Lesson 5: Winning Independence Flashcards
1
Q
Ally Definition
A
a nation that works with another nation for a common purpose
2
Q
Battle of Cowpens Definition
A
a 1781 battle in South Carolina that was an important American victory over the British
3
Q
Battle of Long Island Definition
A
a 1776 battle in New York in which more than 1,400 colonists were killed, wounded, or captured
4
Q
Battle of Saratoga Definition
A
a 1777 battle that was the first decisive American victory in the Revolution
5
Q
Battle of Trenton Definition
A
a 1776 battle in New Jersey in which George Washington’s troops captured a British encampment
6
Q
Battle of Yorktown Definition
A
the 1781 American victory in Virginia that forced the British to surrender
7
Q
Cavalry Definition
A
troops on horseback
8
Q
Friedrich von Steuben Definition
A
a German officer who trained General Washington’s troops during the winter at Valley Forge. His methods and training manual became standard for American troops.
9
Q
Guerrilla Definition
A
a fighter who uses hit-and-run attacks
10
Q
Haym Salomon Definition
A
a Jewish financier who aided the fight for independence during the American Revolution. He was born in Poland and immigrated to New York City in 1772.
11
Q
James Armistead Definition
A
an enslaved African American who spied for General Lafayette during the American Revolution. His efforts were so successful that he was rewarded with his freedom and eventually, with a veteran’s pension.
12
Q
Marquis de Lafayette Definition
A
a French aristocrat who fought with the Patriots against the British during the War for Independence.
13
Q
Nathan Hale
A
a young American Revolutionary hero from Connecticut who was captured by the British and hung without trial. Tradition says that before he died he said: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
14
Q
Ratify Definition
A
to give official approval
15
Q
Siege Definition
A
a military blockade or encirclement of an enemy town or position with the purpose of forcing it to surrender
16
Q
Valley Forge Definition
A
the Pennsylvania site of Washington’s Continental Army encampment during the winter of 1777–1778
17
Q
Wentworth Cheswell Definition
A
a free African American who fought for independence during the American Revolution, the grandson of a slave, and an educated, regularly elected town leader in New Hampshire.
18
Q
Wentworth Cheswell Definition
A
a free African American who fought for independence during the American Revolution, the grandson of a slave, and an educated, regularly elected town leader in New Hampshire.
19
Q
What was the British response to the Continental Congress’s vote for independence in July 1776? How did the armies compare?
A
The British began landing troops in New York in the same month that the Continental Congress voted for independence, July 1776. General George Washington, expecting the attack, had led his forces south from Boston to New York City. His army, however, was no match for the British under the command of General Howe. Howe had about 34,000 troops and 10,000 sailors. He also had ships to ferry them ashore. Washington had fewer than 20,000 poorly trained troops, which he spread in various locations to defend New York. Worse, he had no navy.
20
Q
What happened in the Battle of Long Island in 1776?
A
In August, Howe’s army landed on Long Island. In the Battle of Long Island, more than 1,400 Americans were killed, wounded, or captured. The rest retreated to Manhattan. The British pursued. To avoid capture, Washington hurried north.
21
Q
What was the result of Washington crossing the Hudson River into New Jersey?
A
Throughout the autumn, Washington fought a series of battles with Howe’s army. In November, he crossed the Hudson River into New Jersey. Chased by the British, the Americans retreated across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania.
22
Q
What did Nathan Hale do for the Patriots? What ended up happening to him?
A
During the campaign for New York, Washington needed information about Howe’s forces. Nathan Hale, a young Connecticut officer, volunteered to go behind British lines. On his way back with the information, Hale was seized by the British and searched. Hidden in the soles of his shoes was information about British troop movements. There was no trial. Howe ordered Hale to be hanged the next morning. As Hale walked to the gallows, he is said to have declared: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
23
Q
What did Haym Salomon do to support the cause of the Americans?
A
Even as Washington’s army retreated and the British took New York City, many people there remained as loyal to the American cause as Hale. Haym Salomon (HY um SAL uh mun), a Jewish immigrant from Poland, was arrested by the British in September of 1776 and thrown into prison. Salomon had supported the American cause from the start, helping the new government get loans. Salomon even gave his own money to soldiers and military units for equipment. He managed to escape to Philadelphia and continued to aid the fight for independence.
24
Q
What state were Washington’s troops in during the December of 1776?
A
Months of hard campaigning took a toll on the Continental Army. In December 1776, Washington described his troops as sick, dirty, and “so thinly clad as to be unfit for service.” Every day, soldiers deserted. Washington wrote to his brother: “I am wearied to death. I think the game is pretty near up.”
25
What happened at the Battle of Trenton?
Washington decided on a bold move: a surprise attack on Trenton, New Jersey. The Delaware River separated the British in Trenton and the Americans, and the soldiers guarding Trenton would not expect American troops to cross it. On Christmas night, Washington secretly led his troops across the icy river. Soldiers shivered as spray from the river froze on their faces. Once ashore, they marched through swirling snow. Some had no shoes. They tied rags around their feet. “Soldiers, keep by your officers,” Washington urged. Early on December 26, the Americans surprised the Hessian troops guarding Trenton and took most of them prisoner. The Hessians were soldiers from Germany. An American summed up the Battle of Trenton: “Hessian population of Trenton at 8 A.M.—1,408 men and 39 officers; Hessian population at 9 A.M.—0.”
26
Why did the British hire Hessian mercenaries? Where were the British during the Battle of Trenton?
The British hired Hessian mercenaries to compensate for a shortage of British troops. At the time, British troops were fighting in other wars.
27
How did Washington trick Cornwallis after the Battle of Trenton on January 2, 1777? How did the American victories at Trenton and Princeton influence the patriots? Where did the Patriots move after Princeton?
British General Charles Cornwallis set out at once to retake Trenton and to capture Washington. Late on January 2, 1777, he saw the lights of Washington's campfires. “At last we have run down the old fox,” he said, “and we will bag him in the morning.” Washington fooled Cornwallis. He left the fires burning and slipped behind British lines to attack a British force that was marching toward Princeton. There, the Continental Army won another victory. From Princeton, Washington moved to Morristown, where the army would spend the winter. The victories at Trenton and Princeton gave the Americans new hope.
28
In Early 1777, what plan did British General John Burgoyne present for British victory?
In London, British officials were dismayed by the army's failure to crush the rebels. Early in 1777, General John Burgoyne (bur GOIN) presented a new plan for victory. If British troops cut off New England from the other colonies, he argued, the war would soon be over.
29
What did Burgoyne want General Howe to do to fulfill his plan?
Burgoyne wanted three British armies to march on Albany, New York, from different directions. They would crush American forces there. Once they controlled the Hudson River, the British could stop the flow of soldiers and supplies from New England to Washington's army. Burgoyne's plan called for General Howe to march on Albany from New York City. George III, however, wanted Howe to capture Philadelphia first.
30
What did Howe do in July 1777? Where did Washington retreat to?
In July 1777, Howe sailed from New York to the Chesapeake Bay, where he began his march on Philadelphia. Howe captured Philadelphia, defeating the Americans at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. But instead of moving toward Albany to meet Burgoyne as planned, he retired to comfortable quarters in Philadelphia for the winter. For his part, Washington retreated to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
31
What were British armies under Burgoyne and Barry St. Leger doing while General Howe was capturing Philadelphia?
Meanwhile, British armies under Burgoyne and Barry St. Leger (lay ZHAIR) marched from Canada toward Albany. St. Leger tried to take Fort Stanwix. However, a strong American army, led by Benedict Arnold, drove him back.
32
What happened in the Battles of Saratoga and the Battle of Bennington? What was the Battle of Saratoga's significance?
Only Burgoyne was left to march on Albany. His army moved slowly because it had many heavy baggage carts to drag through the woods. To slow Burgoyne further, Patriots cut down trees and dammed up streams to block the route. Despite these obstacles, Burgoyne recaptured Fort Ticonderoga, shocking Americans. However, he delayed at the fort, giving American forces time to regroup. He also sent troops into Vermont to find food and horses. There, Patriots attacked the redcoats. At the Battle of Bennington, they wounded or captured nearly 1,000 British.
Burgoyne's troubles grew. The Green Mountain Boys hurried into New York to help American forces there. At the village of Saratoga, the Americans surrounded the British. When Burgoyne tried to break free, the Americans beat him back. Realizing that he was trapped, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army to the Americans on October 17, 1777. The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga was a major turning point in the war.
33
Why was the Battle of Saratoga a major turning point?
It ended the British threat to New England. It boosted American spirits at a time when Washington's army was suffering defeats. Most importantly, it convinced France to become an ally of the United States. Nations that are allies work together to achieve a common goal.
34
How many allies did the Battle of Saratoga provide? What did they do to help?
The Continental Congress had long hoped for French aid. In 1776, the Congress had sent Benjamin Franklin to Paris to persuade Louis XVI, the French king, to give the Americans weapons and other badly needed supplies. In addition, the Congress wanted France to declare war on Britain.
The French were eager to defeat Britain, but they were also cautious. France was still angry about its defeat at British hands in the French and Indian War. However, Louis XVI did not want to help the Americans openly unless he was sure that they could win. The American victory at Saratoga convinced France that the United States could stand up to Britain. In February 1778, France became the first nation to sign a treaty with the United States. It recognized the new nation and agreed to provide military aid. Later, the Netherlands and Spain also joined in the war against Britain. France, the Netherlands, and Spain all provided loans to the United States. Even before European nations agreed to help the United States, individual volunteers had been coming from Europe to join the American cause. Some became leading officers in the American army.
35
How was Marquis de Lafayette's relationship with Washington?
The Marquis de Lafayette (mar KEE dah lah fay ET), a young French noble, convinced France to send several thousand trained soldiers to help the Patriot cause. Lafayette, who fought at Brandywine, became one of Washington's most trusted friends.
36
What contributions did Friedrich von Steuben, Thaddeus Kosciusko, and Casimir Pulaski have in the Continental Army?
From the German state of Prussia came Friedrich von Steuben (STOO bun), who helped train Washington's troops to march and drill. Von Steuben had served in the Prussian army, which was considered the best in Europe. Two Polish officers also joined the Americans. Thaddeus Kosciusko (kahs ee S koh), an engineer, helped build forts and other defenses. Casimir Pulaski trained cavalry, or troops on horseback.
37
What contributions did Friedrich von Steuben, Thaddeus Kosciusko, and Casimir Pulaski have in the Continental Army?
From the German state of Prussia came Friedrich von Steuben (STOO bun), who helped train Washington's troops to march and drill. Von Steuben had served in the Prussian army, which was considered the best in Europe. Two Polish officers also joined the Americans. Thaddeus Kosciusko (kahs ee S koh), an engineer, helped build forts and other defenses. Casimir Pulaski trained cavalry, or troops on horseback.
38
How did Washington's army begin preparing for winter?
The victory at Saratoga and the promise of help from Europe boosted American morale. Washington's Continental Army began preparing for the winter of 1777–1778 by building a makeshift camp at Valley Forge.
38
How did Washington's army begin preparing for winter?
The victory at Saratoga and the promise of help from Europe boosted American morale. Washington's Continental Army began preparing for the winter of 1777–1778 by building a makeshift camp at Valley Forge.
39
What were the conditions at Valley Forge?
Conditions at Valley Forge were difficult, but the soldiers endured. About 2,000 huts were built as shelter. Several soldiers were improperly dressed, although many did have proper uniforms. As the winter wore on, soldiers also suffered from disease, a common problem in military camps. An army surgeon from Connecticut wrote about his hardships
40
What happened as more people heard of the struggles at Valley Forge? What as the influence of this help?
As news of the hardships at Valley Forge spread, Patriots from around the nation sent help. Women collected food, medicine, warm clothes, and ammunition for the army. Some women, like Martha Washington, wife of the commander, went to Valley Forge to help the sick and wounded. The arrival of desperately needed supplies was soon followed by warmer weather. The drills of Baron von Steuben helped the Continentals to march and fight with a new skill. By the spring of 1778, the army at Valley Forge was more hopeful. Washington could not know it at the time, but the Patriots' bleakest hour had passed.
41
When men went off to fight in the Revolution, how did that impact the organization of life at home? What is Handy Betsy the Blacksmith fabled to have done?
When men went off to fight in the Revolution, women took on added work at home. Some planted and harvested the crops. Others made shoes and wove cloth for blankets and uniforms. One woman, called “Handy Betsy the Blacksmith,” was known for making cannons and guns for the army. However, many historians point out that there is no proof she did this.
42
How did women contribute to the Revolutionary War?
Many women joined their husbands at the front. They cared for the wounded, washed clothes, and cooked. Martha Washington joined her husband whenever she could. Some women achieved lasting fame for their wartime service.
43
What did Betsy Ross do to support the American cause?
Betsy Ross of Philadelphia sewed flags for Washington's army. Legend claims that she made the first American flag of stars and stripes.
44
What did Mary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher) do to help in the Battle of Monmouth?
A few women even took part in battle. During the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, Mary Ludwig Hays carried water to her husband and other soldiers. The soldiers called her Molly Pitcher. When her husband was wounded, she took his place, loading and firing the cannon.
45
How did the Revolution influence beliefs of women rights and equaliy?
As women participated in the war, they began to think differently about their rights. Those women who had taken charge of farms or their husbands' businesses became more confident and willing to speak out. Most men in Congress did not agree that women should be treated equally. Still, the Revolution established important ideals of liberty and equality. In later years, these ideals of the Revolution would encourage women to campaign for equal treatment—and eventually to win it.
46
Why did Washington change his policy and ask Congress to allow free African Americans to enlist?
By 1776, more than a half million African Americans lived in the colonies. This large racial group was quickly emerging as part of the American identity due to African American contributions during the Revolution. At first, the Continental Congress refused to let African Americans, whether free or enslaved, join the army. Some members doubted the loyalty of armed African Americans. The British, however, offered freedom to some male slaves who would serve the king. Washington feared that this would greatly increase the ranks of the British army. In response, Washington changed his policy and asked Congress to allow free African Americans to enlist.
47
how many African Americans served in the army? How many served in the navy? How many black minutemen were at Lexington and Concord?
About 5,000 African Americans from all the colonies, except South Carolina, served in the army. Another 2,000 served in the navy which, from the start, allowed African Americans to join. At least nine black minutemen saw action at Lexington and Concord.
48
How did Saul Matthews and James Armistead contribute to the American army? What did whites recognize, and appreciate, about the blacks during the war?
Some African Americans formed special regiments. Others served in white regiments as drummers, fifers, spies, and guides. Saul Matthews and James Armistead were among those African Americans who served as spies. Whites recognized the courage of their African American comrades. As one eyewitness recalled, “Three times in succession, [African Americans] were attacked … by [British troops] and three times did they successfully repel the assault and … preserve our army from capture….”
49
Who was Wentworth Cheswell? How did he contribute?
African Americans like Wentworth Cheswell served the Patriot cause from the start. A New Hampshire schoolmaster, Cheswell was an educated and free black man who was regularly elected to local and town positions.
Like Paul Revere, he rode all night from Boston to warn his community that the British were on the march. He later enlisted in the army to help fight at Saratoga
50
What difficult decision were African Americans faced with due to the Revolutionary War?
Enslaved African Americans faced more difficult choices. If they joined the American army or continued to work on Patriot plantations, the British might capture and sell them. If they tried to flee to the British army to gain freedom, they risked being hanged by angry Patriots.
51
Toward the end of the war, how did many slaves seek freedom in the Carolinas?
Yet, many slaves did flee their masters, especially those who lived near the coast, where the British navy patrolled. One British captain reported that “near 500” runaway slaves offered their services to him. Toward the end of the war, several thousand slaves sought freedom by following British troops through the Carolinas.
52
Toward the end of the war, how did many slaves seek freedom in the Carolinas?
Yet, many slaves did flee their masters, especially those who lived near the coast, where the British navy patrolled. One British captain reported that “near 500” runaway slaves offered their services to him. Toward the end of the war, several thousand slaves sought freedom by following British troops through the Carolinas.
53
What did Black Patriots and some White leaders hope the Revolution would bring? Which group spoke out strongly against slavery?
Black Patriots hoped that the Revolution would bring an end to slavery. After all, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that “all men are created equal.” Some white leaders also hoped the war would end slavery. James Otis wrote that “the colonists are by the law of nature free born, as indeed all men are, white or black.” Quakers in particular spoke out strongly against slavery.
54
What happened at the Battle of Wyoming?
At the Battle of Wyoming in 1778, Loyalists and Native Americans, allied to the British, killed 360 colonial settlers in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania.
55
What happened to slavery during the Revolutionary War by the 1770s? How did the North and South differ?
By the 1770s, slavery was declining in the North, where a number of free African Americans lived. During the American Revolution, several states moved to make slavery illegal, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Other states also began to debate the slavery issue.
56
How did the British convince the Native Americans to ally with them?
As the war spread to Indian lands in the West, the Americans and British both tried to win the support of Indian tribes. In the end, the British were more successful. They convinced many Native Americans that a Patriot victory would mean more white settlers crossing the Appalachians and taking Indian lands.
57
Who were some of the British's Native American allies in the south? How about in the North? What fighting broke out?
In the South, the British gained the support of the Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, and Chickasaws. The British encouraged the Cherokees to attack dozens of settlements on the southern frontier. Only after hard fighting were Patriot militia able to drive the Cherokees back into the mountains.
Fighting was equally fierce on the northern frontier. In 1778, Iroquois forces led by the Mohawk leader Joseph Brant joined with Loyalists in raiding settlements in Pennsylvania and New York. The next year, Patriots struck back by destroying dozens of Iroquois villages.
58
Which Indian group helped George Rogers Clark capture the British Forts at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, near the Mississippi River?
Farther west, in 1778, George Rogers Clark led Virginia frontier fighters against the British in the Ohio Valley. With help from Miami Indians, Clark captured the British forts at Kaskaskia and Cahokia near the Mississippi River.
59
How did George Rogers Clark deceive the British commander into surrendering Vincennes in February 1779?
Clark then plotted a surprise attack on the British fort at Vincennes. When Clark's small force reached the fort, they spread out through the woods to make their numbers appear greater than they really were. The British commander thought it was useless to fight so many Americans. He surrendered Vincennes in February 1779.
60
How did Bernardo de Galvez contribute to the American cause?
On the southwestern frontier, Americans received help from New Spain. In the early years of the war, Spain was neutral. However, Bernardo de Gálvez (bayr NARDO day GOLL vess), governor of Spanish Louisiana, favored the Patriots. He secretly supplied medicine, cloth, muskets, and gunpowder to the Americans. When Spain entered the war against Britain in 1779, Gálvez took a more active role. He seized British forts along the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. He also drove the British out of West Florida. The city of Galveston, in Texas, is named after this courageous leader.
61
How did the American navy and the British navy compare?
At sea, the Americans could do little against the powerful British navy. British ships blockaded American ports, which were oftentimes important supply routes for Patriot troops and towns. From time to time, however, a bold American captain captured a British ship.
62
How did Captain John Paul Jones contribute to the Revolution? When did the greatest American sea victory take place?
The greatest American sea victory took place in September 1779 in Britain's backyard, on the North Sea. After a hard-fought battle, Captain John Paul Jones captured the powerful British warship Serapis. Jones was one of many important military leaders who contributed to the American cause during the war.
63
How would the war between the Americans and Great Britain be settled?
Raids on the high seas and along the frontiers kept many Americans on the alert. However, the war between the Americans and Great Britain would be settled by battles in the South.
64
What became the main battleground of the Revolution in 1778? What did British commander-in-chief Sir Henry Clinton hope to accomplish by marching through the south?
The South became the main battleground of the war in 1778. Sir Henry Clinton, the new British commander-in-chief, knew that many Loyalists lived in the southern backcountry. He hoped that if British troops marched through the South, Loyalists would join them.
65
At first, how well did Clinton's plans work? What major victories did he win, denting General Washington's hope?
At first, Clinton's plan seemed to work. In short order, beginning in December 1778, the British seized Savannah in Georgia and Charleston and Camden in South Carolina. “I have almost ceased to hope,” wrote Washington when he learned of the defeats.
66
How did Patriots and Loyalist face off against one another?
In the Carolina backcountry, Patriots and Loyalists launched violent raids against one another. Both sides burned farms, killed civilians, and sometimes even tortured prisoners.
67
What caused the shift of some settlers to side with Patriots?
After 1780, attacks by British troops and Loyalist militia became especially cruel. As a result, more settlers began to side with the Patriots. As one Loyalist admitted, “Great Britain has now a hundred enemies, where it had one before.”
68
After the victory at Kings Mountain, what two able American generals helped turn the tide against the main British army?
After the victory at Kings Mountain, two able American generals helped turn the tide against the main British army, led by General Charles Cornwallis. They were Nathanael Greene of Rhode Island and Daniel Morgan of Virginia.
69
What was General Greene's contribution to the Continental Army?
General Greene's ability as a military leader was perhaps second only to Washington's. In 1780, Greene took command of the Continental Army in the South. Using his knowledge of local geography, Greene engaged the British only on ground that put them at a disadvantage. General Cornwallis wore out his soldiers trying to catch Greene's army.
70
What did General Morgan do in January 1781?
In January 1781, General Morgan won an important victory at Cowpens, South Carolina. Morgan used a clever tactic to defeat the British. He divided his soldiers into a front line and a rear line. He ordered the front line to retreat after firing just two volleys. The British, thinking the Americans were retreating, charged forward—straight into the fire of Morgan's second rank. In this way, the Americans won the Battle of Cowpens.
71
What happened at Guilford Courthouse after Greene and Morgan combined their armies, to fight against Cornwallis?
Greene and Morgan combined their armies when they fought Cornwallis at Guilford Courthouse, near present-day Greensboro, North Carolina. The battle was one of the bloodiest of the war. Although the Americans retreated, the British sustained great losses.
72
How did Francis Marion of South Carolina aid to British frustrations?
Known as the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion of South Carolina added to British frustrations. He led a small band of militia, who often slept by day and traveled by night. His soldiers used guerrilla, or hit-and-run, tactics to harass the British. Marion's band took advantage of the region's environment, appearing suddenly out of the swamps, attacking quickly, and retreating swiftly back into the swamps.
73
Why did Cornwallis not attend the formal British surrender at Yorktown?
Yorktown was a stunning victory for the American and French armies. As troops gathered to accept the formal British surrender, Cornwallis, claiming illness, did not attend the ceremony.
74
Why did Cornwallis abandon his plans to take the Carolinas?
Cornwallis abandoned his plan to take the Carolinas. In the spring of 1781, he moved his troops north into Virginia. He planned to conquer Virginia and cut off the Americans' supply routes to the South.
75
How did Benedict Arnold betray the Patriots? What was his reason?
The British had achieved some success in Virginia, even before the arrival of Cornwallis. Benedict Arnold, formerly one of the Americans' best generals, was now leading British troops. Arnold captured and burned the capital city of Richmond. His forces also raided and burned other towns.
Arnold had turned traitor to the American cause in September 1780, while commanding West Point, a key fort in New York. The ambitious general was angry because he felt that he had not received enough credit for his victories. He also needed money. Arnold secretly agreed to turn over West Point to the British. The plot was uncovered by a Patriot patrol, but Arnold escaped to join the British. Arnold's treason and his raids on towns in Connecticut and Virginia enraged the Patriots. Thomas Jefferson, governor of Virginia, offered a sizable reward for his capture. Washington ordered Arnold to be hanged. However, he was never captured.
76
How did Benedict Arnold betray the Patriots? What was his reason?
The British had achieved some success in Virginia, even before the arrival of Cornwallis. Benedict Arnold, formerly one of the Americans' best generals, was now leading British troops. Arnold captured and burned the capital city of Richmond. His forces also raided and burned other towns.
Arnold had turned traitor to the American cause in September 1780, while commanding West Point, a key fort in New York. The ambitious general was angry because he felt that he had not received enough credit for his victories. He also needed money. Arnold secretly agreed to turn over West Point to the British. The plot was uncovered by a Patriot patrol, but Arnold escaped to join the British. Arnold's treason and his raids on towns in Connecticut and Virginia enraged the Patriots. Thomas Jefferson, governor of Virginia, offered a sizable reward for his capture. Washington ordered Arnold to be hanged. However, he was never captured.
77
What happened in the Battle of Yorktown? What order did Cornwallis disobey?
Cornwallis hoped to meet with the same kind of success in Virginia that Arnold had achieved. At first, things went well. Cornwallis sent Loyalist troops to attack Charlottesville, where the Virginia legislature was meeting. Governor Thomas Jefferson and other officials had to flee.
American troops under Lafayette fought back by staging raids against the British. Lafayette did not have enough troops to fight a major battle. Still, his strategy kept Cornwallis at bay. Then, Cornwallis made a mistake. He disregarded an order from Sir Henry Clinton to send part of his army to New York. Instead, he retreated to Yorktown peninsula, a strip of land jutting into the Chesapeake Bay. He felt confident that British ships could supply his army from the sea. Washington saw an opportunity to trap Cornwallis on the Yorktown peninsula. He marched his Continental troops south from New York. With the Americans were French soldiers under the Comte de Rochambeau (roh shahm BOH). The combined army rushed to join Lafayette in Virginia. Meanwhile, a French fleet under Admiral de Grasse was also heading toward Virginia. Once in Chesapeake Bay, de Grasse's fleet closed the trap. Cornwallis was cut off. He could not get supplies. He could not escape by land or by sea.
78
How did the Patriots win the Revolution?
By the end of September, more than 16,000 American and French troops laid siege to Cornwallis's army of fewer than 8,000. A siege occurs when an army surrounds and blockades an enemy position in an attempt to capture it. Day after day, American and French artillery pounded the British. For several weeks, Cornwallis held out. Finally, with casualties mounting and his supplies running low, the general decided that the situation was hopeless. The British had lost the Battle of Yorktown.
79
What did the British do on October 19, 1781?
On October 19, 1781, the British surrendered their weapons. The French and the Americans lined up in two facing columns. As the defeated redcoats marched between the victorious troops, a British army band played the tune “The World Turned Upside Down.”
80
What did the Treaty of Paris state?
The talks began in Paris in 1782. Congress sent Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, along with John Jay of New York and Henry Laurens of South Carolina, to work out a treaty. Because Britain was eager to end the war, the Americans got most of what they wanted. Under the Treaty of Paris, the British recognized the United States as an independent nation. It extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. The northern border of the United States stopped at the Great Lakes. The southern border stopped at Florida, which was returned to Spain. For their part, the Americans agreed to ask the state legislatures to pay Loyalists for property they had lost in the war. In the end, however, most states ignored Loyalist claims. On April 15, 1783, Congress ratified, or approved, the Treaty of Paris. It was almost eight years to the day since the battles of Lexington and Concord.
80
What did the Treaty of Paris state?
The talks began in Paris in 1782. Congress sent Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, along with John Jay of New York and Henry Laurens of South Carolina, to work out a treaty. Because Britain was eager to end the war, the Americans got most of what they wanted. Under the Treaty of Paris, the British recognized the United States as an independent nation. It extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. The northern border of the United States stopped at the Great Lakes. The southern border stopped at Florida, which was returned to Spain. For their part, the Americans agreed to ask the state legislatures to pay Loyalists for property they had lost in the war. In the end, however, most states ignored Loyalist claims. On April 15, 1783, Congress ratified, or approved, the Treaty of Paris. It was almost eight years to the day since the battles of Lexington and Concord.
81
How did geography contribute to American Victory?
Geography played an important role in the American victory. The British had to send soldiers and supplies to a war that was several thousand miles from home. They also had to fight an enemy that was spread over a wide area. For their part, the Americans were familiar with the local geography. They chose geographic features, like hilltops, that would provide an advantage in battle.
82
How did allies contribute to American Victory?
Help from other nations was crucial to the American cause. Spanish forces attacked the British along the Gulf of Mexico and in the Mississippi Valley. French money helped pay for supplies, and French military aid provided vital support to American troops. Without French soldiers and warships, for example, the Americans might not have won the Battle of Yorktown.
83
The colonists had the ability to unify for what? How did this help them in war?
Throughout their struggles with Britain, the colonists benefited from their ability to unify for a shared American cause.
84
How did the the American Revolution inspire the belief for equal rights for all people?
The American Revolution inspired people of many different racial and minority groups as well as social classes to fight for the same American ideals of freedom and rights. Debates about equality would continue long after independence was earned, but the ideals from the Revolution would further define a developing American identity.
85
How did patriotism contribute to American Victory?
Patriotism was another important factor in the American victory. Soldiers were fighting for their homes and their beliefs. Despite early setbacks, the Patriots continued to fight for their cause.
86
Who showed Washington respect by the end of the war?
By the end of the war, the general's leadership and military skills were respected by Americans and British alike.
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When did Washington resign?
In December 1783, General Washington, before resigning, bid farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York City. In December 1783, General Washington, before resigning, bid farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York City.
