After the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781, the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1783, recognizing the United States as an independent nation and establishing its borders from the Atlantic to the Mississippi River. The Americans won the Revolutionary War for several reasons: they knew the local geography, the British were fighting from far away in England, the Americans received military and financial assistance from France and Spain, and the American spirit of patriotism and desire for independence drove them to continue fighting despite early setbacks.

1. The American Revolution Revisited Why the Americans Won!

2. After the British surrendered at Yorktown, Britain recognized the United States as an independent country. Main Idea

3. I. The Treaty of Paris A. After the surrender at Yorktown, British are eager to end the war. B. April 15, 1783 the Treaty of Paris is ratified. C. United States recognized as an independent nation. D. U.S.A. stretches from the Atlantic to the Mississippi.

5. II. Why the Americans Won #1 A. GEOGRAPHY! B. Americans knew the land they were fighting on! C. Britain fighting an enemy an ocean away.

7. III. Why the Americans Won #2 A. Foreign Help B. French soldiers and Navy C. French contribute great amounts of $$$ to the Continental Army. D. Spanish forces attacked British along the Gulf of Mexico

8. IV. American Spirit A. Americans believed in and supported the cause for Independence and Revolution B. Despite early setbacks Americans battled on. C. Inexperienced troops learned to how to drill and fight by the wars end, D. Newfound patriotism and the American Spirit helped the colonies become 13 United States.