- The American Revolutionary War began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 where American militias engaged British troops. - In May 1775, Ethan Allen led the Green Mountain Boys in capturing Fort Ticonderoga, obtaining cannons and guns for the American forces. - The Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army with George Washington as its commander and appealed to King George III to repeal the Intolerable Acts, but prepared for war if necessary.

1. Chapter 8: The American Revolution Section 1: Fighting Begins

2. What has happened? Concord and Lexington in April 1775 were the first real battles of the Revolutionary War. (The Shot Heard Round the World) Many people were afraid of breaking away. Why? Unsure how long the war would last. Afraid the British were better prepared and trained. Worried about their own families and homes.

3. Victory at Ticonderoga Spring of 1775 The Green Mountain Boys attacked Ft. Ticonderoga Green Mountain Boys: Vermont Farmers who formed a militia to resist the Governor of New York’s attempt at taking control of Vermont. GMB’s were led by a blacksmith, Ethan Allen. GMB’s captured Fort Ticonderoga in a surprise attack The victory yielded 100 cannons and many guns. “ Come out of there, you rat!”

4. The Second Continental Congress Delegates from all 13 colonies attended the 2 nd Continental Congress in Philadelphia in May 1775. It acted like a national government Two things were accomplished. 1). Declared loyalty to King George if he eliminated the Intolerable Acts with the Olive Branch Petition. 2). Established the Continental Army under the command of George Washington.

5. Comparing the British and American Forces British Trained and Experienced.(+) Well-Armed with a strong Navy.(+) Had to fight 3000 miles away.(-) British soldiers were vastly outnumbered by American Colonists.(-) American Very little training.(-) Not very well-armed.(-) Fighting to defend their own land. (+) Many soldiers owned their own rifles and had knowledge on using them. (+)

6. Battle of Bunker Hill (June 16,1775) June 16, 1775: Americans established a position north of Boston to fire on British ships in the harbor. Original position was Bunker Hill, but the soldiers dug new positions at Breed’s Hill because it was better. At dawn, 2400 British soldiers attacked 1200 American soldiers at Breed’s Hill. Due to low supplies Americans, were to shoot at the last possible moment. “the whites of their eyes” After 3 attempts the British defeated the Americans. Americans showed they could withstand a British attack.

8. The British Leave Boston Weeks after Battle of Bunker Hill the British left Boston harbor, while being fired upon by the cannons captured at Ft. Ticonderoga. The British left the harbor, but they made a blockade around Boston. Afterwards, the British King hired Hessian troops from Germany. BOSTON HARBOR

9. The Invasion of Canada (Fall and Winter 1775) American leaders thought French Canadians would side with the American cause Americans invaded Canada to kick out the British. One group traveled through Maine, the other down the St. Lawrence River. Americans in were defeated in Quebec December 1775. The American army was tired and demoralized after such a difficult and defeating experience.