Notes on America's War for Independence

America's War for Independence (1775-1783)

Key Battles and Events

  • Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)
  • Bunker Hill: British win but costly victory (1775)
  • Battle of Saratoga: American forces defeat General Burgoyne (1777)
  • Declaration of Independence: Adopted July 1776
  • Lord Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown (1781)
  • Treaty of Paris signed (1783)

Britain's Strategy (1763-1774)

  • England raised funds through taxation, leading to protests, particularly in Boston.
  • Established the 1st Continental Congress and enforced a boycott against Britain.
  • Deployment of British troops under General Thomas Gage to enforce Coercive Acts.
  • Colonists' response: Suffolk Resolves, stockpiling weapons, rising militia (Minutemen).

Outbreak of Fighting

  • Gage's order to seize powder at Concord leads to clashes at Lexington.
  • Paul Revere's ride to warn colonists; Minutemen confront British troops.
  • Result: 73 British & 49 Americans killed, ramping up militia mobilization.

Common Sense by Thomas Paine (January 1776)

  • Critique of monarchy and support for American independence.
  • Advocated for a republic and popular sovereignty.
  • Used plain language to persuade colonists against the British Empire.

French Support in the War

  • France provided secret supplies (gunpowder, arms) from 1776.
  • Official treaties for support were signed by February 1778.
  • French military assistance played a crucial role in the victory at Yorktown.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

  • British Parliament ends military operations; colony evacuation begins (1782).
  • Key negotiations in Paris by Franklin, Adams, and Jay lead to border establishment and fishing rights.
  • Recommendations for fair treatment of loyalists.

Loyalists During the War

  • Approximately 1/3 of colonists were loyalists; 1/3 neutral; 1/3 for independence.
  • Loyalists faced confiscation of property and harsh laws enforcing allegiance oaths.
  • Many loyalists migrated to England/Canada post-war.

Impact on Slaves and Indigenous Peoples

  • Both sides employed African slaves; 10,000-20,000 fought for British.
  • Following the war, skin color identity intensified.
  • Land promised to Natives by Britain is given to the U.S. in the Treaty of Paris.

Role of Women and Patriots

  • Patriots included diverse backgrounds: merchants, farmers, and laborers.
  • Women contributed by supporting soldiers and managing homes.
  • Economic challenges led to inflation; each state printed its own currency.
  • Roles in production and fundraising for the war effort were solidified.