American Revolutionary War: Key Points and Events

Background

• Challenge: American rebels face the greatest military superpower of the time, Britain.
• Objective: To gain independence using secret intelligence, new fighting tactics, and revolutionary ideas.
• New York City: In June 1776, population of 20,000, preparing for the largest land invasion in American history.

Military Preparations and Strategy

• George Washington: Commander-in-Chief; previously drove British out of Boston.
• British Forces: 45 British warships off Manhattan Island by June 29th, 1776, armed with hundreds of soldiers and heavy cannons.
• Continental Congress: Crisis meeting in Philadelphia on July 2nd, discussing total independence.
  • Key Figures: Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams.
  • Outcome: Ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.

The Battle for New York

• British Attack: Begins July 12th with warships firing on New York City.
• Joseph Reed's Observation: 32,000 British troops outnumber rebels two to one.
• Rebel Retreat: Washington's army collapses and retreats along an ancient path, Broadway.
• Prison Ships: Thousands thrown into notorious ships like the HMS Jersey; 12,000 die.

Guerrilla Warfare and Saratoga

• British Plan: General John Burgoyne advances from Canada to cut colonies in two.
• Rebel Tactics: Utilize guerrilla warfare led by Daniel Morgan and sharpshooters.
• Innovations: Long rifles with deadly accuracy, targeting British officers.
• Saratoga Victory: October 17, 1777, Burgoyne surrenders; France joins the war.

Valley Forge

• Challenges: Freezing temperatures, inadequate supplies, and smallpox outbreak.
• Inoculation: Washington implements a crude form of vaccination, reducing smallpox impact.

Foreign Assistance and Internal Organization

• Baron von Steuben: Prussian officer who trains and organizes Washington's troops.
• Spying and Intelligence: Network led by Washington himself, including innovations like invisible ink.

Yorktown and Conclusion

• Yorktown Siege: October 1781, Washington's army backed by French naval power.
• British Surrender: Two days after breaching defenses, British negotiate peace.
• Outcome: Independence achieved, over 25,000 American lives lost.

Lasting Impact

• Declaration of Independence: Emphasized inalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• George Washington: Inaugurated as the first President of the United States in 1789.
• Legacy: The United States becomes the only country to win independence from Britain through war.