American Revolution: Strategies, Key Battles, and Outcomes
American Revolution Review
7.1 Strategies and Key Figures
- What were the two war strategies of the Americans?
– Guerrilla tactics (fight an insurgent war – you don’t have to win every battle, just wear the British down)
– Forge an alliance with Britain’s enemies (Alliance with Spain and France)
2. What were the three war strategies of the British?
– Break the colonies in half by getting between the North and South.
– Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from allies.
– Divide and conquer – use the loyalists.
3. Who were the Tories? They were a political party of loyalists who supported the British. They were called Tories by the Patriots.
4. Why did Indians support the British more? Because the British promised to give back the land that they lost in the Seven Years’ War.
5. Which battle was the turning point of the war? The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point. It showed the British that America actually had a fighting chance and could win.
6. Describe the winter at Valley Forge. Brutally cold and snowy. The Continental Army was on the verge of giving up, but George Washington inspired them to keep fighting, and they ultimately prevailed. A small navy sunk hundreds of British ships.
7. Who was the famous American naval hero of the Revolution? John Paul Jones was the commander of the small American navy. He succeeded in sinking hundreds of British ships.
7.2 Southern Strategy and Key Figures
- Why did the British concentrate their efforts in the South? Because they were having a hard time controlling the North, so they focused on the South, where there were more Loyalists.
- What is guerrilla warfare? Surprise attacks. Francis Marion, a Patriot leader, led guerrilla warfare. The goal was to destroy British supplies, kill enemy soldiers, and wear the British out.
3. Who was Benedict Arnold? He was a famous American army leader/commander who became a traitor. He switched from the Continental Congress to the British and revealed secrets to them. He was an army leader of the Patriots, but he also sabotaged the Continental Congress Army. He was against the new American alliance with France, so he decided to change sides in 1779. He served in the British army as a Brigadier General until the war ended. He then moved to Canada and London.
4. What countries helped the Americans win the war? The Americans made an alliance with Spain and France. Also, the Dutch helped mainly financially.
5. What was the final battle of the American Revolution? The final battle was the Battle of Yorktown.
6. Where was the peace treaty signed? The Treaty of Paris was signed in Paris. This official document granted independence to America from Great Britain and established the US borders.
7.3 The New Government
- Where did the ideas for the new government of the U.S. come from? English law and Enlightenment ideas (John Locke, English Bill of Rights, Magna Carta).
- What was the name of the first government (document) of the U.S.A.? The Articles of Confederation. Each state had its own constitution.
- Explain two ways this government was limited. Real power was given to the states. Each state could decide how to tax its people and was responsible for its own army. There were no national court systems. All states had a vote, and all 13 colonies needed to ratify something for it to pass.
- Describe one strength of this government. They united the 13 colonies.
- How long did the U.S.A. operate on this system? 8 years.
- Explain one example of the organized expansion of the U.S. Organized Land Expansion: Land Ordinances (selling land in the West) to help pay for the war. Selling land to wealthy individuals. Treaties signed with Indians for this land.