Whose Revolution? Flashcards
Whose Revolution?
What do we remember about the Revolutionary War? Why?
1.Lexington & Concord
2.Paine, Common Sense
3.Declarations of Independence
4.Indigenous Wars of Independence
5.Harry Washington
6.Remembering the Revolution
Lexington & Concord (April 1775)
The battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. Tensions between the American colonists and British authorities had been escalating for years, and the British aimed to seize colonial military supplies stored in Concord, Massachusetts.
In the early morning hours, British troops marched toward Concord, but colonial militias were alerted and prepared to resist. The first shots were fired in Lexington, where a small group of militiamen confronted the British. This skirmish marked the “shot heard ‘round the world,” signifying the start of armed conflict. The British continued to Concord, where they encountered greater resistance from the colonial militias, who successfully pushed them back.
The engagements at Lexington and Concord demonstrated the resolve of the colonists to defend their rights and liberties. They mobilized thousands of militia members in response to the British actions, effectively igniting the Revolutionary War. These battles were pivotal in uniting the colonies against British rule and set the stage for the larger conflict that would follow.
2nd Continental Congress
slides:
~May 1775 in Philadelphia
~George Washington named Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
~BUT no call for Independence
~“Olive Branch Petition”
—Sought to reconcile with King George III
research:
The Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775 in Philadelphia, gathering colonial leaders as tensions with Britain escalated. During this pivotal meeting, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, reflecting a growing commitment to organized military resistance against British forces. However, despite this step toward military readiness, there was no immediate call for independence; many delegates still sought to reconcile with Britain. The Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition, a formal appeal to King George III, expressing the colonists’ desire for peace and a resolution to the ongoing conflict. This petition underscored the complexity of the colonial response, as many sought to avoid war while still asserting their rights. The Second Continental Congress thus played a critical role in both military organization and diplomatic efforts, laying the groundwork for the eventual push for independence that would follow.
George Washington
George Washington was a central figure in American history, known primarily as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and as the first President of the United States. Born on February 22, 1732, in Virginia, he initially pursued a career in surveying before becoming involved in military service during the French and Indian War.
Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War was instrumental in securing American independence. Appointed Commander-in-Chief by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, he faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, a lack of training among troops, and the threat of British military might. His strategic acumen, perseverance, and ability to inspire troops were key to victories at battles such as Trenton and Yorktown.
After the war, Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, helping to shape the U.S. Constitution. He was elected as the first President in 1789, serving two terms until 1797. His leadership established many precedents for the new government, and he is often referred to as the “Father of His Country.” Washington’s legacy is marked by his commitment to democracy, his emphasis on national unity, and his warnings against political factions and foreign alliances in his farewell address.
Thomas Paine, “Common Sense”
slides:
~Common Sense published in January 1776.
~Sold 120,000 copies in 3 months; eventually sold 500,000 (colonial population was 2.5 million)
~Ridiculed the idea of hereditary monarchy
~Insulted the Crown
~Encouraged Independence
research:
In January 1776, Thomas Paine published “Common Sense,” a groundbreaking pamphlet that played a crucial role in galvanizing support for American independence. The pamphlet sold an astonishing 120,000 copies within three months and eventually reached 500,000 sales, a remarkable feat considering the colonial population was only 2.5 million. In “Common Sense,” Paine ridiculed the concept of hereditary monarchy and openly insulted the British Crown, challenging the legitimacy of royal authority and arguing for the need to break away from British rule. His compelling arguments and straightforward language resonated with a wide audience, effectively stirring revolutionary sentiment among the colonists. By advocating for independence, Paine’s work significantly influenced public opinion and helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence later that year, marking him as a pivotal figure in the American Revolution.
Declaring Independence
slides:
~May 1776: Congress asks colonial assemblies to draft constitutions & “resolutions” of independence
~Between April and July 1776, 90 resolutions of independence adopted
~Continental Congress directed a special committee to write a formal declaration on behalf of all colonies
—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman (CT), Robert Livingston (NY)
research:
In May 1776, the Continental Congress took a significant step toward independence by urging colonial assemblies to draft constitutions and resolutions declaring their independence from British rule. Between April and July of that year, approximately 90 resolutions of independence were adopted, reflecting a growing consensus among the colonies. To formalize this movement, Congress appointed a special committee tasked with crafting a Declaration of Independence on behalf of all the colonies. This committee included prominent figures such as Thomas Jefferson, who would serve as the primary author, along with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman from Connecticut, and Robert Livingston from New York. Their collaboration culminated in a powerful document that articulated the colonies’ right to self-governance and justified the break from Britain, ultimately leading to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This historic declaration not only marked a pivotal moment in American history but also laid the foundation for the principles of democracy and individual rights that would shape the new nation.
Jefferson’s Declaration
slides:
~Drew on other documents
—VA Constitution
—English Declaration of Rights
—George Mason’s VA Declaration of Rights
~Key points: Inalienable rights; Gov’t by consent of the people; right to Revolution
~Passed by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776; officially adopted on July 4
research:
Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence drew inspiration from various foundational documents, including the Virginia Constitution, the English Declaration of Rights, and George Mason’s Virginia Declaration of Rights. These influences shaped its key principles, emphasizing inalienable rights, the idea of government by the consent of the governed, and the inherent right of the people to revolution against oppressive rule. The Continental Congress passed the Declaration on July 2, 1776, and it was officially adopted two days later, on July 4. This momentous document articulated the colonies’ desire for independence and outlined a philosophical framework for a new government based on liberty and equality. Jefferson’s powerful prose and clear articulation of Enlightenment ideals resonated deeply with the American people, solidifying the Declaration’s role as a cornerstone of American democracy and a lasting symbol of the fight for freedom.
Native Wars of Independence
slides:
~Many Native nations fought against the “Americans”
—They saw the British as the better allies, and more likely to keep settlers out of their lands
—Hoped to win their OWN independence
—Protection of land and property
—Indigenous sovereignty
~Ferocious wars between Native Americans & illegal white American settlers
research:
During the period of the American Revolution, many Native nations engaged in fierce conflicts against what they perceived as encroachment by American settlers. Viewing the British as more reliable allies, Indigenous groups hoped that British victory would help protect their lands and maintain their sovereignty against expanding colonial settlements. These nations sought not only to defend their territories but also to achieve their own independence from both colonial and European powers. The struggle for land and property protection led to violent confrontations, as Indigenous peoples fought ferociously against illegal white American settlers who were encroaching on their lands. These Native Wars of Independence highlighted the complexities of the era, as Indigenous nations navigated alliances and enmities in a rapidly changing landscape, striving to assert their rights and preserve their way of life amidst the chaos of war.
Dunmore’s Proclamation
slides:
~Lord Dunmore, Royal Governor of Virginia
~1775: Dunmore calls on enslaved people to join the British forces; promised them freedom
~Hundreds of enslaved people joined the British.
research:
In 1775, Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation that significantly impacted the lives of enslaved people in the colony. In a bid to bolster British forces during the American Revolution, he called on enslaved individuals to join the British military, promising them freedom in exchange for their service. This bold move aimed to undermine the colonial rebellion by turning enslaved people against their owners, and it resonated with many who sought to escape the harsh realities of bondage. As a result, hundreds of enslaved individuals took up Dunmore’s offer, enlisting in the British ranks in the hope of securing their freedom. This proclamation not only highlighted the complexities of the conflict but also revealed the desperate desire of enslaved people to seek autonomy and reshape their destinies amid the turmoil of war.
Harry Washington
~Enslaved by George Washington
~Escaped in 1776; joined the British forces in the American Revolution to fight for his freedom
~Served in Dunmore’s all-black regiment, “the black Pioneers”
~After the war, he was resettled in Nova Scotia, and then in Sierra Leone, Africa
Treaty of Paris, 1783
The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States. Negotiated by American diplomats Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, the treaty marked a significant turning point in history, establishing the boundaries of the new nation. The agreement granted the United States territory stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from Canada to Florida.
In addition to recognizing American independence, the treaty also addressed issues such as fishing rights and the restoration of property to Loyalists, although implementation of these provisions varied. The signing of the Treaty of Paris not only solidified the United States’ status as an independent nation but also set the stage for future diplomatic relations and territorial expansion. The treaty was a culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice, and its ratification was celebrated as a monumental achievement for the American colonies.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was a key founding figure in American history, best known as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. Born on April 13, 1743, in Virginia, he was a statesman, diplomat, and philosopher who strongly advocated for individual rights and democratic principles.
As a member of the Continental Congress, Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776, articulating the colonies’ desire for freedom from British rule and emphasizing the concepts of inalienable rights and government by consent of the governed. His vision of a democratic society shaped the nation’s foundational ideals.
After the Revolution, Jefferson served as the United States’ first Secretary of State under President George Washington and later as Vice President. He was elected President in 1800, serving two terms. His presidency is noted for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the country, and for promoting exploration, exemplified by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Jefferson was also a proponent of religious freedom and public education, but his legacy is complex, as it includes his ownership of enslaved people and his views on race. He remains a pivotal figure in discussions about liberty, governance, and American identity.
John Adams
John Adams was a prominent American statesman, lawyer, and founding father who played a crucial role in the early development of the United States. Born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts, he became a leading advocate for independence from Britain and was a key figure in the Continental Congress.
Adams was a strong supporter of the American Revolution, famously arguing for independence in 1776. He served on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence and was a vocal proponent of its adoption. After the war, he helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the conflict.
Adams served as the first Vice President under George Washington from 1789 to 1797 and then became the second President of the United States, holding office from 1797 to 1801. His presidency is noted for significant events such as the Quasi-War with France and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
A champion of republicanism and the rule of law, Adams valued civic virtue and believed in the importance of a balanced government. He was also a proponent of the separation of powers. After his presidency, he continued to engage in political discourse and correspondence with other founding figures, notably Thomas Jefferson, with whom he had a complex relationship marked by both friendship and rivalry. Adams passed away on July 4, 1826, the same day as Jefferson, marking the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Roger Sherman (CT)
Roger Sherman was a significant figure in American history, known for his contributions as a founding father and a delegate to the Continental Congress. Born on April 19, 1721, in Massachusetts, he eventually settled in Connecticut, where he became a prominent lawyer and politician.
Sherman played a key role in the American Revolution, notably as a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He was also instrumental in the drafting of the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution. At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Sherman proposed the “Great Compromise,” which established the structure of Congress with a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between populous and smaller states.
His political career included serving as a member of the House of Representatives and as a senator for Connecticut. Sherman was known for his pragmatic approach and commitment to both individual rights and the principles of federalism. He passed away on July 23, 1793, leaving behind a legacy as one of the key architects of the American political system.
Robert Livingston
Robert Livingston was an influential American statesman and founding father, known for his role in the early development of the United States. Born on November 27, 1746, in New York, he came from a prominent family involved in politics and law.
Livingston played a key part in the American Revolution as a member of the Continental Congress. He was one of the five delegates tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776, working alongside Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Roger Sherman. Although he was not the primary author, he contributed to the discussions and ideas that shaped the document.
After the Revolution, Livingston served in various political roles, including as the Chancellor of New York, a position he held for over 25 years. He was also a strong advocate for the development of infrastructure and commerce, supporting projects like the construction of canals.
In addition to his political career, Livingston was involved in the early American government, playing a role in the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which significantly expanded U.S. territory. He passed away on February 26, 1813, leaving a legacy as a key figure in the establishment of the United States and its government.
