H105, American History I

Lecture 12: Revolutionary War — Creating a New Identity

I. Common wartime sacrifice and the creation of a “national” identity
II. Fragilities of independence and the virtues of “the people”
III. Victorious war — but unfinished revolution

1775-1783	War of American Independence
1775-1776	British army occupied Boston MA (try to crush local troublemakers)
1776-1783	British army occupied New York City (try to cut off NE troublemakers)
1776	British army hired German mercenaries
Sep. 1777	British army occupied Philadelphia PA (try to seize political leadership — decapitation strategy)
Oct. 1777	Continental army under Horatio Gates defeated British army under John Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga; over 6,000 British troops surrendered
1778	United States signed alliance with France; esp. French navy; followed by support from Holland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, who loaned funds and sent experienced military officers
1778	American army converted from middle-class short-term volunteers to poor men (white and some black) promised bounties for long terms
1778	German officer implemented professional training and discipline for American army
1778-1782	American army converted from middle-class short-term volunteers to poor men (white and some black) promised bounties for long terms
1778	British army occupied Savannah GA (southern strategy — try to regain initiative because more loyalists in south)
1780-1782	British army occupied Charleston SC
1781	Continental army and French navy won Battle of Yorktown
1783	British army evacuated 13 rebellious former colonies (not Canada or West Indies)

1776-1780	Military and Civilian Morale
1776	Continental Army recruitment poster
1780	“Sentiments of an American Woman”
1777	sermon, Newbury, Massachusetts
1779	Continental Congress, fasting proclamation