olive Branch Petition: Issued to King George III, assuring him of colonial loyalty and hoping he was unaware of the colonies' mismanagement.
The petition listed grievances, aiming for arbitration and a peaceful settlement. This peace overture ultimately failed.
Declaration on the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms: Provided a full list of grievances explaining why fighting had begun.
Appointment of George Washington: A pivotal political and military move.
Washington, a colonial officer from the French and Indian War, a wealthy Virginia plantation owner, and a trusted aristocrat, was appointed commander of the new Continental Army.
This appointment was shrewd as it brought Virginia fully onboard with the Massachusetts-initiated cause.
Washington's Challenges: Despite being a respected figure, Washington had not had an overwhelmingly successful record in the French and Indian War.
He faced substantial odds against a global British Empire with a powerful navy and a population of approximately million, compared to the American population of roughly million (about of Britain's).
The fledgling Continental Congress lacked the power to tax or regulate trade, significantly limiting its resources.
Washington inherited a "ragtag bunch" of colonial militiamen, lacking discipline; his task was to forge them into a professional army.
Early Military Actions & Strategy: Washington's forces daringly took and fortified Breed's and Bunker's Hills overnight with cannons.
The British underestimated colonial capabilities and were forced to launch costly uphill frontal assaults on these positions, suffering huge casualties.
Though Washington eventually withdrew from these specific positions, his strategy was to use hit-and-run tactics, leveraging local population support and avoiding direct, decisive defeat.
His aim was to stay in the field, a strategy he maintained for much of the war.
The Shift Towards Independence (1775-1776)
A year of fighting (from into ) transpired before a formal Declaration of Independence.
British Responses to the Olive Branch Petition:
Parliament's Prohibitory Act: Closed all colonial ports, essentially locking down the colonies economically.
King George III's Declaration: Declared the colonies to be in a "state of rebellion."
This was a grave pronouncement, as treason against the Crown was punishable by hanging, making reconciliation impossible.
News also reached the colonies that the king was raising a large army and armada, including tens of thousands of "Hessian mercenaries" (Germanic soldiers known for ruthlessness and atrocities).
The British were also recruiting enslaved people and Native Americans to fight against the colonists, which was seen as an unthinkable affront by many.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense:
Published in early , this pamphlet was a phenomenal bestseller, selling over copies (second only to the Bible).
Widely read and circulated, Paine's argument resonated profoundly: it was illogical for a growing, industrious people in America to be controlled and stunted by an island nation miles away, especially in an "Age of Reason" when people could govern themselves.
His argument for a republican form of government came at a crucial time and was phrased to maximize impact.
Formal Declaration: The Continental Congress formally adopted a resolution for independence on July , , and approved the Declaration of Independence on July , .
Aftermath of the Declaration and Early Government
State Constitutions: In the wake of the Declaration, colonial assemblies began drafting new state constitutions.
Articles of Confederation: Approved by the Continental Congress in , it established an official framework for the federal government.
"Firm League of Friendship": This clause deliberately created a weak central government.
Limited Powers: The Articles government had very little power; it could not tax or regulate trade, functioning more as an alliance between sovereign states than a strong national government.
Funding the War Effort: The lack of central authority led to severe financial difficulties.
The army was poorly funded, with individual states bearing the bulk of war expenses.
Continental Dollars: The Articles government issued paper currency, but without the power to tax, these "continental dollars" quickly became worthless due to rampant inflation.
This is the origin of the phrase "not worth a continental."
Consequences: The lack of adequate funding directly caused hardships like the bitter winter at Valley Forge.
The success of the American Revolution, despite these challenges, is remarkable.
French Involvement
Early Covert Support: Crucial to the revolutionary success was the diplomatic skill of figures like Ben Franklin, who was in Paris.
Franklin, wearing a coonskin hat and embodying both frontiersman and Renaissance man, charmed the French.
Initially, the French government secretly funded and supplied the American Revolution to avoid risking war with England if the American cause seemed doomed to fail.
Open Alliance: French involvement became open after the Battle of Saratoga in , when American victory proved their potential for success.
France was motivated by a desire to exact revenge on the British Empire for its defeat in the French and Indian War.