Lecture 12: End of the American Revolutionary War

Key Topics

• Southern Strategy
• Yorktown and Peace Negotiations
• Treaty of Paris
• Experiences of Different Constituencies
• Notable Individuals and Their Roles

Southern Strategy

• Shift from New York strategy to Southern strategy focusing on colonies like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
• British valued the agricultural wealth (tobacco, rice, indigo) of the South and Caribbean more than the middle and northern colonies.
• French and Dutch involvement in the Caribbean affected British naval power.

Siege of Yorktown and Peace Talks

• In 1781, Washington's plan succeeded with American and French troops boxing in General Cornwallis.
• The French navy blocked the Chesapeake Bay, forcing Cornwallis to surrender.
• Post-Yorktown, peace talks between England and America intensified.
• England offered major compromises but Americans were set on full independence.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

• Officially ended the war; America gained independence.
• Established boundary lines, expanding U.S. territory west of the Appalachians.
• Symbolized by Washington’s entrance into New York City (November 1783).

Constituencies' Experiences

Allegiances and Neutrality

• Three key groups: Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutralists.
• Neutralists often coerced by Patriots; shifting allegiances depending on territorial control.
• British disdain towards Loyalists, despite their necessity.

Loyalist Experience

• Faced persecution by Patriots; harsh treatment if they supported British.
• Example: Sir John Johnson led Loyalist troops for British.

Benedict Arnold

• Initially a Patriot; switched allegiances due to frustrations and politics.
• His betrayal illustrates fragile loyalties; attempted to hand over West Point to British.

Native American Involvement

• No single response; varied allegiances.
• Many tribes pressured to choose sides; British courted tribes by highlighting threats of colonial expansion.

Role of Women in the Revolution

Support and Participation

• Women supported through domestic and indirect assistance (Abigail Adams).
• Some women assumed male identities to directly participate (e.g., Deborah Sampson).

Camp Followers

• Women provided crucial support services in military camps.
• Washington accepted women camp followers despite reservations.

Deputy Husbands

• Women ran farms/businesses in husbands' absence; some legal recognition.
• Example: Rebecca Motte, who burned her home rather than allow British occupation.

Women in Combat

• Mary Hayes McCauley (Molly Pitcher) and Deborah Sampson notable figures.
• Sampson received a pension for her military service post-war.

African Americans and Slavery

Military Participation

• Initially banned, later included due to necessity.
• Roughly 9,000 blacks fought for the Patriots.
• British offered freedom to slaves to incentivize defection, affecting American economic stability.

Post-War Freedom

• Some states began banning slavery during and immediately after the war.
• British relocated many runaway slaves to Canada, refused to return them post-war.

Conclusion

• The American Revolution profoundly affected various groups differently.
• New policies and boundary changes post-treaty reshaped America's political landscape.