Introduction to US History/Revolution
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- Lexington and Concord, 1775
In 1775, all colonies met in Philadelphia and demanded an apology from the British and their greivances were organized by Thomas Jefferson. Each colony was also asked to financially support the Continental Army, who were preparing for a possible war. Independence was still not in the minds of the colonists. Their apologies were met with continuous patrol of Boston and her harbor, to which fighting for control of the harbor took place shortly. George Washington is appointed as Commander-in-Chief. He proved to be an average commander, who lost more battles than he won - but this proved to build him up as a stronger figure, eventually becoming the 1st president of the USA. Eventually the colonists sought for independence as the only way out!
- Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775 - takes place during 2nd Continental Congress meeting
- July 4, 1776 - Declaration of Independence, product of the 2nd Continental Congress, written mostly by Thomas Jefferson
The Declaration of Independence listed out these grievances:
- The English got rid of trial by jury in the colonies
- "No taxation without representation [consent]"
- The English King imposed a military dictatorship (by allowing a standing army during times of peace)
- Destruction of personal property (w:Burning of Norfolk)
The Declaration of Independence officially made it clear that the colonists, or majority of them (20% were still loyal to the British, mostly southern colonists), wanted to be free of British rule. Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, detailing why Independence was a necessary move to make. He argued that a small country, like England, should not rule a continent, like America. He also stated that America desired independence and democracy. The English Quaker's book sold dozens of copies to thousands of people.
What we had going for/against us?
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It seemed like the odds were against the Americans as they went up against arguably the strongest powerhouse at the time. What made the difference was the leadership coming out of both sides. England had poor leadership while America had great leadership. Genuises, such as George Washington, Samuel Adams, Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Patrick Henry, were all instrumental in America's victory. The other positive qualities we had were that we had our support/supplies local (while the British had to sail the Atlantic Ocean, which made their communication slow) and the colonies had no official capital, thereby making the British's job of seeking our defeat even harder.
We also had the support and empathy of France (although France used to be an enemy and many of them are Catholic), who sought revenge against the English. Rich patriots, such as John Hancock and Washington, alleviated us financially.
What was against us was the lack of collectiveness (the colonies were separate of each other) and we had no real currency - therefore, we couldn't pay off the soldiers' salaries. We also had no navy and no experienced soldiers, therefore foreign commanders/mercenary soldiers had to assist us (one of them includes General Frederick von Steuben).
Why did people support our revolution?
editOur revolution was seen as "impossible" (life without tyranny did not exist). Also, political independence from the mother country with a direct/hands-on government was also not known at the time. America's values would've given Europeans, particularly religious refugees, a safe space to live out their lives without any fear of oppression.
What was the British's plan?
editThey planned on dividing America in half (the North and the South). They wanted to invade through Canada and attack NYC. The war wasn't fought during the winter due to poor technology at the time, so the war dragged on.
Benedict Arnold was a general of the US, who was even more skilled than Washington (who he had his full trust). His wife, Peggy Shippen, is credited with changing his views. He lead the Raid of Richmond, going against the people who he once swored to protect. After the war, he tried to make a life in Canada but returned to England because he was despited there.
The War
editAs obvious with any high-rated conflict, it wasn't going to be easy for the Confederates. Valley Forge is an example of one conflict: From December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, George Washington and his troops took refuge in a village known as "Valley Forge", where 50 American commanders resigned in one day, 2k+ soldiers died, 7k+ soldiers retired, and several horses succumb to starvation/disease.
The Battle of Trenton (1776) takes place on Christmas night. George Washington crosses the Delaware River and arrived in Trenton, New Jersey and resulted in a surprised American victory. Although the battle was small, it was a necessary boost of morale and confidence thar was needed by the Americans.
The Battle of Saratoga (1777) led to British general Burgoyne to surrender their largest British force. This impressive win is what led to the French joining the war as allies to the Americans, the drafting of the Articles of Confederation, and the British desperately seeking an end to the war (but it was too late!).
Meanwhile, let's not forget about the South! The British capture Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina (capturing vital weaponry). General Cornwalis goes haywire in North Carolina and ends up being short on supplies. He moves to Yorktown, Virginia while he waits for supplies. George Washington capitalizes on this and moves his troops from New York all the way to Yorktown with Marquis de Lafayette and his French troops. The French also bring their navy to the shores of Virginia, preventing naval support. A siege forces General Cornwalis to surrender his troops. October 17, 1781 marks the end of the war with a US victory.