Overview
This lecture covers America's War for Independence (1775–1783), focusing on causes, key events, strategies, major battles, and the social impacts including issues of race, class, and gender.
Road to Revolution
- British taxes and the monopoly on tea angered colonists, leading to the Boston Tea Party (1773).
- The British responded harshly with the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts, closing Boston Harbor and limiting self-government.
- The First Continental Congress (1774) organized colonial resistance, advocating for a boycott of British goods.
- The conflict began at Lexington and Concord in April 1775 ("the shot heard round the world").
Early Years and Strategies
- The British aimed to isolate New England and took New York City and Philadelphia.
- Washington led surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton, boosting Patriot morale.
- The Continental Army faced supply shortages and harsh conditions, notably at Valley Forge (1777–78).
- French support following the American victory at Saratoga (1777) was crucial for the American cause.
War in the South & the End
- The British shifted focus south, capturing Savannah and Charleston but faced fierce resistance and partisan warfare.
- Key American victories at Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse weakened British forces.
- The combined French and American siege forced the British surrender at Yorktown (1781), ending major fighting.
- The Treaty of Paris (1783) recognized U.S. independence and established its boundaries.
Social Impacts and Identities
- About one third of colonists remained loyal to Britain, many leaving for Canada or England after the war.
- Enslaved people and Native Americans largely sided with the British, seeking freedom or protection, but most were left unprotected after the war.
- Women contributed through home-front production, fundraising (e.g., Ladies Association of Philadelphia), and some even followed armies.
- Paper money (Continental currency) rapidly lost value, causing economic hardship.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Coercive (Intolerable) Acts — British laws punishing Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party.
- First Continental Congress — 1774 colonial meeting to coordinate resistance to Britain.
- Minutemen — Colonial militias ready to fight at a minute’s notice.
- Declaration of Independence — 1776 document stating colonial separation from Britain.
- Continental Army — The Patriot army led by George Washington.
- Treaty of Paris (1783) — Treaty ending the Revolutionary War, recognizing U.S. independence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and outcomes of major battles (Lexington, Saratoga, Yorktown).
- Be able to explain the roles of Loyalists, enslaved people, Native Americans, and women during the war.
- Read the Declaration of Independence and analyze its contradictions on equality.