Part 2: unit4-pt2, Part 3: unit4-pt3

Revolutionary War

British Strategy and Challenges

City Captures: The British had little trouble capturing cities since most were on the coast, allowing the British navy to provide support.
Challenges:
- Did not want to kill their colonial subjects.
- Burdened by heavy debt from the French and Indian War.
- Economic impact from colonial non-importation agreements made the war effort costly.

Setup:
- Colonists surrounded Boston and occupied the high ground of Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill on the north Charlestown Peninsula.
Key Details:
- The British launched a costly frontal assault but ultimately took the hill.
- Though a tactical victory for the British, it demonstrated that the colonists could put up a strong fight.

Leader: General George Washington.
- Chosen over more experienced candidates to unite southern colonies with the war effort.
- Seen as a strong, charismatic leader, especially as a Virginian.
- Took command of the colonial army surrounding Boston.
- Greatest asset: his ability to unify and inspire the colonies.
Key Actions:
- Ordered cannons to be brought to Boston from Fort Ticonderoga (with help from the Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan Allen).
- Commanded the colonial forces at Bunker Hill.
- Wanted to mount a direct assault on Boston but lacked sufficient manpower.

Published in 1776.
Helped shift public opinion decisively towards a break with Britain.
Argued for independence using plain, persuasive language accessible to common colonists.

Context:
- The British army, after capturing New York, entered winter quarters.
- Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, NJ, to monitor Washington’s position across the Delaware River.
- British controlled New Jersey, holding outposts between New Brunswick and Trenton.

Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night.
Launched a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton, achieving a crucial victory.
Significance:
- Boosted morale during a critical time.
- Convinced soldiers to re-enlist.
- Marked the beginning of the “Ten Crucial Days.”

After Trenton, Cornwallis moved troops from New Brunswick to Trenton to confront Washington.
Washington skillfully retreated, outmaneuvered Cornwallis, and attacked British forces in Princeton.
Result: Cornwallis was ordered back to New York, and Washington’s army moved to Morristown for the winter, taking advantage of the area’s high altitude and natural defenses.

Goal: Divide New England from the other colonies.
Components:
1. General John Burgoyne to march from Montreal to Albany.
2. Colonel Barry St. Leger to move from Ontario.
3. General Howe to support from the south.
Howe’s Decision:
- Instead of following the plan, Howe attempted to end the war by capturing Philadelphia.
- Howe’s fleet carried the army through Chesapeake Bay.
- Defeated Washington at Brandywine and captured Philadelphia, forcing Washington’s army into winter quarters at Valley Forge.

General Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold defeated Burgoyne at Saratoga.
Significance:
- Turning point of the war.
- Convinced France to formally ally with the American colonies.

Conditions:
- Horrific suffering: inadequate supplies, poor shelter, extreme cold.
- 3,000 soldiers died, and 1,000 deserted.
Baron von Steuben:
- A Prussian officer who trained Washington’s troops.
- Transformed the Continental Army into a more disciplined and professional fighting force.

Early battles demonstrated colonial resilience and the British underestimation of American determination.
Washington’s leadership, despite setbacks, inspired the colonial effort.
Foreign support (e.g., France) and key victories (e.g., Saratoga) proved decisive in turning the tide of the war.