1. The Fight For Independence

2.  Early on, Patriots struggle – lose all key
cities in the Northeast
 British Army is better trained and better armed. Many
Loyalists fight on side of the Brits…
 Britain had a much larger population and the best
military in the world.
We know America
wins, but how?

3. Battle of Brooklyn July/August 1776
Winner: British
British Army takes New York City. Washington
and his army narrowly escape being totally
defeated.
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4. Battle of Trenton December, 1776
Winner: Americans
 Washington’s Army has broken up – he now
has only 8000 men
 Needs a victory to keep them from quitting
 Washington crosses the Delaware River in NJ on
Christmas Night, surprising a force of drunken
Hessian Mercenaries, capturing 918.
*Important victory because it boost morale – keeps
soldiers fighting

5. Battle of Saratoga, NY October, 1777
Winner: Americans
 Turning point of the war as Americans under
General Horatio Gates defeat British force of
soldiers, mercenaries, and Mohawk Indians.
 Battle proves that Americans could win the
war. As a result, France enters into an
alliance with America.

6.  Following Saratoga, Washington’s forces spend
brutal winter camped at Valley Forge, PA
 20% of troops die from exposure, illness, and
hunger, but they persevere
 Valley Forge as a sign of determination and
Washington’s leadership
 Weak central government has trouble sending
supplies

7.  Many foreign officers
eagerly joined the
Patriot cause
 Marquis de Lafayette
volunteered and led
American troops in
battle
 Friedrich von
Steuben, a Prussian
officer, trained
American soldiers

8. Battle of Charleston May, 1780
Winner: British
 British take the war to the South, hoping for
support from Loyalists.
 Charleston is a big victory for ambitious
General CORNWALLIS.
 British march North, and win another battle at
Camden SC
 British brutality in the South causes anger and
loss of support

9. Battle of Kings Mountain, Battle of
Cowpens, Battle of Guilford Courthouse (late
1780 – Spring 1781) Winner: Split
 Patriots win important victories at King
Mountain and Cowpens, SC.
 British win a costly victory at Guilford
Courthouse in Greensboro.
 Cornwallis and Brits head north to VA

10. Battle of Yorktown October, 1781
Winner: Americans
 British troops are surrounded by Americans
and French naval fleet.
 Cornwallis surrenders British army to
Washington.
 LAST MAJOR BATTLE OF THE WAR!

11. FOR WOMEN
FOR AFRICAN
AMERICANS*
 War is a struggle for
women and children
 Women fill roles of
men and home and
some fight in battles
 Inflation and
shortages effect
everyone
 Many fight for the
Patriot cause
 More joined British
for promise of
freedom
 An estimated
100,000 African
Americans
* Primary materials and notes on Af. Americans in the war.

12.  Treaty of Paris – 1783 ends the war
 Confirms US Independence and sets national
boundaries
 Becomes
Symbol of
Democracy,
Equality, and
Freedom to
The World

13. 1. From http://www.kenmorestamp.com