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The Declaration of Independance
The Declaration of Independence is an amazing piece of written ideas. It is written on the Enlightenment which uses and explains the reasons why colonists want to change from the ways or rules of the British and they do this with logic step-by-step. It begins with an introduction that says “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” requires that American explain why they break away from Britain and their rules. -
Crossing the Delaware
On the night of Christmas December 25, 1776 President Washington led 2,400 men across the river. The troops were so poor in supplies that they had no shoes. Once they got to the other side of the river they had to march on the cold snow. The soldiers had to wrap they feet in rags to keep their feet from freezing. The men had to walk several miles. December 26 they attacked by surprise Trenton. -
The British Plan
This was a Burgoyne’s plan to attack Albany, New York from three directions. From Canada an army of 8,000 would go South towards Lake Champlain, Lake George, and up the Hudson River. From the west, a small British force would go through the Mohawk Valley to Albany. And From the South General Howe will take a large army up the Hudson River from New York City. Burgoyne’s plan was interrupted, forces didn’t march until November. -
An American Victory
British forces came from Canada led by Burgoyne in June. They slowly pushed south dragging a large train of baggage through the woods and their supplies were running short. Americans rushed to block the British. General Horatio Gates, had 6,000 men ready to fight in New York. At the village of Saratoga, New York, the Americas surround the British. There were heavy casualties and on October 17, 1777 Burgoyne surrendered. -
The French Alliance
France wanted to see a weaker Britain. They provided money and arms to the Americans before Saratoga. The French government was keeping a close eye on the American for being a young nation and in 1778 they were the first to sign a treaty with United States. France also allied itself with Netherlands and Spain and went to war with Britain. This helped the Americans because Britain could spare few troops to fight North America. -
Treaty of Paris
Britain finally recognized the independence of United States. The boundaries of the new nation were the Atlantic on the east, Canada on the north, Mississippi to the west, and Florida to the south. Florida was given back to Spain. Most States ignored the pledge that the United States recommended to restore the rights and property taken from Loyalists during the war. Almost eight years later since the “shot heard round the world” the war ended.
