By: Stephen Polidoro

Colonial American & the American Revolutionary War:

Continental Army & British Army

The Continental Army was created by Congress to fight against Britain for self-government.

Was more organized than colonial militias.George Washington was unanimously chosen by

congress to be the commander.George Washington took charge of the Colonial

Forces in Boston. Congress gave Britain one last chance to avoid an “all out war”.

Continental Army:

Had huge advantages in the war:Strongest navy in the warExperienced and well trainedHad wealth of a world-wide empireLarger population than the United States

(6 million more)

British Army:

Americans BritishAfrican Americans – British offered freedom

after war if they joined their forces. Native Americans – British promised to slow

down westward movement if they joined army

The People Who Fought

The Battles of Lexington & Concord – April 1775

The first shot fired began the war Sir Thomas Gage

Head of British ArmyWas told to get the weapons of the Massachusetts militia

and arrest leaders of the groupWhen troops arrived in Concord, they found most

weapons gone and were attacked by local townspeople

Paul Revere & William DawesAlerted Samuel Adams & John Handcock that the

British were on their wayThis battle was the first victory over British

Battles

June 16th, 1775William Prescott lead the American Troops

“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”British won because Americans ran out of

gunpowder and had to withdraw. More than 1,000 dead.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

Burgoyne head of British armySurrendered because US army was too powerful.

Victory for the Colonists

Victory helped US receive foreign assistance that would help win the war

The Battle of Saratoga Sept. 19, 1717 – Oct. 7, 1717

MUSKETSTOMAHAWKSSWORDSCANNONSKNIVESPISTOLSRIFLESPOLE ARMSBAYONETSLONG RIFLES

Weapons Used in the War

United States:Washington used a semicircle formation around

Boston and used cannons to bombard the British army.

British:British had troops based in Canada.

Captured New York to use as a base to conquer the middle colonies.Many British Loyalists lived there.

Military Tactics

The American Journey text bookYouTubeAbout.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuikXCpBlJ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIZBPpAJcNA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0utTu69koA

Sources