Revolution!

battle of lexington and concord

The Battle of Lexington & Concord was the first battle of the American Revolution. No one who knows who fired the first shot, but it is known as the "shot heard 'round the world" because it started the Revolution, which affected many countries throughout the world.

Watch a video clip about the Battles of Lexington and Concord by clicking here.

Results of Battle
While the colonists lost many minutemen, the battles were considered a major military victory and displayed to King George III that unjust behavior would not be tolerated in America. This battle proved that the Americans could stand up to one of the most powerful armies in the world. The fighting also changed the thinking of the colonists. Many colonists hoped that the colonies would remained united with Britain and did not want to break their 100 year ties with England. But, when news of Lexington and Concord swept the colonies, Americans who at first sought peace with the British now wanted independence.

the declaration of independence

The Declaration of Independence was a formal and official statement that announced that the 13 colonies now saw themselves as 13 independent states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. It declared them an independent country.

The Declaration of Independence is important for many reasons:

It justified our right to revolt against a government that took away our natural rights
It helped us get assistance from France
It is the basis of our democratic government.
Even today, it is because of the words in that document (“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”) that women are now treated the same as men and that all races are treated equally.

"Too Late To Apologize - A Declaration"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZfRaWAtBVg

map of the major battles of the american revolution

more information about some of the battles

battle of bunker hill

To learn more about the Battle of Bunker Hill, watch this video and take notes on your organizer!

battle of trenton & princeton

During this time, New York City was in under British control. The Continental Army (American Army) was about to be defeated. Even George Washington (the general), retreating with his shoeless army through the cold winter rain, told a friend, “The spirits of the people have shrunk. Without fresh troops, I think the game is pretty near up.” Thomas Paine wrote in his pamphlet The Crisis that, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Washington, however, struck back with two swift triumphs. Crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas night, he surprised a large Hessian (German soldiers who were fighting for the British) force at Trenton, New Jersey. A week later, Washington took over Princeton as well. These victories boosted American spirits, and attracted more men into the Continental Army.

George Washington crossing the Delaware River has become an iconic image. The painting below is by Emanuel Leutze and depicts this scene. Analyze the image closely using S.I.G.H.T. strategy!

“Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze (1851)

battle of saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga is considered the turning point in the war for independence. With the American victory, it proved to the world that the Americans were serious and powerful enough to defeat the highly trained British forces.

The Battle of Saratoga was actually two battles - the Battle of Freeman's Farm and the Battle of Bemis Heights. The American forces were under the command of General Horatio Gates, and assisted by General Philip Schuyler and General Benedict Arnold. General Burgoyne led the British forces. Gates lost the first battle and after a disagreement with Arnold about battle strategy, Gates fired Arnold. The British forces were exhausted but were ordered to attack Bemis Heights. While Gates’ defensive moves were effective, it was General Arnold who saw an opening to turn the battle into an offensive move. Despite having been fired from his position, Arnold joined the battle anyway. His efforts were so successful and the British troops so beaten down that General Burgoyne was forced to surrender a few days later at Saratoga.

Upon hearing of the American victory at Saratoga, the French declared recognition of the United States of America and fully supported their war of independence.

Watch a video about the Battle of Saratoga by clicking on the link:
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-saratoga

winter at valley forge

We didn't get to talk about it in class, but you can watch the video below if you are interested in learning about the harsh winter that Washington and his army spent in Valley Forge!
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history/videos/surviving-valley-forge

who else was involved in the american revolution?

battle of yorktown

Watch a short video clip about the Battle of Yorktown:
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/siege-of-yorktown

Map of Territory Changes After the American Revolution