HIST 2610 1st Edition Lecture 16 Outline of Last Lecture The Second Continental CongressOutline of Current Lecture The American RevolutionAmerican Strengths (Strengths of the Continental Army)American weaknessesBritish StrengthsIndependence Proclaimed Declaration of IndependenceCurrent LectureThe American RevolutionThomas Jefferson - VABen Franklin - PAJohn Adams - MARobert Livingston - NYRoger Sherman - CTAmerican Strengths (Strengths of the Continental Army)-George Washington was a great leader although he did not know many things about war tactic and such. He was a very able commander. -Most of the colonial troops believed that they were fighting for their homes and what they defined as freedom. -They were fighting on familiar ground- The Americas received military and financial aid from other foreign countries - most importantly, France-Military experience gained in the struggles against both the Native Americans and the French. American weaknesses-Tories or Loyalists-Inadequate financial resources-Virtually no manufacturing facilitiesThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.-Shortage of supplies and ammunition-Short-term enlistments-Unaccustomed to military discipline-Lacked a strong navy (no navy at all)British Strengths-Well-equipped and well-trained forces-Professional military leadership-Powerful navy-Able to hire mercenaries-Financial means and manufacturing facilities_American Tories or Loyalists*The British have a very strong, well-trained, and long standing armyBritish Weaknesses-Leaders underestimated American military ability-Separated from the battlefronts by 3,000 miles of oceanIndependence Proclaimed -June 1776 - Richard Henry Lee's resolution-The drafting committee-Written mostly by Thomas Jefferson (says that all men are created equal. Have the rights to life,liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Was quoting the ideas of John Locke. However, John Locke says life, liberty, and the pursuit of property. Declaration of Independence-July 4th 1776-All ties with Britain were now severed-Started as an attempt by colonists to protect their rights as British citizens-Became a struggle for independence-"We must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately"Thomas Paine came out with another pamphlet called the American Crisis. This is his second pamphlet. This was in 1776Also, the Declaratory Act occurred in 1776In 1777, The Americans fought the British without any help. The British were trying to cut New England off from the rest of the colonies. This is known as the Battle at Saratoga. The French decided that if the Americans can fight and defeat the British in battle then the French are willing to support them. The Americans make this attack under the leadership of Horatio Gates. Gates is a bad commander. Benedict Arnold actually helped the Americans to win this battle.The Americans win the battle and defeat the British forces. The French provide money and naval support if they join
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