
Britain and France fight for control of North America and
unclaimed territory.
 Known as French & Indian War (1754-1763).
 Britain wins.

Following war, British Parliament begins to tighten control
over colonies.

Colonists forced to:
 Not pass Appalachian Mountains (did anyways: farmland)
 House British soldiers w/o consent or help (wanted to kill ‘em, but
didn’t)

Following French & Indian War, Britain is also broke.

Needing money, American colonies are taxed heavily for
first time ever.

Taxes placed on :
 Sugar (molasses & sugar)
 Stamps (paper products)

Sons of Liberty & Daughters of Liberty created to begin
protests of new British taxes and restrictions.

Americans begin boycotting on British goods to avoid
British taxes.
 boycott – refusal to buy.

To avoid protests, Britain passes Townshend Acts.
 Goods taxed as they sail into port, not in store.

Acts also gives British officers “writs of assistance” to
search houses for smuggled goods (w/o permission).

Angry about taxes and limits on freedom, colonists begin
to act out.

On March 5, 1770, an angry mob gathers outside Boston’s
Statehouse to protest taxes.

As mob grows in size, British soldiers are sent out to
protect house.

Mob begins to push towards the house as the troops order
the mob back.

As crowd pushes towards house, soldiers are reminded to
not fire on the crowd.

A snowball is launched from the crowd, knocking a soldier
off his feet.

Other soldiers around him open fire on the crowd, killing
5-6 civilians.

The event is written about in next day’s paper labeled the
“Boston Massacre”.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What did the Sugar Act tax?
What war caused Britain to go broke?
What were British officers searching for with
“writs of assistance”?
What prompted soldiers to fire in the crowd
during the Boston Massacre?
What did the Stamp Act tax?

Following Boston Massacre, Britain repeals all taxes,
except on tea.

Colonists begin boycotting British tea, until all taxes
repealed.

In response, Britain gives East India Tea Company
(Britain-owned) exclusive trading rights w/ colonies.

Colonies , with help from Sons & Daughters of Liberty,
begin organizing boycotts & protests.

As protest, colonists don’t allow British tea ships to dock
or unload cargo (tea).

3 British tea ships dock in Boston, but tea remained on
ship.

Sons of Liberty, dressed as Native Americans, board ship
and throw tea overboard.

342 chests of tea are ruined ($1 million) during the protest.

Following the Boston Tea Party, Parliament passes the
Intolerable Acts.

Acts did the following to the colonies:
 Closed Boston Harbor until ruined tea paid for.
 No town meetings in Mass.
 Elected councils replaced w/ British appointed one.
 Governor’s power over colonies increased.
 Accused British officials protected from being tried by colonists.
 British troops were placed in Boston houses to be cared for.

1st Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia.

Delegates from all colonies (except GA) attended and
agreed on:
 All British trade banned until Intolerable Acts repealed.
 All colonies should begin training troops/militia.

Independence wasn’t agreed upon, but discussed.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What company was given exclusive trading rights
with the colonies?
What did the Sons of Liberty dress up as during
the Boston Tea Party?
How many chests of tea were ruined? How much
money was that?
What was the act passed that was meant to
punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party?
Where did the 1st Continental Congress meet?

British spies inform military about ammunition depot in
Concord.

British military decides to march from Boston to
Lexington/Concord (20 miles).

Their mission:
 Arrest John Hancock & John Adams
 Destroy ammunition in Concord.

Paul Revere and Williams Dawes waited outside Boston
for a signal to alert colonists.

Dr. Joseph Warren lit 1 lantern in church steeple to signal
Revere’s ride.

British troops leave Boston around 5:00 a.m., heading for
Concord & Lexington.

Revere & Dawes race ahead, warning all towns that the
“regulars are coming out”.

At dawn of April 19, 1775, 900 British troops encountered a
group of 70 minutemen (Mass. Militia) outside Lexington.
 Hancock & Adams had already escaped, thanks to Revere’s
warning.

As both sides lined up in rows, a shot rings out from the
colonist’s side.

British troops return fire, killing 8 militia while the rest
scattered.

When the British troops reach Concord, they find no
ammunition to destroy and head back to Boston.

On the march back to Boston, British troops were
continually ambushed by militia.

Of the 900 British troops that left Boston, nearly 1/3 were
killed or wounded on the return trip.

Following Lexington & Concord, colonists had to choose
between freedom (Patriots) or the crown they were loyal
to (Loyalists).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who were the British military trying to arrest in
Lexington?
What two people made a famous “Midnight Ride”
to warn colonists of British troops march to
Lexington & Concord?
What are the British troops trying to destroy in
Concord?
Who were people that were loyal to the crown
nicknamed?
Who were people that were fighting for freedom
nicknamed?

Following Lexington/Concord, Continental Congress
meets for 2nd time in Philadelphia on May 10th, 1775.

All delegates agree to create a Continental Army.

George Washington was chosen to lead new army.

In June 1775, militia build fort on top of Breed’s Hill &
Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston Harbor.

2,200 British troops assemble at bottom of hill and attacks
militia.

As first wave of British troops nears, militia are ordered
not to fire “until you see the whites of their eyes.”

The first wave is pushed back down the hill.

A 2nd wave of British troops is formed, but also pushed
back by militia.

A 3rd wave of British troops attacks and forces the militia
to retreat.
 Militia only retreats because they lacked ammunition.

Following battle, British suffer over 1,000 casualties.

Colonists begin signing up for duty in Continental Army,
believing they could defeat British.

Olive Branch Petition is sent to King George III, hoping to
avoid war.

He rejects it, responding by sending hired German troops
to colonies.

British troops leave Boston, knowing city is under siege by
15,000 militia.

Even as British leave Boston, most colonists still
undecided about which side to choose.

Thomas Paine, British immigrant, writes a pamphlet titled
Common Sense.

In pamphlet, Paine reminded colonists why choosing the
Patriot side was right choice:
 All men should be allowed to vote.
 All monarchies are corrupt.
 Colonies will survive financially if they leave British protection.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who was chosen to lead Continental army?
What did colonial militia build on top of Bunker &
Breed’s Hill that British attacked?
How many waves of British troops were needed
to defeat colonists at Bunker Hill?
What is sent to King George III to prevent war?
Who writes the pamphlet called Common Sense?

Colonies decide to declare independence before war
begins, making colonists aware of their intentions.

Thomas Jefferson, along with others, put in charge of
writing a document that would create a nation.

Declaration is read before Continental Congress on July
2.
 Members debate whether to sign or not.

Colonies adopt the declaration on July 4, 1776.
 John Hancock was first to sign; signed it the largest.

Colonists divided about loyalties during war.

Those who remained loyal to Britain labeled Loyalists
(25%).

Those who fought for freedom were labeled Patriots
(50%).

Remaining colonists (25%) were neutral.

Continental Army is formed; enlisted soldiers only
asked to serve 1 year.

Washington struggles to keep a fully army intact
 17,000 is most Washington has at any point in war.

British army struggles to get soldiers to enlist.

To provide a full army, King George III hires mercenaries
from Germany called Hessians.

Britain has obvious advantages:
 Better officers
 Professional, trained troops
 Outstanding Navy
 Endless supplies & funds

Colonists have three advantages:
 Officers trained in British military tactics
 Knew land they were fighting on
 Fighting for independence, not paycheck

As British troops left Boston, Washington rushes
Continental Army to New York.

After months of fighting between sides, British force
Washington to retreat to New Jersey.

Continental troops cross Delaware River on December
25, 1776 launching surprise attack on British forces at
Trenton.

Continental army gets first victory of war due to
Washington’s bold move.

British had master plan for winning war: divide colonies
in half at Hudson River.

Gen. John Burgoyne travels south from Canada to meet
up with other British troops to cut off colonies.

Burgoyne gets stopped in Saratoga while waiting for
reinforcements to arrive.

Reinforcements never show up as Burgoyne’s troops run
low on supplies.

Burgoyne surrenders after days of constant fire from
Continental army.

Burgoyne’s surrender gives Continental army a boost of
confidence.

Also shows other European nations that U.S. could win
war with help.

Following victory at Saratoga, France and Spain ally
themselves with colonies.

France agreed to send:
 Troops
 Supplies
 Money

Spain sent money and officers to colonies for additional
support.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What percentage of colonists were thought to be
neutral?
How long were soldiers in Continental Army asked to
serve?
Where did General Washington get the Continental
Army’s first victory on December 25, 1776?
What two European countries allied with the United
States?
What three supplies did France send to colonies?

British Gen. Howe attacks Philadelphia, hoping to capture
2nd Continental Congress.

Washington rushes army to city to protect Congress and
keep city out of British control.

Congress escapes; Washington loses and is forced out of
city in late November 1777.
 Howe and his troops stay in city through winter.

Washington and his troops set up camp at Valley Forge for
oncoming winter.

As troops arrive in Valley Forge, supplies are extremely
low.

Soldiers lack blankets, proper clothing, food, and shoes.
 Diseases such as dysentery, smallpox, & typhoid fever spread
throughout camp.

Local farmers were loyalists, so they refused to feed
starving soldiers.

Soldiers couldn’t buy food because U.S. currency was
worthless.

Hundreds of soldiers die from conditions; thousands
more desert their posts.

Majority of army stays through harsh winter, despite
enlistments being completed.

In Spring of 1778, Washington informs his troops of
alliances w/ Spain and France.
 Foreign supplies arrives shortly afterwards.
 Baron Von Stueben & Marquis Lafayette train Continental
army.
Who was Gen. Howe hoping to capture in Philadelphia?
Following defeat in Philadelphia, where did Gen.
Washington camp for the winter?
3. Why wouldn’t local farmers feed hungry American
troops?
4. What 3 diseases spread throughout camp at Valley
Forge?
5. What two foreign officers were credited with training
American troops into a better army?
1.
2.

Following multiple American victories in frontier and
little success in northern colonies, Britain changes
strategies.

Instead of fighting northern colonies, Britain moves war
south.
 More loyalists in southern colonies; Britain feels more support =
more victories.
 British also expected slaves to join their war effort after
promised freedom.

Britain wins battle at Charlestown and Camden,
defeating overwhelmed American troops.

American militia start using ambushes to attack British.

With lack of information & supplies, British lose control
of Southern colonies.

Gen. Cornwallis (Leader of Britain’s army) chases
Colonial army around southern colonies, wearing his
troops out.

Believing Colonists were getting information from
Virginia, Gen. Cornwallis sets up base in Yorktown, VA.
 Set up there to receive supplies from British ships.

With Cornwallis trapped, Washington joins his army with
other colonial forces outside Yorktown.

In August 1781, French navy arrives outside Yorktown
and blockades town.
 Prevents British from receiving supplies and escaping.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What two reasons did the British have for moving the
war south?
Why did the British feel they would have more success
in southern colonies?
Which army was Gen. Cornwallis in charge of?
Following losses at Camden and Charlestown, what
kind of attacks do the American (colonial) troops use to
attack British supply lines and messengers?
What city in Virginia did Gen. Cornwallis move his
troops to? What is unique about that city?

British troops kept Colonial troops out of city for 2 ½
months, using redoubts (small cannon forts).

As Colonial troops take over forts, British troops fall
back to city as Colonists continually bombard city.

With lack of supplies in Yorktown, British soldiers are:
 Starving
 Sick; in need of medicine/medical attention
 In need of guns & ammo

With many buildings in Yorktown turned to rubble and
soldiers ailing, Gen. Cornwallis surrenders on October
19, 1781.

Cornwallis sends an officer out to hand over his sword.
 Cornwallis pretended to be ill so he didn’t have to surrender in
person.

Fighting continues in southern states following
surrender, but not for long as news of Cornwallis
surrender spreads.

How America won against the mighty British military:
 Fighting for cause, not money.
 As Colonists won battles, more neutral people supported




freedom.
Colonists military officers learned from mistakes; British
officers didn’t.
Foreign allies aided colonies; British had none.
By end of war, most militia joined Continental army, increasing
size to 250,000 against British force of 50,000-60,000.
Orders/supplies for British slow to arrive from Britain (4-6
months); Continental army supplies/orders only take days to
arrive.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How long did the British keep American troops out of
Yorktown?
When did Cornwallis finally surrender?
Who officially surrender for Gen. Cornwallis?
Why didn’t Cornwallis surrender himself?
List 3 reasons why the Americans won against the
British.

Costs of the war:
 25,700 Colonial soldiers killed (estimated)
 8,200 Colonial soldiers wounded (estimated)
 10,000 British soldiers killed/wounded (estimated)
 $27 million debt for U.S. (borrowed money to fund war)
 Thousands of acres of farmland destroyed from battles

Colonial leaders begin negotiating peace treaty with
Britain on September 27, 1782.
 Ben Franklin & John Adams among leaders present at
negotiations.

Treaty of Paris officially ended the war after being
signed on September 3, 1783.

Americans gain following from Treaty of Paris:
 Independence.
 Boundaries increased to Mississippi River (west), Canada
(north), & Spanish Florida (south).
 Each side would repay debts owed each other (never
happened).
 Any slaves captured by British would be returned (never
happened).
 Any property taken by Patriots from Loyalists would be
returned (never happened).

With newly-earned independence, American colonies
begin ruling themselves w/o central gov’t.

In 1777, 2nd Continental Congress adopted plan creating
Articles of Confederation (took charge in 1781).
 Articles 1st attempt at a central gov’t.
 EXTREMELY limited in power.
 Could only wage war and sign treaties.

Northern colonists begin debating about presence of
slavery & religious freedom in colonies.
 2 states (Vermont, Pennsylvania) outlaw slavery while others
debate it.

Despite efforts of freed slaves & northern abolitionists,
slavery continued in U.S. (especially in south).

Religious freedom is also debated and adopted in some
states.
1.
2.
3.
4.
What was the name of the treaty that ended the war?
How many colonial soldiers were killed (estimated)?
What two states outlawed slavery?
Besides independence, list 2 other provisions America
gained from their victory in the war.