Revolutionary War in Georgia - Key Points

Background

• Georgians were initially hesitant to join the revolutionary movement despite opposing British trade regulations.
• Georgia prospered under royal rule and relied on British protection against Indian attacks.
• Georgia did not participate in the First Continental Congress of 1774.
• St. Johns Parish sent Lyman Hall to the Second Continental Congress, representing Georgia.

Early Revolutionary Activities

• News of Lexington and Concord battles led to increased revolutionary sentiment in Georgia.
• Sons of Liberty seized gunpowder in Savannah in May 1775.
• Whigs (patriots) opposed the royal government, while Tories remained loyal to the king.
• The Second Provincial Congress in July 1775 took over government functions and enforced a trade ban with Britain.

Violence and Conflict

• The Whigs' aggressive tactics led to violence, notably against Thomas Brown in Augusta.
• Brown later organized Loyalists and threatened Whig positions but retreated to Florida.

Key Events and Battles

• Battle of the Rice Boats (March 1776): British seized rice-laden ships, causing a crisis in Savannah.
• Invasions of Florida (1776-1778): Three failed attempts by Georgians to invade British-controlled Florida.
• Return of British Army (1778): British under Archibald Campbell invaded Georgia, capturing Savannah and Augusta.

Government Actions

• Georgia formed a state government in 1777, creating counties and drafting a constitution.
• Internal divisions persisted between radical and conservative factions.
• Multiple governments existed in Augusta and Savannah due to political rivalry.

Later Battles

• Siege of Savannah (1779): A failed attempt by French and American forces to recapture Savannah from the British.
• Fall of Charleston (1780): British forces captured Charleston, enhancing control over southern colonies.
• Battles of Augusta (1780 & 1781): Elijah Clarke's efforts eventually led to the recapture of Augusta by American forces in 1781.

End of British Rule

• By 1782, British forces began evacuating Georgia, culminating in the evacuation of Savannah in July 1782.
• Georgia regained control and reestablished its government in Savannah.

Aftermath

• Many Loyalists fled Georgia post-evacuation, relocating to Florida, Jamaica, and other British territories.
• Georgia expanded territorially but faced challenges with local Creek Indians over land rights.

Important Figures

• James Wright: Royal Governor during the Revolution.
• Lyman Hall, George Walton, Button Gwinnett: Signers of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia.
• Thomas Brown: Loyalist leader who resisted Whig forces.
• Elijah Clarke, Nathanael Greene, Andrew Pickens: Key military leaders for the American forces.
• Lachlan McIntosh: Influential Georgian military leader during the war.
• John Martin, Nathan Brownson: Governors who oversaw Georgia post-British rule.

Conclusion

• Georgia's revolutionary efforts were marked by internal strife, failed invasions, and eventual victory over British forces.
• The war laid the groundwork for Georgia's democratic governance and territorial expansion.