The American Revolution

Part 1

Early Battles

The original 13 colonies

that eventually became the

United States of America.

After the fighting at Lexington and Concord, the British were stunned. How could a small group of rebels have beaten 700 Redcoats? They nervously watched the campfires of the rebels that surrounded the city.

In the coming weeks and months ahead, some colonists clung to hopes for peace. However, the rebels around Boston were ready for war.

Ethan Allen and theGreen Mountain Boys

Early on in the war, the colonies did not have a single, united army – or even a united government. Rebels in each colony took action.

Ethan Allen, a blacksmith with a strong temper, led a group of Vermonters toward Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain.

•Fort

Fort Ticonderoga

was a key fort on the southern

end of Lake Champlain

Ticonderoga was a key fort in the war. When it was first captured by the Americans, the British

commander was still putting his pants on!

Allen and his followers knew that this fort had many cannons that the colonies needed badly. In early May, they slipped through the morning mists and overpowered the guard on duty. The surprised British had no choice but to surrender. The Americans captured valuable cannons and gunpowder. They were also now in control of a key route to Canada.

Last Efforts for Peace

• The Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia.

• Most delegates to this meeting really don’t want to split with Great Britain.

• They extend the OLIVE BRANCH PETITION, and ask the king to repeal the Intolerable Acts.

• Just in case, they also take steps to set up the CONTINENTAL ARMY.

To gain more support for the war outside of New England, John Adams proposed that George Washington be the army’s commander:

I have in my mind for that important command…a gentleman whose skills and experience as an officer, whose independent fortune, great talents, and excellent universal character would command the approval of all of America.”

He was speaking of

George Washington,

who, embarrassed by

the praise, quietly slipped

out of the room.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Colonial forces were untrained, they had few cannons, little gunpowder, and no navy.

• Britain had very experienced troops, and the most powerful navy in the world to move troops and supplies.

• However, Britain’s armies were 3,000 miles from home, and they faced big dangers if they left America’s cities.

• Americans were protecting their way of life, and they were good shots. Plus they had Washington.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

• While Washington was headed for Boston, the rebels tightened their circle around the city to keep the British inside.

• In June of 1775, William Prescott led 1,200 minutemen to a hill on a river across from Boston. From here they could fire on British ships in the harbor.

• They quickly saw that nearby Breed’s hill was a better position.

• They dug trenches all night for protection.

• In the morning, the British saw what they were doing, and sent over a force of 2,400 redcoats.

• As the redcoats crossed through fields and climbed the hill, they were carrying packs that weighed on average 125 pounds.

• With little gunpowder, the minutemen were warned, “Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes!”

Twice the British climbed up the hill, and then were driven back. Finally on the third try, the colonists had run out of gunpowder, and the British were able to capture both Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill.

British casualties were high. They lost 1,000 men, including many officers. American losses numbered 400.

Despite losing, this battle showed the rebels could fight bravely against the British.

The Redcoats Leave Boston• When Washington got

to Boston, he found 16,000 troops.

• Due to mistrust, many of the untrained, undisciplined troops refused to work with people from the other colonies.

• Eventually, Washington earned their loyalty and respect, and they learned how to take orders and to work together.

• The army dragged down cannons from Fort Ticonderoga on sleds and surrounded the city.

• The Americans tricked the British, because not all of the cannons were loaded.

• The British decided to leave Boston, and go north to Halifax, Canada.

• All colonial ports are ordered to be blockaded.

• The king also hires HESSIAN troops from Germany to fight the colonists.

Hessians were hired, mainly professional soldiers from Germany.

Attacking Canada

• The Americans decide to attack the British in Canada and win friends with the French Canadians who still were living there.

• Two armies were sent to the north.

• The city of Montreal was captured by one army.

• As it was marching, the other army had a tough time, and ran low on supplies. People even ate shoe leather or boiled tree bark.

• Trying to capture Quebec was unsuccessful.

Benedict Arnold was involved with the

unsuccessful invasion of Quebec.