Chapter Overviews

Chapter 6: The American Revolution

Chapter Overviews

Section 1: The Early Years

During the war for American independence, Britain’s advantage was its strong navy and army. However, Britain had the disadvantage of fighting far from home. The American forces lacked experience, weapons and money, as well as the support of those who were loyal to Britain. The Patriots, however, believed their fervent desire for freedom gave them the edge.

The Patriots were defeated at the Battle of Long Island in 1776. That winter, Washington and 2,400 troops surprised the British with an attack and won victories at Trenton and Princeton. In 1777 Britain’s plan to take control of the Hudson River and separate New England from the Middle Colonies was foiled at the Battle of Saratoga.

Section 2: The War Continues

News of the victory at Saratoga led France to openly support the Americans with money, equipment, and troops, and declare war on Britain. After enduring a winter of terrible suffering at Valley Forge, Washington and his troops celebrated when they finally heard of the French-American alliance. Even with the help from other nations and individuals, the Patriots had difficulty financing their war for independence. Congress and the states printed millions of dollars of paper money, which quickly lost their value, leading to inflation. The war changed the lives of Americans in other important ways as well. The ideals of liberty and freedom that inspired the American Revolution also caused people to question the roles and treatment of both women and slavery in society.

Section 3: The War Moves West and South

The events of the American Revolution became entangled with Native American concerns about their lands. Most Native Americans joined forces with the British who led attacks against settlers in the West. Meanwhile, British ships were being captured not by the American navy, but by American privateers.

Great Britain hoped that a strong campaign in the South, where many Loyalists lived, would help British troops win the war. The strategy worked initially, but the British were not prepared for the guerrilla warfare they faced in the South. Spain declared war on Britain, and Spanish soldiers won victories in Louisiana that opened supply lines of aid. By 1781, Patriot victories forced the British to retreat north to Virginia.

Section 4: The War is Won

Washington followed reports of the fighting. He used the information to create a complicated and secret battle plan to attack the British at Yorktown, Virginia. The siege was successful, and Cornwallis surrendered.

With the Treaty of Paris, Great Britain recognized the United States as an independent nation. In addition to the other advantages, the Patriots’ spirited determination helped them win the war for independence. Their fight for the principle of freedom inspired the French as well as other countries to resist the rule of monarchs.