Causes of the American Revolution
A. The French and Indian War
The war between Great Britain and France spread to North America because the British wanted the French land there, and they wanted to take over the trade in North America. The Indians fought against the British to protect their land. The war ended when the British took over Quebec. This war led to the Revolution because the British began taxing the American colonists to help pay for the national debt, which was nearly doubled after the war was over. The American colonists rebeled against these taxes, which caused the King to bring in troops to make sure the taxes were paid.
B. Proclamation of 1763
At first the Colonists were elated that the war was over, but then the King established the Proclamation, which set forth the following claims:
-the frontier was closed to colonist expansion to calm the Indians (this included the Ohio valley)
-established four colonies: Quebec, East Florida, West Florida, and Grenada
-all Indians under the protection of the King
-Englishmen had to leave land that fell under "Indian territory"
-The Proclamation line also extended the Atlantic coast
The Colonies were bitter about the Proclamation because they had expected to expand their borders further west, but the King wouldn't allow it. The Proclamation also contradicted the fact that the King had left the colonies alone to thrive in their independence and then suddenly decides to take an interest in them again.
C. Sugar Acts
The original Molasses Act of 1733 was soon set to expire. The Sugar Acts (1764) put a three cent tax on imported sugar, and it also increased taxes on coffee, indigo, and some wine. This angered the mercants in the colonies because it effected them vastly. It also angered the Colonists in general because the King was taxing then without their consent, and they had been so used to independence that they didn't believe the King should be able to tax them without consenting.
D. Quartering Act
The Quartering Act allowed British soldiers to stay in the homes of the colonists. It also forced the colonists to feed British soldiers stationed in their area. The colonists were very frustrated at this because the King enabled this without their consent, and it also thwarted any chance of them being independent from England.
E. Stamp Acts
The Stamp Act of 1765 was a direct tax that forced printed materials (documents, magazines, etc.) to be printed on paper from London. It had to be paid for in British currency, not American paper money. This generated tension in the colonies because it was another case of the British forcing taxes on them without their consent. The money was also going to the British debt from the French and Indian War. The colonists didn't believe they should have to pay for any of the taxes because they didn't even get to reap the benefits of the war, which would be expanding their borders into the west.
F. Tea Act and Boston Tea Party
The Tea Act of 1773 wasn't a tax on the colonists, but it's objective was to rid the British of the overadundant tea that was building up in warehouses in London under the British East India Trading Company. The act enabled the company to ship its tea directly to North America. This led to the Boston Tea Party, which involved colonists disguising themselves as Indians, and dumping the British tea into the Boston Harbour. This led to the revolution because the colonists didn't want to help the British company, and they felt these acts hindered their independence.
G. The Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws passed by the King as a punishment to Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. These laws limited the right of Massachusetts to self govern. The colonists disagreed vastly with the Intolerable Acts because they thought that they inflicted with the colony's natural rights and constitutional rights. This made even more of the American colonists turn against Great Britain.
H. The First Continental Congress
The Continental Congress gathered in Pennsylvania. It had 56 members from 12 of the colonies (not including Georgia). They discussed plans of action after the Intolerable Acts were passed. They didn't declare war, but they sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George to try and negotiate with the British, but he ignored it. The gathering of the Continental Congress united the colonists against the British, and helped them to put up a united front against the King. It led to the Revolution because it showed that all of the colonies though that they deserved independence.
The war between Great Britain and France spread to North America because the British wanted the French land there, and they wanted to take over the trade in North America. The Indians fought against the British to protect their land. The war ended when the British took over Quebec. This war led to the Revolution because the British began taxing the American colonists to help pay for the national debt, which was nearly doubled after the war was over. The American colonists rebeled against these taxes, which caused the King to bring in troops to make sure the taxes were paid.
B. Proclamation of 1763
At first the Colonists were elated that the war was over, but then the King established the Proclamation, which set forth the following claims:
-the frontier was closed to colonist expansion to calm the Indians (this included the Ohio valley)
-established four colonies: Quebec, East Florida, West Florida, and Grenada
-all Indians under the protection of the King
-Englishmen had to leave land that fell under "Indian territory"
-The Proclamation line also extended the Atlantic coast
The Colonies were bitter about the Proclamation because they had expected to expand their borders further west, but the King wouldn't allow it. The Proclamation also contradicted the fact that the King had left the colonies alone to thrive in their independence and then suddenly decides to take an interest in them again.
C. Sugar Acts
The original Molasses Act of 1733 was soon set to expire. The Sugar Acts (1764) put a three cent tax on imported sugar, and it also increased taxes on coffee, indigo, and some wine. This angered the mercants in the colonies because it effected them vastly. It also angered the Colonists in general because the King was taxing then without their consent, and they had been so used to independence that they didn't believe the King should be able to tax them without consenting.
D. Quartering Act
The Quartering Act allowed British soldiers to stay in the homes of the colonists. It also forced the colonists to feed British soldiers stationed in their area. The colonists were very frustrated at this because the King enabled this without their consent, and it also thwarted any chance of them being independent from England.
E. Stamp Acts
The Stamp Act of 1765 was a direct tax that forced printed materials (documents, magazines, etc.) to be printed on paper from London. It had to be paid for in British currency, not American paper money. This generated tension in the colonies because it was another case of the British forcing taxes on them without their consent. The money was also going to the British debt from the French and Indian War. The colonists didn't believe they should have to pay for any of the taxes because they didn't even get to reap the benefits of the war, which would be expanding their borders into the west.
F. Tea Act and Boston Tea Party
The Tea Act of 1773 wasn't a tax on the colonists, but it's objective was to rid the British of the overadundant tea that was building up in warehouses in London under the British East India Trading Company. The act enabled the company to ship its tea directly to North America. This led to the Boston Tea Party, which involved colonists disguising themselves as Indians, and dumping the British tea into the Boston Harbour. This led to the revolution because the colonists didn't want to help the British company, and they felt these acts hindered their independence.
G. The Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws passed by the King as a punishment to Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. These laws limited the right of Massachusetts to self govern. The colonists disagreed vastly with the Intolerable Acts because they thought that they inflicted with the colony's natural rights and constitutional rights. This made even more of the American colonists turn against Great Britain.
H. The First Continental Congress
The Continental Congress gathered in Pennsylvania. It had 56 members from 12 of the colonies (not including Georgia). They discussed plans of action after the Intolerable Acts were passed. They didn't declare war, but they sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George to try and negotiate with the British, but he ignored it. The gathering of the Continental Congress united the colonists against the British, and helped them to put up a united front against the King. It led to the Revolution because it showed that all of the colonies though that they deserved independence.
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
A. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought on 19 April 1775 in Massachusetts.
B. British General Thomas Gage sent out troops from Boston to Lexington and Concord to take the military supplies that were stationed there. But, it wasn't a surprise to the Americans because several riders warned them that the Regulars were coming. When the British arrived in Lexington there were over 70 Minutemen that were there ready to fight. After the confrontation, the British troops continued to Concord, where they were met by American troops. The British troops retreated to Boston.
C. The Battles of Lexington and Concord resulted in 50 dead, 39 wounded, and 5 missing, and for the British, 73 dead, 173 wounded, and 26 missing. It was the first battle of the Revolutionary War, and it established that the Americans were determined to break free from the British crown.
B. British General Thomas Gage sent out troops from Boston to Lexington and Concord to take the military supplies that were stationed there. But, it wasn't a surprise to the Americans because several riders warned them that the Regulars were coming. When the British arrived in Lexington there were over 70 Minutemen that were there ready to fight. After the confrontation, the British troops continued to Concord, where they were met by American troops. The British troops retreated to Boston.
C. The Battles of Lexington and Concord resulted in 50 dead, 39 wounded, and 5 missing, and for the British, 73 dead, 173 wounded, and 26 missing. It was the first battle of the Revolutionary War, and it established that the Americans were determined to break free from the British crown.
E. Unity of Command
All of the troops had the same goals and efforts, which were to fight against the British so they could gain their independance. They all fought under the same General and listened attentively.
Security
The American Militia never let the British troops have control over the situation. Even though the British planned on surprising them, the Americans spread the word so there was never a suprise.
Surprise
The British were surprised to see the Americans gathered and ready to fight.
All of the troops had the same goals and efforts, which were to fight against the British so they could gain their independance. They all fought under the same General and listened attentively.
Security
The American Militia never let the British troops have control over the situation. Even though the British planned on surprising them, the Americans spread the word so there was never a suprise.
Surprise
The British were surprised to see the Americans gathered and ready to fight.
The Battle of Bunker Hill
A. The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on 17 June 1775.
B. British troops of about 1500 landed in Charlestown Heights planning to surprise the Americans, but overnight the Americans established themselves on Breed's Hill. British General Howe ordered his troops to advance and fire. After three attacks, the Americans were forced to retreat.
C. The Battle of Bunker Hill took a huge toll on the British numbers. It also confirmed that there was no hope for reconciliation with England. It also, as with Lexington and Concord, established that the Americans were ready to fight the British until they suceeded in being independent.
B. British troops of about 1500 landed in Charlestown Heights planning to surprise the Americans, but overnight the Americans established themselves on Breed's Hill. British General Howe ordered his troops to advance and fire. After three attacks, the Americans were forced to retreat.
C. The Battle of Bunker Hill took a huge toll on the British numbers. It also confirmed that there was no hope for reconciliation with England. It also, as with Lexington and Concord, established that the Americans were ready to fight the British until they suceeded in being independent.
E. Surprise
The British planned on suprising the Americans in Boston, but the Americans were already there.
Unity of Command
The Americans disobeyed the commands of going to Bunker Hill, instead going to Breed's Hill where they were put at a disadvantage by the British.
Security
The Americans violated security because they let the British get the upperhand over them because they disobeyed Unity of Command.
The British planned on suprising the Americans in Boston, but the Americans were already there.
Unity of Command
The Americans disobeyed the commands of going to Bunker Hill, instead going to Breed's Hill where they were put at a disadvantage by the British.
Security
The Americans violated security because they let the British get the upperhand over them because they disobeyed Unity of Command.
Battle of Trenton
A. The Battle of Trenton was fought on 26 December 1776.
B. General Washington's troops were low in both soldiers and supplies. The British general, Sir William Howe, had made early camp in New Jersey. After Major Generals John Sullivan and Horatio Gates arrived, Washington gained over 2,700 troops. General Washington planned an attack on the Hessian troops that were in Trenton. It was planned that around 700 Pennsylavian troops were going to block Assunpink Creek so that the enemy couldn't escape. Also, to make a diversion, Brigadier General John Cadwalader (with 1,900 troops) were to attack the city of Bordentown, New Jersey. After crossing the river, Washington and troops made the march to Trenton. General Rall attempted to round his troops to attack the invading Americans. Washington forced a surrender from the General and the remaining enemy troops.
C. The result was a victory for the Americans with hardly any casualties. The Hessians had 22 killed but over 918 were captured. The battle was not only an American victory, but it was also a great boost on the confidence of the Americans, especially after prior defeats to the British. It was a turning point in the war because it resupplied the Americans with the hope that they needed to defeat the British.
B. General Washington's troops were low in both soldiers and supplies. The British general, Sir William Howe, had made early camp in New Jersey. After Major Generals John Sullivan and Horatio Gates arrived, Washington gained over 2,700 troops. General Washington planned an attack on the Hessian troops that were in Trenton. It was planned that around 700 Pennsylavian troops were going to block Assunpink Creek so that the enemy couldn't escape. Also, to make a diversion, Brigadier General John Cadwalader (with 1,900 troops) were to attack the city of Bordentown, New Jersey. After crossing the river, Washington and troops made the march to Trenton. General Rall attempted to round his troops to attack the invading Americans. Washington forced a surrender from the General and the remaining enemy troops.
C. The result was a victory for the Americans with hardly any casualties. The Hessians had 22 killed but over 918 were captured. The battle was not only an American victory, but it was also a great boost on the confidence of the Americans, especially after prior defeats to the British. It was a turning point in the war because it resupplied the Americans with the hope that they needed to defeat the British.
E. Manuever
The Americans properly accomplished manuever because of Washington's plan to block off Assunpink Creek so that the enemy troops could not escape.
Surprise
The Hessians/British were not expecting an American attack the morning after Christmas. They were all partied out so they would definitely be surprised at the American invasion.
Security
The Americans never let the Hessians/British get the upperhand over them because they properly dispersed themselves throughout the city. There were hardly any American casualties, but they captured hundreds of Hessians.
The Americans properly accomplished manuever because of Washington's plan to block off Assunpink Creek so that the enemy troops could not escape.
Surprise
The Hessians/British were not expecting an American attack the morning after Christmas. They were all partied out so they would definitely be surprised at the American invasion.
Security
The Americans never let the Hessians/British get the upperhand over them because they properly dispersed themselves throughout the city. There were hardly any American casualties, but they captured hundreds of Hessians.
The Battle of Princeton
A. The Battle of Princeton was fought on 3 January 1777.
B. The Americans were resting near Assunpink Creek in Trenton. Around 1,200 men were left with Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood in Princeton, whilst Brigadier General Alexander Leslie also had 1,200 troops in Lawrenceville. British General Cornwallis attempted 3 attacks on the Americans before Washington planned an attack on Princeton. The American troops circled the British, pushing them back until a forced surrender at Nassau Hill.
C. The result of this battle was an overwhelming victory for the American troops. It showed that General Washington was a great leader, and it showed the British that the Americans weren't going to give up their struggle and that they were determined to win the war.
B. The Americans were resting near Assunpink Creek in Trenton. Around 1,200 men were left with Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood in Princeton, whilst Brigadier General Alexander Leslie also had 1,200 troops in Lawrenceville. British General Cornwallis attempted 3 attacks on the Americans before Washington planned an attack on Princeton. The American troops circled the British, pushing them back until a forced surrender at Nassau Hill.
C. The result of this battle was an overwhelming victory for the American troops. It showed that General Washington was a great leader, and it showed the British that the Americans weren't going to give up their struggle and that they were determined to win the war.
E. Manuever
The Americans did a good job of arranging the troops so that they had the British surrounded by all sides.
Security
The British didn't succeed with security because they let the Americans overpower them to the point where they had to surrender.
Unity of Command
The Americans did a good job with this because all of the troops listened to General Washington, and we all heading towards the same effort.
The Americans did a good job of arranging the troops so that they had the British surrounded by all sides.
Security
The British didn't succeed with security because they let the Americans overpower them to the point where they had to surrender.
Unity of Command
The Americans did a good job with this because all of the troops listened to General Washington, and we all heading towards the same effort.
Valley Forge
A. The Americans had recently lost two battles to the British. They also lost Philadelphiia to them, but this didn't stop the American troops having a new sense of confidence in their fighting abilities. They could reach their full potential with a little help. Washington needed to pick a place for the troops to stay for winter. He picked Valley Forge because it was far enough away from the British troops to prevent any surprise attacks from happening, but it was also close enough so that Washington could keep an eye on them.
B. After arriving at Valley Forge, the men needed to form some shelter to stay in, so they constructed log cabins (over 2,000 of them) along the roads. They bulit a bridge over the Schuylkill, the nearby river. They bulit trenches and redoubts as well. There weren't many supplies readily available, but the troops made due with what food they could gather. For example, they created a meal called a firecake, which used a mixture of flour and water. Though so troops did suffer from a lack of proper clothing, most troops were decently dressed for the winter.
The biggest problem of the camp wasn't the cold conditions or the starvation, but disease was the number one cause of death among the soldiers. General Washington sent Brigadier General Anthony Wayne to New Jersey to get cattle and food. Also arriving in February was Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben arrived in the camp. He was sent by Benjamin Franklin. He chose 100 soldiers and trained them so that they could go and teach others until the entire army was trained. Von Steuben also helped with the sanitation of the camp by moving the kitchens and the bathroom. The work that Von Steuben did put the American troops on "equal footing" with the British because of the fighting techniques he taught them.
C. Valley Forge was a turning point for the Americans because of the arrival of von Steuben. He changed the American troops's tactics so that they would be on the same level as the British, which gave them even higher of a chance of winning the Revolution. This was what the soldiers needed to overcome the British. They already had a confidence in what they were fighting for, but after von Steuben taught them how to actually fight, they would be much more determined.
Another reason Valley Forge was a turning point was because of the determination of the troops. Even though it was a bitter winter and they sometimes struggled to make supplies last, the Americans persisted and made the winter better than it could have been, which shows their determination to win the Revolution.
B. After arriving at Valley Forge, the men needed to form some shelter to stay in, so they constructed log cabins (over 2,000 of them) along the roads. They bulit a bridge over the Schuylkill, the nearby river. They bulit trenches and redoubts as well. There weren't many supplies readily available, but the troops made due with what food they could gather. For example, they created a meal called a firecake, which used a mixture of flour and water. Though so troops did suffer from a lack of proper clothing, most troops were decently dressed for the winter.
The biggest problem of the camp wasn't the cold conditions or the starvation, but disease was the number one cause of death among the soldiers. General Washington sent Brigadier General Anthony Wayne to New Jersey to get cattle and food. Also arriving in February was Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben arrived in the camp. He was sent by Benjamin Franklin. He chose 100 soldiers and trained them so that they could go and teach others until the entire army was trained. Von Steuben also helped with the sanitation of the camp by moving the kitchens and the bathroom. The work that Von Steuben did put the American troops on "equal footing" with the British because of the fighting techniques he taught them.
C. Valley Forge was a turning point for the Americans because of the arrival of von Steuben. He changed the American troops's tactics so that they would be on the same level as the British, which gave them even higher of a chance of winning the Revolution. This was what the soldiers needed to overcome the British. They already had a confidence in what they were fighting for, but after von Steuben taught them how to actually fight, they would be much more determined.
Another reason Valley Forge was a turning point was because of the determination of the troops. Even though it was a bitter winter and they sometimes struggled to make supplies last, the Americans persisted and made the winter better than it could have been, which shows their determination to win the Revolution.
The Battle of Yorktown
A. The Battle of Yorktown began on 28 September 1781 and ended on 17 October 1781.
B. The British occupied Yorktown and Gloucester in August, but they were followed by Lafayette and some Americans. Lafayette told General Washington of the British troops's location. He was in West Point, New York. He thought that it was a good time to attack the British because the French, led by Admiral de Grasse, were coming to the bay. In late August, Washington and his men left New York, heading towards Virginia. He left behind some men to hold down the fort and to trick the British. De Grasse's fleet blockaded Cheasepeake Bay, which prevented the British from escaping. The Americans and French thus invaded Yorktown. The British tried to counterattack, but they failed ultimately, asking for a surrender.
C. The result of the battle was an overwhelming victory for the American forces. It has been called one of the most skillfully fought battles in history. After Cornwallis's surrender, the British Prime Minister signed the Treaty of Paris, which thusly ended the American Revolution, giving the Americans there freedom.
B. The British occupied Yorktown and Gloucester in August, but they were followed by Lafayette and some Americans. Lafayette told General Washington of the British troops's location. He was in West Point, New York. He thought that it was a good time to attack the British because the French, led by Admiral de Grasse, were coming to the bay. In late August, Washington and his men left New York, heading towards Virginia. He left behind some men to hold down the fort and to trick the British. De Grasse's fleet blockaded Cheasepeake Bay, which prevented the British from escaping. The Americans and French thus invaded Yorktown. The British tried to counterattack, but they failed ultimately, asking for a surrender.
C. The result of the battle was an overwhelming victory for the American forces. It has been called one of the most skillfully fought battles in history. After Cornwallis's surrender, the British Prime Minister signed the Treaty of Paris, which thusly ended the American Revolution, giving the Americans there freedom.
E. Security
The British did a horrible job with security during this battle because they let the American troops get the upperhand over them, which caused them to not only lose that key battle, but it also caused them to lose the entire war.
Manuever
The Americans did a wonderful job with manuever because they made sure that they had the British surrounded, and they also blockaded Cheasepeake Bay, which was good because it prevented the British from attempting to escape.
Mass
The Americans had the French allies fighting with them, which definitely helped them in this battle because of the numbers, but also because of their fighting techniques.
The British did a horrible job with security during this battle because they let the American troops get the upperhand over them, which caused them to not only lose that key battle, but it also caused them to lose the entire war.
Manuever
The Americans did a wonderful job with manuever because they made sure that they had the British surrounded, and they also blockaded Cheasepeake Bay, which was good because it prevented the British from attempting to escape.
Mass
The Americans had the French allies fighting with them, which definitely helped them in this battle because of the numbers, but also because of their fighting techniques.
American Revolution Leaders
A. George Washington: After the battles of Lexington and Concord broke out, the Second Continental Congress declared George Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. At first, his army was not particularly successful, but after winning Trenton, there was a sense of confidence among his troops. The Battle of Trenton showed General Washington as a great leader. He led the troops across the Delaware River, which was a very hard feat to accomplish, but they di it very successfully. General Washington kept his troops at Valley Forge where they received help from the French. He led them, with the assistance from their French allies, to victory in Yorktown, which led to the Americans winning the Revolution. George Washington later became the first President under the US Constitution.
B. Richard Montgomery: Montgomery fought in the French and Indian War. He was promoted to a lieutenant. In 1771, he left the army and sailed to New York, hoping to become a farmer. Montgomery was selected to be a Brigadier General by the Second Continental Congress. Working with Benedict Arnold, Montgomery planned an attack that would eventually become the Battle of Quebec. Moving along the St. Lawrence, Montgomery was to attack from the west of the city. After they arrived in the Lower Town, they met 30 British troops. Montgomery was shot in the head and thighs, killing him.
C. Benedict Arnold: Arnold was born in Connecticut. He owned a drug store that sold books, and it required him to travel often. He was in the West Indies during the Boston Massacre. He was appointed to an American general for the Revolution, but he obviously wasn't faithful to the American cause because by 1779 Arnold was making deals with the British. He went to the British because he was in debt, and the British agreed they would pay him a good sum of money to be a British spy. Arnold and British General John Andre exchanged letters about Arnold offering West Point to the British, but Andre was caught along with Arnold. Arnold fleed and was never captured.
D. Horatio Gates: Gates departed to America in 1772. He became a lieutenant colonel in the militia and a local justice. After learning of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Gates offered himself to serve in the army. He was named a brigadier general and an adjutant general. Gates joined Washington in Pennyslvania. Gates didn't like Washington's idea of crossing the Delaware so he pretended to be ill and missed the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Gates replaced Schuyler after Fort Ticonderoga. At the Battle of Camden, Gates fled to North Carolina, which many people called cowardly. He was released by Green in December.
E. Thomas Gage: Thomas Gage was a captain in the British Army pre-revolution. As a response to the outcry of the colonies over the Stamp Act, Gage called for reinforcement from troops in the coastal cities. Gage replaced Hutchinson as the governor of Massachusetts. In 1775 Gage order about 700 men to Concord to get the rebel's supplies. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Gage actually sent his wife back to England fearing that she was aiding the enemy. After the Battle of Bunker Hill, Gage was called back to England and his position was given to Howe.
F. William Howe: Howe fought in the French and Indian War and was appointed to a major. Howe opposed the Intolerable Acts and was in fact in favour of reconcillation with the colonies. After winning the Battle of Bunker Hill, Howe's men suffered many casualties. Howe had believed the Rebel fighters represented only a small faction of the colonies, but he was proved wrong. Howe was appointed temporarily as commander-in-chief after Gage left for England. After the American victories in Trenton and Princeton, Howe remained in New York during the winter and enjoyed a good social life. Howe received much criticism for failing to defeat the Americans, and he winded up requesting to be released from his position.
G. John Burgoyne: Before the American Revolution, Burgoyne was appointed to major general. In his free time, he enjoyed writing plays and verses. He did not take part in the Battle of Bunker Hill, but he was involved in the Siege of Boston. After the Battle of Valcour Island, Burgoyne sailed to England. He lobbied Germain, which called for a campaign that would capture Albany. He arrived again in Canada in 1777 with a force of over 7,000 men. Burgoyne's entire Saratoga Campaign failed after St. Leger's defeat. Burgoyne retreated to Albany, hoping to quarter there for the winter. After a defeat as Bemis Heights, Burgoyne was forced to surrender.
H. Charles Cornwallis: Cornwallis was promoted by King George to major general in 1775 with the approaching war. Cornwallis offered himself to service and was sent to America in 1776. He successfully defeated the Americans in the Battle of Brandywine and Germantown. During the war Cornwallis returned home to England. The time was to take care of his ailing wife. He dedicated himself to the military after her death. He afterwards captured Charlestown. As Washington began to lay the Siege of Yorktown, Cornwallis was hoping to be relieved by allies, but the Battle of the Chesapeake made that impossible. Eventually Cornwallis had to surrender to Washington thus ending the American Revolution.
B. Richard Montgomery: Montgomery fought in the French and Indian War. He was promoted to a lieutenant. In 1771, he left the army and sailed to New York, hoping to become a farmer. Montgomery was selected to be a Brigadier General by the Second Continental Congress. Working with Benedict Arnold, Montgomery planned an attack that would eventually become the Battle of Quebec. Moving along the St. Lawrence, Montgomery was to attack from the west of the city. After they arrived in the Lower Town, they met 30 British troops. Montgomery was shot in the head and thighs, killing him.
C. Benedict Arnold: Arnold was born in Connecticut. He owned a drug store that sold books, and it required him to travel often. He was in the West Indies during the Boston Massacre. He was appointed to an American general for the Revolution, but he obviously wasn't faithful to the American cause because by 1779 Arnold was making deals with the British. He went to the British because he was in debt, and the British agreed they would pay him a good sum of money to be a British spy. Arnold and British General John Andre exchanged letters about Arnold offering West Point to the British, but Andre was caught along with Arnold. Arnold fleed and was never captured.
D. Horatio Gates: Gates departed to America in 1772. He became a lieutenant colonel in the militia and a local justice. After learning of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Gates offered himself to serve in the army. He was named a brigadier general and an adjutant general. Gates joined Washington in Pennyslvania. Gates didn't like Washington's idea of crossing the Delaware so he pretended to be ill and missed the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Gates replaced Schuyler after Fort Ticonderoga. At the Battle of Camden, Gates fled to North Carolina, which many people called cowardly. He was released by Green in December.
E. Thomas Gage: Thomas Gage was a captain in the British Army pre-revolution. As a response to the outcry of the colonies over the Stamp Act, Gage called for reinforcement from troops in the coastal cities. Gage replaced Hutchinson as the governor of Massachusetts. In 1775 Gage order about 700 men to Concord to get the rebel's supplies. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Gage actually sent his wife back to England fearing that she was aiding the enemy. After the Battle of Bunker Hill, Gage was called back to England and his position was given to Howe.
F. William Howe: Howe fought in the French and Indian War and was appointed to a major. Howe opposed the Intolerable Acts and was in fact in favour of reconcillation with the colonies. After winning the Battle of Bunker Hill, Howe's men suffered many casualties. Howe had believed the Rebel fighters represented only a small faction of the colonies, but he was proved wrong. Howe was appointed temporarily as commander-in-chief after Gage left for England. After the American victories in Trenton and Princeton, Howe remained in New York during the winter and enjoyed a good social life. Howe received much criticism for failing to defeat the Americans, and he winded up requesting to be released from his position.
G. John Burgoyne: Before the American Revolution, Burgoyne was appointed to major general. In his free time, he enjoyed writing plays and verses. He did not take part in the Battle of Bunker Hill, but he was involved in the Siege of Boston. After the Battle of Valcour Island, Burgoyne sailed to England. He lobbied Germain, which called for a campaign that would capture Albany. He arrived again in Canada in 1777 with a force of over 7,000 men. Burgoyne's entire Saratoga Campaign failed after St. Leger's defeat. Burgoyne retreated to Albany, hoping to quarter there for the winter. After a defeat as Bemis Heights, Burgoyne was forced to surrender.
H. Charles Cornwallis: Cornwallis was promoted by King George to major general in 1775 with the approaching war. Cornwallis offered himself to service and was sent to America in 1776. He successfully defeated the Americans in the Battle of Brandywine and Germantown. During the war Cornwallis returned home to England. The time was to take care of his ailing wife. He dedicated himself to the military after her death. He afterwards captured Charlestown. As Washington began to lay the Siege of Yorktown, Cornwallis was hoping to be relieved by allies, but the Battle of the Chesapeake made that impossible. Eventually Cornwallis had to surrender to Washington thus ending the American Revolution.