Week 7 of 32 • Page 4
Name ________________________________________
Washington Crossing the Delaware, by Emanuel Leutze, 1851
The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton, December 26, 1776,
by John Trumbull, published between 1900 and 1912
The First Winter
of the War
Battle of Trenton, by Hugh Charles McBarron, Jr., July 1975
By July 1776, the colonists were officially at war with
Great Britain. The British forces far outnumbered the
Continental Army. On land, the British maintained
an army of 40,000 to 50,000 men. Washington
commanded about 20,000 soldiers. The British
soldiers were well-trained. They had plenty of
supplies and food. On the other hand, the colonial
troops weren't professional soldiers. Since most
colonists enlisted for only a few months at a time,
it was difficult to train them properly. They were also
in short supply of everything needed to fight a war.
This included guns, ammunition, clothing,
and even food.
In the fall of 1776, the British had driven
Continental forces right out of New York.
Washington's army retreated across the Delaware
River into New Jersey. The British eventually
captured most of New Jersey in pursuit of
Washington and his troops. This forced the
Continental Army into Pennsylvania. The news
that the British forces had taken New York City
and parts of New Jersey was discouraging to the
colonial troops. General Washington knew his troops
desperately needed a victory to improve morale and
keep the army together.
The British placed Hessian troops in charge of
keeping New Jersey from the Continental Army.
They were confident that Washington and his
troops would not attack. What the British did
not know was that Washington’s troops received
reinforcements from several colonies. In December
1776, Washington made a bold decision to attack
the Hessian troops stationed at Trenton, New Jersey.
On Christmas Day, Washington and his men crossed
the Delaware River and attacked the Hessian forces.
They defeated the Hessians. About 100 Hessians
were killed, and an estimated 1,000 of them were
taken as prisoners.
After the Battle of Trenton, General Washington
ordered regiments to be paraded with honors. He
spoke of their bravery and asked the men to serve
more time in the army so that liberty might be
preserved. The Battle of Trenton boosted the morale
of the troops and convinced many to continue their
fight for independence.
While Washington escorted the Hessian
prisoners to Pennsylvania, more Americans joined
the Continental Army. On January 3, 1777, the
Continental Army clashed with British forces at the
Battle of Princeton. Washington and his army were
victorious over the British. The surprised redcoats
fled throughout the city. Most of the British were
taken as prisoners. The victories at Trenton and
Princeton convinced the British to give up most
of their New Jersey holdings. However, the war
had just begun and would continue for many
more years.
American Revolution: Part One
BEGINNINGS TO PRESENT
The Second
Continental Congress
Infantry: Continental Army, by Henry Alexander Ogden, 1897.
Washington, appointed Commander in Chief,
Published by Currier & Ives, 1876.
(left) A Continental One Third Dollar Note printed in 1776, (right) A
manuscript signed by the Continental Congress on June 19, 1775,
appointing George Washington as commander-in-chief.
UNIT: CREATING THE UNITED STATES
WEEK 7
Following the events of Lexington and Concord,
delegates from the colonies met in May 1775 for the
Second Continental Congress. The delegates had
many questions. How would they defend themselves
against the British? How would they pay to defend
the colonies? The task was tremendous. However,
the delegates worked hard to create stability in
the colonies.
The first task
was to create
a standing
army to defend
the colonists.
On June 14,
1775, Congress
authorized the
creation of
a Continental The first official United States flag,
adopted by an Act of Congress on 1777
Army. George
Washington, a delegate from Virginia, was chosen
to lead the army. Washington was an experienced
soldier who had served in the British Army during the
French and Indian War. He was familiar with British
war tactics and would use this knowledge to help
the Continental Army. To pay for the army, Congress
approved the printing of money. Congress also
established a committee that would seek assistance
from foreign powers should the need arise.
The delegates of the Continental Congress took
a great risk meeting with one another. The British
military could enter the Pennsylvania State House
and arrest them for treason. However, the delegates
knew their cause was just. They needed to defend
the rights of colonists.
The Congress Voting Independence,
by Robert Edge Pine, 1785.

Continental Forces
During the colonial period, the British
military was one of the best, well-
equipped militaries in the world. The
British had a large navy with many
warships. They also had a well-trained,
professional army. These soldiers were
used to obeying commands quickly. King
George III and Parliament paid the British
soldiers for their service and expected
them to work hard at all times. The British
army also had good equipment. Every
(left) A British infantry uniform. (right)
An American Indian warrior, Continental
army, by Johann Von Ewald
(above) Declaration of Independence, by John Trumbull, 1819.
(below) Charles Thomson's drawing, the approved design for the final seal
Declaring Independence
The British government refused to listen
to or work with Congress. Congress had no
choice but to declare independence from
Great Britain. John Hancock appointed a
committee of five men to draft a document
to declare independence. The Committee
of Five included delegates Thomas
Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin,
Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
Thomas Jefferson, at the request of
the other committee members, served as
the primary author of the document.
Jefferson was one of the first
Americans to express the
idea that all people are born
with certain rights that
should never be taken away.
Jefferson said that among
these rights were "life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness."
Jefferson also believed the
government must protect these
rights. The government must also
respect the ideas and beliefs of its citizens.
On June 28, 1776, the Committee of
Five presented their draft of the document
to Congress. Congress and the colonial
governments for each state approved the
document. They formally declared their
independence from Great Britain on
July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence was
sent to King George III and Parliament. The
king wasn't happy about this declaration
soldier had a uniform, a long-barreled
musket gun, and a sword-like bayonet.
A bayonet is a blade that is attached to
the end of a rifle. The king and Parliament
were confident that their soldiers would
end the colonial uprising very quickly.
The Continental Army began with
about 15,000 volunteers that represented
all 13 Colonies. These volunteers were not
professional soldiers. The army was made
up of farmers, shopkeepers, free and
enslaved African Americans, American
Indian allies, immigrants, and native-born
colonists. George Washington worked
hard to train the volunteers and create a
professional army. The Continental Army
used their knowledge of the land to
their advantage.
Congress also established a navy and
planned for attacks against British ships
stocked with ammunition. The British
army and navy had to wait months for
ships to deliver supplies to them across
the Atlantic Ocean. Congress authorized
the building of four armed ships and
created rules for a navy. Soon after,
they authorized private vessels to seize
British goods. At this point, Congress had
not officially declared war against Great
Britain. They took all of the necessary
steps to protect the colonies.
and he sent more troops to the colonies.
The British targeted every signer for
punishment. Several lost their businesses.
Many lost their belongings. Some had their
homes burned down. Nevertheless, the
signers believed independence was worth
the sacrifices they made.
In addition to drafting the Declaration
of Independence, the Continental Congress
hoped to create symbols for the new
nation. On three different occasions,
Congress organized committees to
design a great seal. It wasn’t
until 1782, after three failed
committees and proposals that
the secretary of Congress,
Charles Thomson’s design for
the great seal was approved.
His design used the American
Bald Eagle, a symbol of
strength and power. Since then,
the Bald Eagle has become the
national bird of the United States.
During the early stages of revolution,
many unofficial flags had been used as
symbols in the fight for independence.
However, the first official flag of the
United States was adopted by Congress
in 1777. It had 13 alternating red and
white stripes and 13 stars. Sometimes the
stars appeared in a circle, sometimes in
rows. However it looked, it represented
the struggle for independence of the new
American nation.
The Battle of
Bunker Hill
After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the
colonists barricaded the British inside Boston. The
British Army couldn’t leave the city by land. However,
the British Navy was able to dock in Boston Harbor,
and troops were removed from the city by the sea.
The colonists knew they had to secure the high
ground outside of Boston to prevent British ships
from entering the harbor. Colonial forces under the
command of Colonel William Prescott secured Breed’s
Hill. Breed’s Hill was adjacent to Bunker Hill and
overlooked the city. Prescott and his men fortified
the hill and built walls out of dirt, rocks, and trees to
protect themselves from attack.
On June 17, 1775, British forces attacked the
colonial fortifications at Breed’s Hill. The colonial
troops were inexperienced, but their defense of Breed’s
Hill drove the British back toward the city. After the
first attack, the British advanced again. Unfortunately
for the colonists, they had run out of supplies and
ammunition to defend themselves and their position.
The colonists defended their position for over two
hours before retreating. The Battle of Bunker Hill was
the bloodiest battle of the war. The British lost 268
soldiers, and another 828 were wounded. The colonists
lost 115 militiamen, and 305 were wounded. After
the Battle of Bunker Hill, the British took complete
control over Boston and the surrounding countryside.
Although they won the battle, the British realized that
the colonists would not be easily defeated.
Declaration of Independence
Spirit of '76, by
Archibald Willard, 1875
Stamp Issue of 1975, depicts John
Trumbull's painting of the battle
The Battle of Bunker Hill,
by Howard Pyle, 1897
Colonists Respond to War
The United States has always been made up
of diverse groups of people. Even at the time
of revolution and founding, people with all
different backgrounds and experiences joined
the cause. Some acted on their own, and others
acted as part of a group. Their actions often go
unnoticed in the study of history, but they
were no less important.
Role of Women in the American Revolution
A Brief History of the United States by Joel
Dorman Steele and Esther Baker Steele,
shows woman spinning, 1885.
Women were vital to the war effort across the
Colonies. They weren’t allowed to participate
in the military, but they found other ways to
help. Many women supported the war effort
by organizing fundraisers to provide supplies
to the troops. They made clothing for soldiers,
worked in the military camps, and tended to
wounded soldiers. Some women even disguised
themselves as men to fight alongside colonial
troops. Others served as spies for the
Continental Army.
One woman who played a crucial role
in the war effort was
Abigail Adams. She
was the wife of John
Adams. John often
asked Abigail for
her opinion on
government
Portrait of Joseph Brant
Portrait of Abigail Adams by (Thayendanegea) a Mohawk
military and political leader, who
Benjamin Blyth, photograph
by Harris & Ewing, between was closely associated with Great
1910 and 1920 Britain, by George Romney, 1776
Pursuing Peace
Many delegates of the Second Continental
Congress didn’t want to go to war with Great
Britain. As a last resort to avoid war, Congress
drafted the Olive Branch Petition as an appeal
to King George III. In the petition, the colonists
pledged their loyalty to the king. However, the
colonists insisted they receive the same rights
as British citizens living in England.
Congress approved the petition on July 5,
1775, and sent it to the king. The king and
Parliament were outraged by the actions of the
colonists. King George III refused to receive
Signature page of the Olive Branch Petition
issues. Throughout John's career, Abigail
wrote countless letters to him that provided
guidance and advice. Abigail’s beliefs were very
different than most people’s of the time. She
believed that all people should have the same
rights as one other. She was an advocate for
women's rights and believed that slavery should
be abolished.
Role of African Americans in the
American Revolution
During the American Revolution, thousands of
free and enslaved African Americans supported
the Patriot cause. By the end of the war,
between 5,000 to 8,000 African Americans
served on the battlefield or in non-combatant
roles. Non-combatant roles meant working in
the military encampments as cooks, wagon
drivers, and craftsmen. In February 1778, Rhode
Island voted to officially enlist enslaved people
in the military. The First Rhode Island Regiment
was loyal to the fight for independence. At
its peak, this regiment had 600 African
American members.
Hundreds of free and enslaved African
Americans served in the navy. They worked as
boat pilots, gunners, sailors, and privateers.
Privateers were individuals commissioned by the
Continental Congress to attack and take supplies
from British ships. Others, such as James
Lafayette, served as spies for the Patriots during
the war. Some enslaved African Americans
were freed after serving in the Continental Army
and Navy. Unfortunately, many African
Americans remained enslaved after
the war, despite their contributions.
Role of American Indians in the
American Revolution
Many American Indian tribes allied
with the colonists during the
American Revolution. Others
supported the British. They fought
to preserve their rights and protect
their land. At the same time,
many tribes wished to remain
neutral. They didn't want to
involve themselves with the
troubles of the British and
the colonists.
Week 7 of 32 • Page 3
the petition. To make matters worse, he hired
German mercenaries, called Hessians, and sent
them to the Colonies to control the population.
A mercenary is a professional soldier hired to
serve in a foreign army. Congress continued to
meet and became the unofficial government of
the Colonies.
In response to Congress, the British
Parliament banned trade with the colonies.
Parliament also authorized the seizure of
colonial vessels on December 23. These actions
weakened the influence of those members
in Congress who wanted to work things out
with Parliament and King George III. In those
confusing times, colonists could only hope that
common sense would prevail. However, they
would be prepared either way.
Portrait of Portrait of John
King George III, by Hancock, by John
Johann Zoffany, 1771 Singleton Copley, 1770
American soldiers at the siege of Yorktown, by
Jean-Baptiste-Antoine DeVerger, 1781.
An African-American soldier (left)
of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment.
The Iroquois Confederacy was made up
of many tribes. It fell apart as a result of their
alliances with the British and the colonists. The
Oneida and Tuscarora tribes sided with the
colonial army when conflict began. The Mohawk,
Cayugas, Onondagas, and Senecas allied with
the British. The Cherokee and Creek tribes of the
Southeast likewise joined the British. American
Indian allies provided information, soldiers,
scouts, and spies to both sides during the
American Revolution.
Loyalists in the American Revolution
Not all colonists supported independence
from Great Britain. They felt that the king and
Parliament should be able to tax the colonies
in exchange for protection during war. Loyalists
made up about 20 percent of the colonial
population. They were typically nonviolent in
their encounters with the Patriots. Many wished
to remain loyal to the British because they still
had family members living in England. Others
had connections to the British government.
Many people were afraid they might lose their
land if they fought against England. This kept
them from joining the Patriots.
Week 7 of 32 • Page 4
Name ________________________________________
Washington Crossing the Delaware, by Emanuel Leutze, 1851
The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton, December 26, 1776,
by John Trumbull, published between 1900 and 1912
The First Winter
of the War
Battle of Trenton, by Hugh Charles McBarron, Jr., July 1975
By July 1776, the colonists were officially at war with
Great Britain. The British forces far outnumbered the
Continental Army. On land, the British maintained
an army of 40,000 to 50,000 men. Washington
commanded about 20,000 soldiers. The British
soldiers were well-trained. They had plenty of
supplies and food. On the other hand, the colonial
troops weren't professional soldiers. Since most
colonists enlisted for only a few months at a time,
it was difficult to train them properly. They were also
in short supply of everything needed to fight a war.
This included guns, ammunition, clothing,
and even food.
In the fall of 1776, the British had driven
Continental forces right out of New York.
Washington's army retreated across the Delaware
River into New Jersey. The British eventually
captured most of New Jersey in pursuit of
Washington and his troops. This forced the
Continental Army into Pennsylvania. The news
that the British forces had taken New York City
and parts of New Jersey was discouraging to the
colonial troops. General Washington knew his troops
desperately needed a victory to improve morale and
keep the army together.
The British placed Hessian troops in charge of
keeping New Jersey from the Continental Army.
They were confident that Washington and his
troops would not attack. What the British did
not know was that Washington’s troops received
reinforcements from several colonies. In December
1776, Washington made a bold decision to attack
the Hessian troops stationed at Trenton, New Jersey.
On Christmas Day, Washington and his men crossed
the Delaware River and attacked the Hessian forces.
They defeated the Hessians. About 100 Hessians
were killed, and an estimated 1,000 of them were
taken as prisoners.
After the Battle of Trenton, General Washington
ordered regiments to be paraded with honors. He
spoke of their bravery and asked the men to serve
more time in the army so that liberty might be
preserved. The Battle of Trenton boosted the morale
of the troops and convinced many to continue their
fight for independence.
While Washington escorted the Hessian
prisoners to Pennsylvania, more Americans joined
the Continental Army. On January 3, 1777, the
Continental Army clashed with British forces at the
Battle of Princeton. Washington and his army were
victorious over the British. The surprised redcoats
fled throughout the city. Most of the British were
taken as prisoners. The victories at Trenton and
Princeton convinced the British to give up most
of their New Jersey holdings. However, the war
had just begun and would continue for many
more years.
American Revolution: Part One
BEGINNINGS TO PRESENT
The Second
Continental Congress
Infantry: Continental Army, by Henry Alexander Ogden, 1897.
Washington, appointed Commander in Chief,
Published by Currier & Ives, 1876.
(left) A Continental One Third Dollar Note printed in 1776, (right) A
manuscript signed by the Continental Congress on June 19, 1775,
appointing George Washington as commander-in-chief.
UNIT: CREATING THE UNITED STATES
WEEK 7
Following the events of Lexington and Concord,
delegates from the colonies met in May 1775 for the
Second Continental Congress. The delegates had
many questions. How would they defend themselves
against the British? How would they pay to defend
the colonies? The task was tremendous. However,
the delegates worked hard to create stability in
the colonies.
The first task
was to create
a standing
army to defend
the colonists.
On June 14,
1775, Congress
authorized the
creation of
a Continental The first official United States flag,
adopted by an Act of Congress on 1777
Army. George
Washington, a delegate from Virginia, was chosen
to lead the army. Washington was an experienced
soldier who had served in the British Army during the
French and Indian War. He was familiar with British
war tactics and would use this knowledge to help
the Continental Army. To pay for the army, Congress
approved the printing of money. Congress also
established a committee that would seek assistance
from foreign powers should the need arise.
The delegates of the Continental Congress took
a great risk meeting with one another. The British
military could enter the Pennsylvania State House
and arrest them for treason. However, the delegates
knew their cause was just. They needed to defend
the rights of colonists.
The Congress Voting Independence,
by Robert Edge Pine, 1785.