Born Feb 22, 1732 in VA Cherry Tree story Led Virginian troops in French and Indian War

1. Born Feb 22, 1732 in VA • Cherry Tree story • Led Virginian troops in French and Indian War • 1759 married Martha Custis • General for Continental Army • Became first US president • Served two terms • Ivory teeth on display at Smithsonian Museum in D.C.

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3QW__5Q_Gk The cherry tree myth is the most well-known and longest enduring legend about George Washington. In the original story, when Washington was six years old he received a hatchet as a gift and damaged his father’s cherry tree. When his father discovered what he had done, he became angry and confronted him. Young George bravely said, “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” Washington’s father embraced him and rejoiced that his son’s honesty was worth more than a thousand trees.

3. Continental Army • General George Washington • Unpaid, non military citizens • Defending their homes and communities • Guerrilla warfare = home court advantage • Lots of civilian support • Military leaders inspired loyalty and patriotism • France supplied $ and military support • 250,000 troops

4. Redcoats • British army • Led by General Burgoyne, Howe, and Lt. Col. Leger… Cornwallis in 1778 • Strategy: Control Hudson River Valley and therefore, control of New England. • Hired Hessian soldiers = German paid soldiers (mercenaries) • Communication and supply shortages • Approx. 50,000 troops

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5lPeyBJmg

6. Lexington and Concord (1775) • British troops reach Lexington (battle) and Concord (burned courthouse, destroyed ammunition) • Minutemen stand against British; Beginning of REVOLUTIONARY WAR!

7. “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” • British general Thomas Gage decided to take away colonists’ ammunition in Concord, MA • On April 9th, the Sons of Liberty gathered near Concord in Lexington where they met the British troops • Agreed to not fire unless fired upon • Suddenly a shot rang out and the war started • Nobody knows who fired first, but that shot became the “Shot Heard ‘Round theWorld.”

8. Battle of Bunker Hill • On June 17, 1775 the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. • Despite their loss, the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant casualties against the enemy, and the battle provided colonists with an important confidence boost.

9. Battle of Trenton • As the war continued, in Nov of 1776, British General Howe took the last Patriot fort on Manhattan Island • British were slowly winning the war • General Howe let his soldiers rest, but Americans took this time to get organized • General Washington decided to make a surprise attack on December 25, 1776 while the troops were celebrating • Washington secretly crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey and attacked in the morning • Impressive victory helped to boost the spirits of the patriots

10. Washington Crossing the Delaware….Let’s Talk! https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-iconic-american-history-painting-facts-wrong

11. A More Accurate Version…

12. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, was the site of the camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 Good defense but… • Harsh weather, cramped housing, poor clothing, lack of food, and disease • 2,000 men died from the conditions

13. Battle of Saratoga • The British were embarrassed at the defeat at Trenton • British troops wanted to take over New England • Due to a mistake, the American troops defeated British General Burgoyne at Saratoga, NY

14. Just who was Benedict Arnold?

15. Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) was an early American hero of the Revolutionary War (1775-83) who later became one of the most infamous traitors in U.S. history after he switched sides and fought for the British.  He played a crucial role in bringing about the surrender of British General John Burgoyne’s (1722-92) army at Saratoga. Yet Arnold never received the recognition he thought he deserved. In 1779, he entered into secret negotiations with the British, agreeing to turn over the U.S. post at West Point in return for money and a command in the British army. 

16. Importance of Saratoga • The American victory at Saratoga was a major turning point in the war for Independence, • France enters the war as an ally United States. • With the French military assistance America was able to tip the balance at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 – winning America its ultimate victory! • The war also would reach to nearly every quarter of the globe as Spain and the Netherlands would become involved.

17. Assignment: Patriot or Loyalist? • On a separate piece of paper create a T-Chart providing three detailed bullet points about the benefits for each. • Then decide if you would have been a patriot or a loyalist had you lived back in the 13 Colonies and explain your decision in at least three complete sentences below your T-Chart. Patriot = one who wants independence Loyalist = one who wants to remain a colony of Britain

18. Battle of Yorktown • In early 1781 the war as going badly for the patriots (low on money and supplies) • France supplied troops and supplies in support of America • After weeks of fighting, the patriots wore down the British troops with help from the French • British General Cornwallis surrendered .....the war was over!

19. Surrender at Yorktown

20. Treaty of Paris • Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 • England recognized America as an independent nation • Troops are released • Monetary damages are paid • Geographical boundaries established

22. Now what? • Articles of Confederation • Constitution • Building a Nation of the People, for the People!