3.5 - The American Revolution

First Continental Congress (September 1774)

• Purpose and Delegates: Convened in Philadelphia to address the Intolerable Acts, the Congress brought together diverse colonial leaders ranging from radicals like Patrick Henry and the Adams cousins to conservatives like John Jay.

• Actions Taken:

  • Suffolk Resolves: Endorsed by the Congress, these called for the repeal of the Intolerable Acts and recommended military preparations and economic sanctions against Britain.

  • Declaration and Resolves: This moderate petition appealed directly to the King, seeking redress for grievances while acknowledging the British Parliament's authority over commerce.

  • Continental Association: Established to enforce the boycotts and sanctions detailed in the Suffolk Resolves.

  • Provision for Future Action: The Congress resolved to reconvene in May 1775 if their demands were not met.

Outbreak of Hostilities

• Lexington and Concord (April 18, 1775): Marked by the famous midnight rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, these skirmishes began as British troops sought to confiscate colonial arms. The confrontations led to British retreats amid significant casualties, showcasing effective colonial resistance.

• Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775): Though technically a British victory, the heavy British losses at the hands of hastily assembled colonial militias demonstrated the colonies' capacity to inflict significant damage and bolstered colonial morale.

Second Continental Congress (May 1775)

• Initial Divisions: The Congress was split between delegates advocating for independence and those seeking a negotiated settlement.

• Military Organization:

  • George Washington: Appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.

  • Canadian Campaign: Authorized an invasion of Quebec led by Benedict Arnold, aiming to draw Canada away from British allegiance.

  • Naval Actions: Formation of an American navy and marine corps for attacks against British shipping.

• Peace Efforts: Despite ongoing conflict, the Congress sent the "Olive Branch Petition" to King George III, expressing loyalty but requesting intervention to amend colonial grievances.

British Response

• Prohibitory Act (August 1775): King George III rejected the Olive Branch Petition, labeling the colonies in rebellion and suspending commercial ties, which effectively escalated the conflict.

The Declaration of Independence

• Shift Towards Independence: By mid-1776, the sentiment in the Continental Congress had shifted from reconciliation to independence. Richard Henry Lee's resolution on June 7, 1776, catalyzed this change.

• Drafting the Declaration: Thomas Jefferson, along with four other delegates, drafted the Declaration of Independence, which articulated grievances against King George III and enshrined the Enlightenment principles of individual rights and the justification for revolution.

• Adoption: The resolution for independence was adopted on July 2, 1776, and the formal Declaration of Independence followed on July 4, 1776, marking the colonies' official break from British rule.

The Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

• Population and Allegiances:

  • Patriots: Approximately 40% of the colonial population supported the struggle against Britain.

  • Loyalists (Tories): About 25% supported the British, often clashing with Patriots in what amounted to a civil war within the larger conflict.

  • African Americans: Around 5,000 served in the Patriot forces after initially being excluded; their participation was secured after the British offered freedom to slaves who joined their side.

  • American Indians: Many supported the British, who promised to restrict colonial expansion into western territories.

• British Strength and Experience: Britain had superior resources, a professional army, and the world's most formidable navy. Their experience in global conflict, however, did not easily translate to suppressing a widespread insurgency.

• Patriot Challenges and Resilience: Despite severe supply shortages and never having more than 20,000 regular troops at one time, the Patriot forces were bolstered by a strong commitment to their cause and the ability to sustain significant hardships.

Key Battles and Turning Points

• Early Struggles and Losses:

  • New York and Philadelphia (1776-1777): Early battles were largely disastrous for the Patriots, with critical losses in New York and the British occupation of Philadelphia.

  • Valley Forge (Winter 1777-1778): Symbolic of the Patriots' suffering and resilience, Washington's troops endured harsh conditions, which tested their resolve and capability.

• Economic Impact:

  • Trade and Inflation: British control of American ports drastically reduced trade and caused severe inflation, further complicating the war effort for the Patriots.

Alliance with France

• Battle of Saratoga (October 1777): This pivotal battle ended in a significant victory for the Americans under Generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold, marking a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

• Diplomatic Success: The victory at Saratoga was crucial in securing French support for the American cause. Despite his initial reluctance, French King Louis XVI saw an opportunity to weaken Britain and agreed to an alliance in 1778, followed later by Spain and Holland.

• Impact of French Alliance: France's involvement provided essential military support and supplies, forcing Britain to stretch its military resources across global fronts, which crucially benefited the American efforts.

Path to Victory

• Yorktown (1781):

• The Siege: The last major battle of the war occurred in Yorktown, Virginia. American forces, heavily supported by French naval and military units, besieged General Charles Cornwallis’s British army, leading to its surrender.

• Decisive Factors: The French navy played a crucial role in cutting off potential British naval support, sealing the fate of the British forces at Yorktown.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

• Negotiations and Terms:

  • Recognition of Independence: Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation.

  • Territorial Boundaries: The Mississippi River was established as the western boundary of the United States.

  • Fishing Rights: Americans gained fishing rights off the coast of Canada.

  • Financial Obligations: The treaty stipulated that Americans would pay pre-war debts to British merchants and compensate Loyalists for confiscated properties.

• Political Impact in Britain:

  • Change in Government: The defeat at Yorktown and the financial strain of the war led to the resignation of Lord North’s Tory government, replaced by the Whigs who were inclined to end the conflict.