The American Revolution saw the American Patriots gain independence from the British Empire through several key battles and events: - Early in the war, about 20-30% of colonists remained loyal to Britain while 40-45% supported independence, with others remaining neutral. George Washington became the leader of the Continental Army. - The Battle of Long Island was a defeat for Washington's army, which retreated across the Delaware River in a demoralized state. Thomas Paine's pamphlet "The American Crisis" helped rally patriot support. Washington then achieved surprise victories over the Hessians at Trenton and Princeton. - At Saratoga, General Burgoyne's British army became surrounded and was forced to surrender after being

1. The American Revolution
• How was it that the American Patriots gained
independence from the British Empire?

2. Early years of the war
• The idea of separation was controversial. 2030% stayed as Loyalists. 40-45% were for
Separation (patriots) The rest were neutral
(didn’t pick sides)
• June 1775 George Washington- becomes
leader Continental Army- Soldiers only sign up
for 1 year enlistments
• British expected to win easily but couldn’t find
a lot of recruits b/c its for life so they hire
German Hessians (Mercenaries)

3. War in the Middle States
• The Battle for Long Island- Washington vs Howe and
9000 Hessians. England wins and Washington’s army
is demoralized. They retreat across the Delaware.
• Political writer Thomas Paine writes The American
Crisis – “These are the times that try men’s souls”
• Desperate to turn the tide before his soldiers’
enlistments run out Washington leads a sneak attack
back across the Delaware on Christmas morning to
Trenton. They capture or kill over 900 Hessians. Then
they win at Princeton .
• The soldiers now believe that victory is possible and
they sign back up

4. Britain's Northern Strategy
• British Strategy (or plan of action) was to isolate the
New England colonies. They have a 3 part plan
1. General Burgoyne would lead a force from Canada
2. Lt. Colonel St. Leger would come down the Mohawk
valley
3. General Howe would follow the Hudson River North
from NYC
• All would converge on Albany NY and the Hudson
River valley.
• First St. Leger is not able to keep moving through
the Mohawk valley after an encounter with
Benedict Arnold.

5. • General Howe splits his force and tries to capture
the Continental Congress in Philadelphia only
sending a few thousand men up the Hudson to meet
Burgoyne.
• Howe defeats Washington at Brandywine and
captures Philadelphia.
• Burgoyne continues toward Albany but will not have
help from St Leger or from a large force commanded
by Howe.

6. Saratoga and Foreign Help
• Burgoyne’s army continues to move south but begins
to run out of supplies because the people hide/
destroy the food before he gets there.
• American general Horatio Gates digs in at Bemis
Heights (Near Saratoga) The fortifications allow them
to command the valley below and the British cannot
pass without being attacked by cannon fire.
• Benedict Arnold leads several attacks on British
nearby and defeats that part of the army.
• Burgoyne is unable to defeat Gates and retreats to
Saratoga. The Continentals surround and capture
Burgoyne there.

7. • This victory inspires countries to join – France,
Spain, the Netherlands all begin to help. Some
send supplies. France sends troops. The war
sparks conflict world wide forcing the British
to fight on several “fronts”.
• Famous foreign officers -

8. Saratoga and Foreign Help