Lesson 2.05 & 2.06 Handouts
The Founding Fathers prepared for war at the Second Continental Congress. Most Americans favored independence after the publication of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”, however, not all Americans supported the patriots’ struggle for independence. Those that were against breaking away from Britain were called loyalists.
Patriots / Loyalists· Whig – another term for patriot.
· Felt that Parliament should not be able to tax them without their say.
· Wanted representation in Parliament.
· Strong support in the Northeast and in large cities. / · Tories – another name for loyalist.
· They felt their interests were still being represented by the British government.
· Believed that all British subjects should pay taxes.
· Most lived in the South.
· Many were recent immigrants from Britain.
· They were members of the Anglican Church which was led by the king of England.
· Many were depended on England for their jobs and thought they would lose their jobs if America became independent.
***Go to the lesson page of 2.05 and click on the text version of “The Patriots Card Collection”. You will want to print that chart off and add it to your notes.
When the American Revolution began, most European countries did not give the United States much of a chance against the might British Empire. On paper, the British had the advantage.
United States / British· America was fighting on its home turf, while Britain had to send troops 3,000 miles away. This made communication difficult for the British.
· America was fighting for the noble causes of freedom and independence. Britain hired soldiers to fight battles for them. / · Britain had the strongest navy in the world, while America did not have an organized navy.
· Britain had the wealth of the empire at its disposal. America was short on weapons and supplies due to lack of funds.
· Britain had 9 million people and the help of the loyalists, while America only had 2.5 million people.
· Britain had a more experienced, well-trained army, while America had to rely on the states for troops.
· Hessians: name for the German soldiers that Britain hired to help fight the Americans
Woman and African Americans during the American Revolution
The role of women and African Americans is often over looked. Women helped in the American Revolution by becoming heads of their households while their husbands were away at war. Many took care of their family’s farms and businesses. Some participated in the war efforts by providing nursing care, and a few others fought in battle alongside their husbands. African Americans fought on both sides of the American Revolution. At the beginning of the war, Britain appealed to slaves to join the British war efforts. Many slaves were promised their freedom for fighting for the British. African Americans fought for the American side as well. As many as 5,000 African American soldiers joined the Continental Army. Some fought because they believed in the cause, while others fought for money. Some escaped from slavery and joined the fighting, while others fought in exchange for their freedom.
Reasons Why the United States Won
Home Turf / · Americans used their knowledge of the land and implemented guerrilla warfare.· Britain relied on support from the sea. The siege at Yorktown prevented reinforcements.
· Knowing the land allowed Americans to know where to ambush.
Help from Abroad / · Loans, soldiers, ships, and supplies from the French were instrumental to America’s success.
· Spain, France’s ally, attacked Britain along the Gulf of Mexico and in the Mississippi Valley, which diverted Britain’s resources.
Leadership / · George Washington’s leadership was critical.
Determination / · Americans were fighting for a noble cause, which helped rally Americans to help the efforts.
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay were sent to Paris to represent the United States and to discuss the terms of peace. In April 1783, Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris. What were the terms of the treaty?
· Britain recognizes the United States as independent.
· U.S. territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and north of Spanish Florida to Canada.
· Britain promises to withdraw troops.
· Britain allows the U.S. to fish off Canadian waters.
· British merchants can collect debts owed to them.
· Congress will recommend that all property be returned to loyalists (most was never returned).