America Secedes from the Empire (1775—1783) Notes

  • Chapter 8: America Secedes from the Empire (1775—1783)

  • Introductory Context

    • Second Continental Congress held in May 1775 in Philadelphia.
    • Discussed recent events leading to independence, leading to the appointment of George Washington as General of the Continental Army.
    • Chosen for his appearance, ability to inspire confidence, patience, courage, self-discipline, fairness, and religious faith.

  • Bunker Hill and the Olive Branch Petition

    • Olive Branch Petition proposed by the Second Continental Congress in July 1775 to seek peace with King George III.
    • After the battle of Bunker Hill, King George III rejected the petition and declared the colonies in rebellion.
    • This was a direct response to the significant British casualties at Bunker Hill.

  • The Abortive Conquest of Canada

    • Fighting prior to July 1776 was largely unsuccessful for the Americans.
    • Expectations of support from French Canadians proved false.
    • Notable losses included Benedict Arnold's defeat of Richard Montgomery.

  • Thomas Paine and "Common Sense"

    • Importance of Common Sense:
    • Advocated for American independence, arguing that a smaller entity (Britain) should not control a larger one (America).
    • Described the king as a "Royal Brute".
    • Promoted the concept of republicanism where citizens elect representatives, preventing monarchical power from rising.

  • Jefferson's Declaration of Independence

    • Proposed by Richard Henry Lee on June 7, 1776; formally approved on July 2, 1776.
    • Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration had four sections:
    1. Preamble/Introduction
    2. Statement of Rights
    3. List of Grievances
    4. Statement of Separation
    • Key concepts include natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
    • Declared a break from British rule, empowering Americans to seek foreign alliances and necessitating victory in war.

  • Loyalists vs. Patriots

    • Loyalists: Supported British rule; typically conservative, wealthy, aristocratic, and affiliated with the Anglican church (about 16% of the population).
    • Patriots: Advocated for independence from Britain; also referred to as Whigs in Britain.
    • Post-war, many loyalists faced persecution and chose to leave America, often migrating to Canada.

  • General William Howe's Leadership

    • Critiqued for lack of aggressiveness, leading to missed opportunities to defeat the Continental Army.

  • The Battle of Saratoga

    • Americans won due to poor execution of the British plan, which failed for multiple reasons:
    • Loss of crucial troops and mismanagement by General Burgoyne.
    • This battle was significant as it led to British surrender and a boost in American morale, paving the way for French support.

  • Foreign Aid's Role

    • French support was crucial, influenced by a desire for revenge against Britain from the earlier French and Indian War.
    • Ben Franklin's diplomatic efforts secured the Franco-American Treaty in 1778.

  • Iroquois Confederacy

    • Divided allegiances among Indian tribes; some sided with Americans, while others remained loyal to the British.
    • The Treaty of Fort Stanwix forced British allied tribes to relinquish land.

  • Yorktown and War Conclusion

    • The last major battle where British General Cornwallis surrendered to American and French forces on October 19, 1781.
    • Although the war did not officially conclude here, it marked a significant turning point.

  • Treaty of Paris (1783)

    • America gained independence and land to the Mississippi River while ensuring fair treatment of loyalists.
    • Spain received Florida as part of the terms.
    • Favorable terms for Americans included widespread recognition of independence from European powers.

  • Varying Historical Perspectives

    • Historians have differing views on the American Revolution and its implications for various groups in society.