The American revolution 1774-1783 Flashcards
The first continental congress
September all colonies except Georgia sent at least one delegate Philadelphia
John Adams believe Congress was divided between radicals and moderates
Congress declared the coercive acts null and void and called for non-importation unless repealed
Acknowledge their allegiance to the crown but subject to their authority
Congrats desponded at the end of
October 1774 but agreed to meet again May 1775

British response after first continental congress
General gauge November 1774 wrote to North recommending to suspend coercive acts ( didn’t happen)
February 1775 parliament declared Massachusetts in state of rebellion in March limited New England trade with Britain
General gauge told by parliament to arrest and his supporters of rebellion

Colonial response after the first continental congress
Local production encouraged due to non importation 
Punished people who didn’t enforce boycott
Massachusetts 1770 4GB authority broke down. Mob action.
1775 committees and extralegal convention to replace traditional assemblies.
Colonies stockpiled ammo and train militias
Not all colonies supported it in New York remain loyal to Britain most Americans hope to find a solution that would continue relationship
The second continental congress
65 delegates attended 55 returning newcomers included Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson
Voted to take charge on hostilities shield responsibility for army around Boston.
Equator placed on each colony to enable them to raise a continental army of 20,000 men
Issued $2 million in paper money for army
Second continental congress appointment of George Washington
Unanimously appointed him to command army
He had a military experience in seven years war
From Virginia which thought with cement colonial unity
Wealthy tobacco plant a member of the elite 
The second continental congress: Efforts to reconcile with Britain
Adopted national government but reluctant to Asume role
Conventions instructed delegates to seek reconciliation with Britain
Olive branch petition to George the third begged him to prevent further hostile measures
GW was this inclined to hear appeals from an illegal body so dismissed Olive branch petition

1775 is a war started which side was more successful: general gage
Sent spies to Massachusetts to discover strength of colonies and where weapons where
Sent troops Sees ammo but outnumbered in Boston
Gauge receive no help no instructions from Britain was later told to rest rebels leaders
Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Lexington
April 18th-700 men to Concord to seize arms.
April 19th- GB troops path was barred by 70 minute minute Lexington shots were fired and eight colonist were killed British pushed onto Concord
4000 minute man assemble to block path of British retreat
Which side of more successful the War Concord
GB in counted larger military force heavy exchange of fire
Destroyed military stores but failed to arrest rebel leaders
On return Americans fired from covering stonewalls
Treating troops saved from surrender by reinforcement suffered 272 casualties America only lost 92

Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Bunker hill

Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Washington takes control
Which side was more successful in the first year the war invasion of Canada
Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Stand-off in Boston
Which side was more successful in the first year the war war in the south
Which side is more successful first year of the war.  Evacuation of Boston
Why were the two sides unable to compromise
Why did Britain and colonists continue to fight
Why did the colonies declare independence?

Declaration of Independence 1776
Oh royal governors replaced by makeshift rebel governments
Support for independence grew more when it was confirmed George third higher German mercenaries
Continental congress made wall issuing money preparing to get negotiate treaties

Drafting the declaration of Independence
Jefferson Drew from principles set forth by lock and Virginia declaration of rights
Case against King derived from a summary of rights of British America and 1776 draft Virginia constitution
It was important it was made for all colonies to agree
Declaring independence
On July 4 colonies voted to adopt declaration of Independence “we hold the truths to be self evident, at all men were created equal”
“ Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness”
Asserted American people have the right to change the government if it violated the rights
List of the wrongs committed against colonists
The British had been gathering more treats and had 32,000 ready for a major assault
Why did the continental congress declare independence on GB
Economic factors
 Americans benefited from merchantalism
Americans not taxed high it was principle not economic hardship
Why did the continental congress declare independence from Britain
Ideology
Similar to eng constitution
Rights and liberties of reborn Englishman attacks without consent so same apply to Americans
View that small click of British ministers aim to destroy America liberties
Why did continental congress declare independence from Britain
Actions of the British
Squeezed money from irritated colonies
GB forced issue of their power and caused conflict
Parliament back down twice bar into American pressure the BTP

What did the continental congress declare independence from Britain
In defence of the British
Failed to anticipate the rebel no British minister actually wanted to diminish American liberties
Gov Acted in accordance with the understanding of British constitution
Britain’s determination torrent colonies was understandable tutor or materials and trade

Role of the British colonists in Y continental congress declared independence from Britain
Which side seemed likely to win in 1776
Who supported the British
Which side seemed likely to win in 1776 Who supported the Americans
Who seemed more likley to win in 1776?
Strengths of the British
Which side seemed likely to win in 1776? Weaknesses of the British
Which side seemed likely to win in 1776? Strengths of colonists
Which side seemed likely to win in 1776? Colonist weaknesses
What were the GB Strategic problems in The war
Faced hostile population, relied on Britain for supplies.
Army had to protect British-controlled American ports, limiting available forces
No political or economic center for British armies to capture.
destruction of the Continental Army prioritized over territory,
British leaders recognized the need for a large army to maintain order after restoration of colonial rule, which would impose a substantial tax burden.
What were Americas strategic probelms during the war
Washington’s options: guerrilla war (rejected), war of posts, offensive strategy with entire force.
Washington attempted to create a traditional army following British methods.
Washington opposed the war of posts strategy, as it acknowledged British superiority and involved sacrificing key cities.
British occupation of American territory would damage morale and support loyalists.
Washington favored engaging the British in battle to demonstrate contempt.
who were the loyalists and what was their role
1/3 active rebels, 1/3 loyalists, 1/3 neutral (more likely 2/5 active, 1/5 loyalists, 2/5 neutral).
Loyalists often belonged to minority groups, such as southern backfarmers
Geographical distribution: more loyalists in southern/middle colonies.
Some African Americans supported Britain in exchange for promises of freedom,
Rebels fought for independence and self-government, while loyalists primarily stood against this.
Loyalists relied on British leadership and protection but were left vulnerable when British forces departed.
Patriot neighbors targeted loyalists with imprisonment, expulsion from homes, loss of land and property, and sometimes violence.
What were the British strategic problems in the war
Hostile population dependent on Britain for supplies
Only part of army available as protecting American ports
No place to capture
 destruction of continental army was more important than possession of towns
British leaders hoped of British rule 
What were the British strategic problems in the war
Hostile population dependent on Britain for supplies
Only part of army available as protecting American ports
No place to capture
 destruction of continental army was more important than possession of towns
British leaders hoped of British rule 
Battles 1776-77
New York
 Howe planned attack landing in Staten island to learn Washington to battle defeat and negotiate
GW 20,000 men so should’ve retreat
How one 2000 casualties for colonists 6times the GB
Washington retreated to mainland as how wanted to negotiate peace
Battles of 1776-1777
New Jersey
There was a stalemate several weeks
November 16 GB captured Fort Washington - 3000 US prisoners and a lot of weapons
Three straight weeks US Army in for a treat and many army went home when crossed Delaware river (3000) 
The battles of 1776-1777
Trenton and Princeton
How didn’t March on giving GW time to regroup.
25th of December they reinforced an attack that unsuspecting Garrison at Trenton New Jersey
Captured 1000 prisoners
Breathing new life into American cause
How’s mistakes at Trenton and Princeton
Reluctant to make Moves and courses to continue attacking Americans when they were vulnerable – not marking on Philadelphia
Changes to Washington strategy by the end of 1776
Defensive strategy didn’t risk his army at one battle
Philadelphia/Germantown
How one Brandywine Creek but missed a chance to destroy Washington’s army
He captured Philadelphia but had no strategic value
GW launched a counter-attack at Germantown but he lost 1000 men
How evacuate Delaware river and spent winter in Philadelphia
Burgoyne southern March
General Burgoyne left Canada and headed south his army found it difficult.
Spent a month collecting supplies +600 troops killed on a mission
Presence of army created rebels have neutrals
Burgoynes campaign in saratoga
Burgoyne aimed to reach Albany, Gates replaced by Schuler.
American successes attracted New England militiamen to join Gates, totaling 7,000 men.
Clashes occurred, and Burgoyne was in a precarious position, lacking supplies and facing a growing enemy army.
Burgoyne expected support from General Clinton but retreated to Saratoga instead.
Surrounded by twice as many troops and no sign of Clinton, Burgoyne negotiated with Gates.
Despite good terms, Congress rejected the negotiated terms, and Burgoyne’s troops became prisoners of war.
peace at saratoga
Lord North dispatched a diplomat to explore ending the war.
Parliament passed North’s Conciliatory Propositions, repealing Coercive Acts and renouncing the right to tax Americans.
Peace Commission created, but Britain’s denial of American independence hindered successful negotiations.
French involvement in the war and saratoga
French entry into the war boosted American morale.
French began taking the American cause seriously.
French involvement signaled a significant development in the war
Why the war involved
France:
Revenge for the outcome of the Seven Years’ War.
supply arms, gunpowder, and support officers to the Americans.
Saratoga victory eased French concerns about American collapse.
Franklin used French fears of Anglo-American reconciliation to gain French support.
February 1778, France and the USA signed defensive alliance treaties.
USA started being treated as an independent country.
why spain and holland were involved
April 1779:
Spain joins the war as an ally of France.
Goal: Regain possessions lost to Britain (Florida, Minorca, Gibraltar, Jamaica).
Spanish Support:
Spain supplies resources to the USA.
League of Neutrality:
Agreement to remain neutral in the conflict but continues trading with the USA.
1780:
Britain declares war on the Netherlands for aiding France and Spain.
problems affecting clinton in 1777-79
General Howe was replaced by General Clinton, who was instructed to focus on French possessions in the Caribbean.
Clinton lost 5,000 troops and received orders to evacuate Pennsylvania and concentrate on New York.
Despite a failed American attack by General Charles Lee, Clinton successfully reached New York.
Admiral d’Estaing’s 4,000 French troops attempted but failed to capture Newport, Rhode Island, and then moved to the Caribbean.
Both sides exercised caution throughout 1778-1779.
Britain still held coastal posts, had opportunities in the South, and could launch offensives into the interior.
What problems affected general Washington in 1777-79
Collect food fuel and shelter. 3000 men died
Some feared he might lead a military dictatorship and questioned his abilities
1778 his army increased to 12,000 with better training

In what ways were the following low points for the continental army between 1779 and 81
Native Americans support for the British strengths 
100,000 choose to fight with GB
Motive to drive back American settlers

Native American support for the British weaknesses
Unreliable and divided
Savage attacks astonished neutrals and loyalists
The southern campaign
Georgia 
1778 Campbell captured Savannah and Augusta capturing 500 American prisoners
1779 pm on further victories However George’s population remain divided

Yorktown
April 1781 Cornwallis -> Virginia
Benedict Arnold led raids
General Phillips Also arrived with 2000 men supporting
Cornwallis move toward to see to maintain communication with Clinton constructive base at Yorktown
Coast guarded by 20 French ships 
Cornwallis in the surrender at Yorktown
May 1781 Washington change his focus
French-American for 16,000 reach Virginia and trapped Cornwallis
GB Navy tried to reinforce Cornwallis but it was too late
After three weeks each Cornwallis 8000 men army surrendered
Consequences of Yorktown
Call Melissa surrender shot Britain’s and Lord North he resigned
GBGav discontinued offensive operation
Seven 1972 parliament resolve to end military measures

Treaty of Paris
The peace of Paris 
France wanted peace as lack of €
GB wanted to protect GB colonists and remain trading
While not losing places to France/ spai
USA no trust in Europe as selfish
Signed between GB USA France Spain and Holland September 1783

the terms of the treaty of Paris
GB recognise USA independence.
1000s of colonists fled to Canada
New republic waged war on Native A
Us Honour forgein debts
GB gave Florida to Spain
Consequences of the treaty of Paris
France or GB had a huge cost of war
Treaty opposed GB
France huge cost of war—> French Revolution
USA gained independence and new opps for expansion
How the GB government helped Britian lose the war
Attack plans lacked clarity
Poorly planned campaigns (Burgoyne)
Undermisated colonists
Faced France and spain
How GB military leadership lost GB the war
War from home
Over ambitious plans
Control of large areas with hostel population was hard
The troops had no cause
How was overly cautious lacking decisive strategy

How Britian lost the war of independence? Hessians and native Americans
The brutality turned neutrals to Patriots
Not loyal only wanted money and natives deserted
How loyalists helped Britain lose the war
Not unified due to various backgrounds/motivations
Motivated by local concerns not national
Relied on GB protection
Many homeless deprived of property or killed by Patriots
How did GW help America win the war
Maintenance of discipline movements of forces keeping army intact and good morale
Aggressive tactics such as Trenton outflanking of British forces
He could not stop GB taking Philadelphia at Brandywine any attack at Germantown was costly and ineffective
Have a French and Spain’s g help the Americans win the war
French wanted revenge and territorial gains
Initially just secretly for weapons and finance
France persuaded Spain to join war mean in Britain with thinly spread
France supplied 11,000 men at Yorktown and artillery French contribution was affective

How the Patriots have the America win the war
Committed to the glorious cause
The butchery of British tactics towards prisoners and patriots motivation
State minute service political police intimidating those loyal to Britain as well as contributing to the force over 100,000 American service sometime
How revolutionary was the American revolution? Republicanism
Revolution its rapid fundamental change as one set of power relationships replaced by another
 rebels resisted unreasonable claims of Britain no intention for revolution
Not identical to democracy by implied form of government which represented the whole people
The principles rested on Central proposition of popular sovereignty ‘ Oh power is vested in and consequently derived from the people’
