The American Nation

Chapter 6

The American Revolution

17751783

Copyright 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.

The American Nation

Chapter 6: The American Revolution 17751783

Section 1:

Fighting Begins in the North

Section 2:

The Colonies Declare Independence

Section 3:

Struggles in the Middle States

Section 4:

Fighting for Liberty on Many Fronts

Section 5:

Winning the War in the South

Copyright 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.

Fighting Begins in the North

Chapter 6, Section 1

How did Congress struggle between peace

and war with Britain?
What advantages did each side have as it
entered the war?
How did the Continental Army gain control
of Boston?

Congress Struggles Between Peace and War

Chapter 6, Section 1

The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.

Members of Congress looked for a way to avoid a break with
Britain.
Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III.
Congress declared its loyalty to the king.
Congress asked the king to repeal the Intolerable Acts.
The king was angry. He ordered more troops to the colonies.
Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, a band of
Vermonters, took Fort Ticonderoga. They took British cannons
and gunpowder and control of a key route into Canada.
The Second Continental Congress established the Continental
Army.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Side

Chapter 6, Section 1

Sides

Advantages

Disadvantages

Patriots
colonists who
favored war
with Britain

Many Patriots owned rifles.

George Washington was a
brilliant commander.
Patriots were determined to
defend their homes and
property.

Poorly organized and

untrained
Few cannons, little
gunpowder, no navy
Few colonists were willing to
enlist for long terms

British

Highly trained and experienced.

Best navy in the world.
LoyalistsAmerican colonists
who remained loyal to British.

Far from home

Attacked by the colonists in
the countryside

The Battle of Bunker Hill

Chapter 6, Section 1

British troops controlled Boston. Colonial militia surrounded

the city.
Across the river from Boston, minutemen fired on British
ships from Bunker Hill.
British troops drew near to attack the colonists.
Two times the colonists turned back British attacks.
With the third attack the British took Bunker Hill and Breeds
Hill, but they suffered heavy losses.
The Battle of Bunker Hill showed:
Americans could fight bravely.
The British would not be easy to defeat.

How the Continental Army Gained Control of Boston

Chapter 6, Section 1

When Washington reached Boston, he found

16,000 American troops waiting.
Washington began to train an army.
The cannon that the Green Mountain Boys
captured arrived. Washington placed them on
Dorchester Heights, overlooking British ships in
the harbor.
British General Howe spotted the cannon and left
Boston for Canada.

Section 1 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 1

When the Second Continental Congress first met, the members were hoping to
a) drive the British out of Boston.
b) establish an independent empire.
c) crush the revolt.
d) avoid a final break with Britain.
One of the Patriots advantages was that
a) they were fighting for their own homes and property.
b) they had an excellent navy.
c) Loyalists were on their side.
d) many colonists were willing to sign up for long periods of time.

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Section 1 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 1

When the Second Continental Congress first met, the members were hoping to
a) drive the British out of Boston.
b) establish an independent empire.
c) crush the revolt.
d) avoid a final break with Britain.
One of the Patriots advantages was that
a) they were fighting for their own homes and property.
b) they had an excellent navy.
c) Loyalists were on their side.
d) many colonists were willing to sign up for long periods of time.

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The Colonies Declare Independence

Chapter 6, Section 2

How did Common Sense influence the

colonists?
What steps did Congress take to declare
independence?
What are the main ideas of the Declaration
of Independence?

Common Sense Influenced the Colonists

Chapter 6, Section 2

Thomas Paine wrote an essayCommon Senseurging the

colonies to declare independence. Paine and other radicals
people who want to make drastic changes in societybegan
to think of creating their own nation.
Against Independence

For Independence

Many colonists felt loyal to Britain.

People felt they owed their
allegiance to the king.

Colonists did not owe loyalty to

George III or any other monarch.
Colonists did not owe anything to
Britain. The British had helped the
colonists for their own profit.
Staying under British rule would be
harmful to the colonies.

Congress Declares Independence

Chapter 6, Section 2

Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution for independence.

Second Continental Congress debated the resolution.
Members of Congress worried that the British could hang
them as traitors, people who betray their country.
Congress appointed a committee to draw up a formal
declaration of independence.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the final document for the
committee.
The declaration was read to Congress.
The delegates voted to accept the declaration.
The declaration was printed and signed.
Copies were distributed through the colonies.

The Declaration of Independence

Chapter 6, Section 2

Preamble
Introduction; explains that the declaration will tell why the colonies
want to break from Great Britain.
First partNatural rights
Rights that belong to all people from birth, such as life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness. Governments exist to protect peoples
natural rights.
Second partBritish wrongs
Great Britain has committed many wrongs. King George III
disbanded colonial legislatures, sent troops, and limited colonial
trade. The colonists asked for justice but did not get it.
Third partIndependence
The colonies are now a free and independent nationthe United
States of America.

Section 2 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 2

The essay Common Sense

a) was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth.
b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies.
c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain.
d) urged colonists to remain under British rule.
According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in
order to
a) make war and provide jobs.
b) make drastic changes in society.
c) express their allegiance to a ruler.
d) protect their natural rights and liberties.

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Section 2 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 2

The essay Common Sense

a) was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth.
b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies.
c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain.
d) urged colonists to remain under British rule.
According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in
order to
a) make war and provide jobs.
b) make drastic changes in society.
c) express their allegiance to a ruler.
d) protect their natural rights and liberties.

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Struggles in the Middle States

Chapter 6, Section 3

What battles were fought in New York and

New Jersey?
How did the Battle of Saratoga mark a
turning point in the war?
What hardships did the Continental Army
suffer at Valley Forge?

Battles in New York and New Jersey

Chapter 6, Section 3

Battle

What Happened

Results

Battle of Long
Island

Americans were outnumbered

and defeated.

The British chased the

Americans into Pennsylvania.

Battle of
Trenton

On Christmas night,
Washington led a surprise
attack on Trenton.

The Americans took a force of

German soldiers prisoner.

Battle of
Princeton

British General Charles

Cornwallis set out to retake
Trenton. Washington fooled him
and slipped behind his troops
to attack other British forces at
Princeton.

The victories at Trenton and

Princeton gave Americans new
hope.

SaratogaA Turning Point

Chapter 6, Section 3

General John Burgoyne planned to defeat the Americans.

Three British armies would march on Albany from different
directions and crush American forces.
General Howe was supposed to capture Philadelphia first, then
march on Albany. Howe retired to Philadelphia instead.
Two British armies marched toward Albany. Americans drove
one of the British armies back at Fort Stanwix.
Only one British army was left to march on Albany.
In the Battle of Saratoga, north of Albany, Americans defeated
the British. Burgoyne was forced to surrender his entire army.
The victory boosted American spirits and led France to
become one of Americas alliesnations that work together to
achieve a common goal.

SaratogaA Turning Point

Chapter 6, Section 3

France
France and
and Britain
Britain in
in conflict
conflict for
for many
many years
years
Conflict
Conflict between
between France
France and
and Britain
Britain
increases
increases after
after the
the French
French and
and Indian
Indian War
War
Americans
Americans appeal
appeal to
to France
France for
for support
support
during
during the
the Revolutionary
Revolutionary War
War
France
France gives
gives American
American rebels
rebels money
money and
and
supplies
but
stays
neutral
supplies but stays neutral
Americans
Americans defeat
defeat British
British at
at Saratoga
Saratoga
Victory
Victory at
at Saratoga
Saratoga proves
proves to
to France
France that
that
Americans
Americans can
can win
win
France
France gives
gives military
military and
and naval
naval support
support to
to
American
American forces
forces

The War in the Middle States

Chapter 6, Section 3

Hardships at Valley Forge

Chapter 6, Section 3

Conditions at Valley Forge were harsh:

Mid-winter snow, mud, and slush
Damp, drafty huts; frozen ground
Soldiers poorly clothed; some did not have shoes
or coats.
Soldiers suffered from frostbite and disease
Poor food

Section 3 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 3

One reason the Patriots had to retreat often early in the war was that
a) Washington had fewer troops than the British.
b) the Patriot navy did most of the fighting.
c) Nathan Hale gave away Patriot secrets.
d) the war moved away from New England.
The American victory at Saratoga was important because it
a) tricked British General Howe away from Philadelphia.
b) revealed the spy Nathan Hale.
c) took by surprise a force of Germans fighting for England.
d) convinced the French to be an ally of the United States.

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Section 3 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 3

One reason the Patriots had to retreat often early in the war was that
a) Washington had fewer troops than the British.
b) the Patriot navy did most of the fighting.
c) Nathan Hale gave away Patriot secrets.
d) the war moved away from New England.
The American victory at Saratoga was important because it
a) tricked British General Howe away from Philadelphia.
b) revealed the spy Nathan Hale.
c) took by surprise a force of Germans fighting for England.
d) convinced the French to be an ally of the United States.

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Fighting for Liberty on Many Fronts

Chapter 6, Section 4

What role did women play in the war?

What choices did African Americans
have?
How was the war fought on the frontier
and at sea?

Women Played a Role in the War

Chapter 6, Section 4

Women took on added work at home.

Some women joined their husbands at the front.
Betsy Ross sewed flags for Washingtons army.
A few women took part in battle, for example,
Mary Ludwig Hays, known as Molly Pitcher.

African Americans Faced Hard Choices

Chapter 6, Section 4

Some African Americans served in the United

States Army.
Some served in the newly formed United States
Navy.
Some were minutemen.
Some enslaved African Americans looked for
freedom by following British troops.

The War in the West and at Sea

Chapter 6, Section 4

Northern Frontier

Mohawk Indians and Loyalists raided settlements in

Pennsylvania and New York.
Patriots struck back by destroying Iroquois villages.

Middle Frontier

George Rogers Clark led Virginians against the British

in the Ohio Valley.
The British surrendered the fort at Vincennes.

Southern Frontier

The governor of Spanish Louisiana supplied the

Patriots.
Later, he seized British forts along the Mississippi River
and Gulf of Mexico. He drove the British out of West
Florida.

At Sea

Captain John Paul Jones captured the British warship

Serapis.

The War in the West

Chapter 6, Section 4

Section 4 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 4

Which statement is true of the Patriot army?

a) All African Americans could join.
b) African Americans could not join at all.
c) Free African Americans could join.
d) Free African Americans could join, but they could serve only as spies.
Which statement is true of the war in the West?
a) Native Americans fought for both sides in the war.
b) Native Americans were chased into the hills and stayed until after the
war.
c) Native Americans sided only with the British.
d) Native Americans sided only with the Americans.

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Section 4 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 4

Which statement is true of the Patriot army?

a) All African Americans could join.
b) African Americans could not join at all.
c) Free African Americans could join.
d) Free African Americans could join, but they could serve only as spies.
Which statement is true of the war in the West?
a) Native Americans fought for both sides in the war.
b) Native Americans were chased into the hills and stayed until after the
war.
c) Native Americans sided only with the British.
d) Native Americans sided only with the Americans.

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Winning the War in the South

Chapter 6, Section 5

Why did Britain decide to start fighting in

the South?
How did the Americans and French defeat
the British at the Battle of Yorktown?
What were the terms of the Treaty of
Paris?
What factors helped the Americans win
the war?

Britain Takes the War to the South

Chapter 6, Section 5

Savannah, Georgia
Charleston and
Camden, South
Carolina

The British seized these cities in 1778.

Kings Mountain,
South Carolina

Patriots took the mountain from a Loyalist force.

Showed that Britain could lose in the South.

The Carolinas

General Nathanael Greene struck the British when he had a

geographical advantage and wore them down.

Battle of Cowpens,
South Carolina

Patriot General Daniel Morgan fooled the British into thinking

his army was retreating, then turned and fired on the British.

Guilford Court House

A bloody battle. The Americans retreated, but the British

suffered great losses.

Guerrilla, or hit and

run, warfare

Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, led a small band of

soldiers that harassed the British in the South.

The War in the South

Chapter 6, Section 5

The Battle of Yorktown

Chapter 6, Section 5

Cornwallis planned to conquer Virginia.

American troops under Lafayette kept Cornwallis from
succeeding.
Cornwallis was ordered to send part of his army to New
York. Instead, he retreated to Yorktown peninsula.
A combined American and French army trapped Cornwallis
on the peninsula.
A French fleet kept Cornwallis from escaping by sea.
The American and French armies laid siege to Cornwalliss
army, that is, they surrounded and blockaded the enemy
position.
The British lost the Battle of Yorktown. They surrendered.

The Treaty of Paris

Chapter 6, Section 5

Congress ratified, or approved, the Treaty of Paris

on April 15, 1783.
The British recognized the United States as an
independent nation.
The boundaries of the United States extended
from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River
and from the Great Lakes to Florida.
Florida was returned to Spain.
Americans agreed to ask states to pay Loyalists
for property they had lost.

Why Americans Won the War

Chapter 6, Section 5

Geography
Foreign Help

Patriotism
Leaders

Americans were fighting at home on familiar ground.

The British were far from home in unknown territory.
Spanish and French forces fought with the
Americans. France, the Netherlands, and Spain
loaned money. German and Polish officers provided
training.
Patriots gained skill as soldiers. They didnt give up.
George Washingtons leadership and military skills
were so good that he was respected by Americans
and British alike

Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 5

Cornwalliss army marched throughout the South. How was he finally

stopped?
a) Loyalists turned against him.
b) He sent part of his army to New York, so he didnt have enough troops.
c) Benedict Arnold betrayed his position.
d) French and American armies trapped him on a peninsula in the
Chesapeake Bay.
One provision of the Treaty of Paris was that
a) the United States kept Florida.
b) Great Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation
c) the states would pay money to France and Spain for their help.
d) the United States would pay Great Britain for government property.

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Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 6, Section 5

Cornwalliss army marched throughout the South. How was he finally

stopped?
a) Loyalists turned against him.
b) He sent part of his army to New York, so he didnt have enough troops.
c) Benedict Arnold betrayed his position.
d) French and American armies trapped him on a peninsula in the
Chesapeake Bay.
One provision of the Treaty of Paris was that
a) the United States kept Florida.
b) Great Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation
c) the states would pay money to France and Spain for their help.
d) the United States would pay Great Britain for government property.

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