8.4 independence for America

• What was the strategic importance of New York City during the American War for Independence?


  It separated the New England colonies from the southern colonies.
• Why did the British want to capture New York?


  To prevent communication between the northern and southern colonies.
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Saratoga?


  The American army stopped the British from capturing New York.
• Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered a turning point in the American War for Independence?


  It proved to the world that America had a chance of winning.
• Which country decided to help the Americans after the Battle of Saratoga?

  France
• What challenges did Washington's army face during the winter after the Battle of Saratoga?


  They faced hunger and cold at Valley Forge.
• Where did Washington's army spend the winter after the Battle of Saratoga?


  Valley Forge
• What was the condition of Washington's men during the winter at Valley Forge?


  They wore thin, ragged clothing and often lacked shoes.
• What motivated most of Washington's men to endure the harsh winter at Valley Forge?


  The thought of a free country and the strength of their leader.
• Who led a group of men from Virginia to help the colonists on the western frontier?

  George Rogers Clark
• What did George Rogers Clark accomplish in the summer of 1778?


  He captured two British posts along the Mississippi River.
• What was the significance of Clark's victories on the frontier?


  It allowed the Americans to control the northwest frontier.
• Why did the Americans need a navy during the War for Independence?


  To protect themselves from British naval power.
• Who was one of the first officers of the American navy?

  John Paul Jones
• What was the outcome of the battle between the Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis?


  John Paul Jones captured the Serapis.
• What did John Paul Jones famously say during the battle with the Serapis?


  "I have not yet begun to fight!"
• When did the British decide to move their fighting to the southern colonies?


  In 1778
• Who was sent by General Washington to fight in the South?

  Nathanael Greene
• What was the final battle of the War for Independence?

  The Battle of Yorktown
• What happened to General Cornwallis at Yorktown?


  He was surrounded and surrendered his army.
• When did Cornwallis surrender his army?


  October 19, 1781
• What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris signed in 1783?


  It recognized American independence and ceded land to the colonies.
• What territory did the Treaty of Paris grant to the Americans?


  Land from Florida to Canada and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River.
• What was the Northwest Territory?


  Part of the new land west of the thirteen colonies.
• What would have happened if George Rogers Clark had not succeeded in his campaigns?


  Our land might have only extended as far as the Ohio River.
• In April 1775, fighting broke out between American militiamen and British troops at Lexington and Concord.
• The British government was not prepared to negotiate with the colonists, who were demanding that they be allowed to govern themselves.
• This event is known as "the shot heard round the world" because it marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
• George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775.
• The Continental Army was formed by Congress on June 14, 1775.
• King George III refused to accept any compromise or concession by Parliament.
• General Washington's army suffered heavy losses during the winter encampment at Valley Forge.
• King George III refused to accept this demand, leading to the outbreak of war.
• Boston was blockaded by the Continental Navy starting in September 1775.
• General Thomas Gage led an expedition against Boston but failed due to lack of support from other colonies.
• Britain's military strategy aimed to crush rebellious spirit among the colonists through forceful action.