American Revolution P2 Flashcards
Purpose of Declaration of Independence
Explains why the 13 colonies wanted independence from Great Britains
Writer of the Declaration…
Thomas Jefferson
Olive Branch Petition
July 5th, 1775
- Final attempt to avoid war between colonies and Great Britain
- Affirmed American loyalty to GB and entreated the King to prevent further conflict
- Rejected
Second Continental Congress
July 1778
- 48 delegates met in Philidelphia
- Committee of 5 responsible for drafting the document for independence
- Declaration of Independence was thus written here
Parts of the Declaration
- Preamble
- Declaration of Natural Rights
- List of Grievances
- Resolution of Independence
Preamble
- Legally and philosophically justifies revolution
- “Now that we’re starting to separate, this is the explanation why”
Declaration of Natural Rights
- How a government should be run
- Reveals the influence of John Locke: civilians have the right to replace the government.
List of Grievances
- Condemns behavior of King George
- Lists their tyrannical actions
Resolution of Independence
- Final paragraph that declares independence
British Army
One of the strongest in the world at the time
To conquer the middle colonies, Britain
launched one of the largest sea and land offensives
British troops consisted of
50k regular troops, 30k German mercenaries
70 regiments
Regiments formed by 50k Loyalists to help maintain control of the colonies
Patriot canons
Enabled Patriots to fortify high grounds South of the city
French reliance
- Their victories convinced the French to publicly support the Patriots cause
- They were loaned money, given crucial military support, and could rely on French for retaliation and control of seas
Patriot national capital
Did not exist: which helped because if It were captured it would end the entire conflict
Patriot war tactics
- Learned from Indian War to use guerrilla tactics
- Strike quickly from behind trees fences before disappearing
- Avoid large scale confrontations and made it impossible for the British to deliver a single knock out blow
Support for Patriots
Transcended social class, religion, and regions.
France, Spain, and Netherland involvement
They all entered the war on the American side, meaning that Britain couldn’t concentrate its forces int he colonies and protect their land in the East Indies and Gibraltar aswell.
Patriots vs Loyalists
Patriots would tar, feather, and murder those who were still loyal to the Crown.
Loyalists & Britain
Britain lacked trust with their Loyalists and ultimately alienated many potential allies