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[[Image:Join or Die cartoon.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Join or Die cartoon.jpg|right]]

In 1754, 7 colonies met to address these problems at the Albany Congress.  They considered, but did not adopt Benjamin Franklin's Albany Plan of Union.  The Albany Plan of Union attempted to unite the English colonies with the Iroquois League in a defensive stance against New France.  Franklin published the political cartoon at the right to urge unity among the colonies.

In 1754, 7 colonies met to address these problems at the Albany Congress.  They considered, but did not adopt, Benjamin Franklin's Albany Plan of Union.  The Albany Plan of Union attempted to unite the English colonies with the Iroquois League in a defensive stance against New France.  Franklin published the political cartoon (shown here to the right) in order to urge unity among the colonies.

The governor of Virginia sent a 21-year-old named George Washington to stop the French from building a fort near the site of present-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and to protest French attacks.  But in Western Pennsylvania, at Fort Necessity, the French defeated and captured him and his 400 troops.  They made him sign a statement in French (which George Washington did not understand) "confessing" that his men had assassinated some Frenchmen.  Then they released George Washington.  He remembered that lesson and in the Revolutionary War made sure that in the future he always had an aide who could understand French.  That future aide would be the very influential Founding Father named Alexander Hamilton.

The governor of Virginia sent a 21-year-old named George Washington to stop the French from building a fort near the site of present-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and to protest French attacks.  But in Western Pennsylvania, at Fort Necessity, the French defeated and captured him and his 400 troops.  They made him sign a statement in French (which George Washington did not understand) "confessing" that his men had assassinated some Frenchmen.  Then they released George Washington.  He remembered that lesson and in the Revolutionary War made sure that in the future he always had an aide who could understand French.  That future aide would be the very influential Founding Father named Alexander Hamilton.

While George Washington was humiliated by this experience, that did not matter to the young colonies trying to assert themselves.  When he returned to Virginia was treated as their hero.  

While George Washington was humiliated by this experience, that did not matter to the young colonies trying to assert themselves.  When he returned to Virginia was treated as their hero.  

George Washington is the most honored person in all of American history.  Why was he so great?  Was he so great?  He was not a brilliant man.  He was not a great military general.  In terms of military strategy, he was not particularly good.  He was inept during the French and Indian War, for example.  He did not write anything of value.  Think about that as we learn more about him.

George Washington is the most honored person in all of American history.  Why was he so great?  Was he so great?  He was not a brilliant man.  He was not a great military general.  In terms of military strategy, he was not particularly good.  He was inept during the French and Indian War, for example.  He did not write much of value.  Think about that as we learn more about him.  Most likely he was great because of his values, and how everyone knew he would stick to his principles.

'''Debate: [[George Washington]].  Was he great, and if so, why?'''

'''Debate: [[George Washington]].  Was he great, and if so, why?'''

The French traded more with the Indians, and so the Indians tended to side with the French.  Also, some Indians saw how George Washington was defeated, so they probably thought the English colonies were weaker than the French.  Finally, it's likely the French treated the Indians better than the English did.

The French traded more with the Indians, and so the Indians tended to side with the French.  Also, some Indians saw how George Washington was defeated, so they probably thought the English colonies were weaker than the French.  Finally, it's likely the French treated the Indians better than the English did.

"The" French and Indian War was the seven-year struggle that was the culmination of the conflicts between France and England in America.  It was the American portion of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) between England and France in Europe.  The name "French and Indian" to describe the war is confusing, because the French and Indians were on the same side, and there were native peoples who were allied to the British.

"The" French and Indian War was the seven-year struggle that was the culmination of the conflicts between France and England in America.  It was the American portion of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) between England and France in Europe.  The name "French and Indian" to describe the war is confusing, because the French and Indians were on the same side, both fighting against the British, and there were some Native Americans who were allied with the British.

In 1755, the British sent General [[Edward Braddock]] to confront French, but they ambushed and beat him badly near [[Fort Duquesne]] (pronounced DOO CANE).  In 1756, war broke out between the French and English in Europe, Africa, and India, as the war morphed into the first true global conflict.  

In 1755, the British sent General [[Edward Braddock]] to confront French, but they ambushed and beat him badly near [[Fort Duquesne]] (pronounced DOO CANE).  In 1756, war broke out between the French and English in Europe, Africa, and India, as the war morphed into the first true global conflict.  

The British struggled badly at first in this war.  But eventually a smart fellow named [[William Pitt]] was appointed Prime Minister of England.  The city of Pittsburgh is named after him.  Pitt believed in appointing generals based on merit, not seniority or friendship.  Pitt recognized the importance of the colonies and began investing significant money and resources.  He started beating the French.  Under Pitt's leadership, the English captured Fort Duquesne (renaming it Fort Pitt) in 1758, Quebec in 1759, and then Montreal in 1760.  Taking advantage of their powerful navy, Britain gained control of the sea lanes and started winning in other places in world also, including India.   

The British struggled badly at first in this war.  But eventually a smart fellow named [[William Pitt]] was appointed Prime Minister of England.  The city of Pittsburgh is named after him.  Pitt believed in appointing generals based on merit, not seniority or friendship.  Pitt recognized the importance of the colonies and began investing significant money and resources into the war.  He then started beating the French.  Under Pitt's leadership, the English captured Fort Duquesne (renaming it Fort Pitt) in 1758, Quebec in 1759, and then Montreal in 1760.  Taking advantage of their powerful navy, Britain gained control of the sea lanes and started winning in other places in world also, including India.   

In 1763, the war ended when Britain, France and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris. Under the terms of the treaty, the French lost all of their possessions in North America, yielding to England all of their territory east of the Mississippi, with the exception of two islands off the coast of Newfoundland. England returned Cuba and the Philippines to Spain, in exchange for Florida, while France surrendered the Louisiana territory to Spain.  Later, in 1803, Spain sold this land back to France, who quickly sold it to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.

In 1763, the war ended when Britain, France and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris. Under the terms of the treaty, the French lost all of their possessions in North America, yielding to England all of their territory east of the Mississippi, with the exception of two islands off the coast of Newfoundland. England returned Cuba and the Philippines to Spain, in exchange for Florida, while France surrendered the Louisiana territory to Spain.  Later, in 1803, Spain sold this land back to France, who quickly sold it to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.

George III openly controlled Parliament, bribing men to do anything he wanted by placing them in positions of power.  This significantly altered the face of Parliament, and the majority became much less sympathetic to the colonies.  The ruling sentiment was that the colonies should be obliged to pay for their own expenses, rather than depending on the mother county (England).

George III openly controlled Parliament, bribing men to do anything he wanted by placing them in positions of power.  This significantly altered the face of Parliament, and the majority became much less sympathetic to the colonies.  The ruling sentiment was that the colonies should be obliged to pay for their own expenses, rather than depending on the mother county (England).

This war with France left Britain deeply in debt, and tired of fighting.  A new prime minister, George Grenville, came into power in 1763.  The citizens of England were already being heavily taxed, so guess where Grenville looked to raise money to pay the bills?  The colonies.

This war with France left Britain deeply in debt, and tired of fighting.  A new prime minister, George Grenville, came into power in 1763.  The citizens of England were already being heavily taxed, so guess where Grenville looked to raise money to pay the bills: the colonies.

England felt that the colonists hadn't paid their fair share of the war expenses.  To keep from spending any more money, England was eager to make peace with the Indians and stop fighting.  England passed the Proclamation Act of 1763, forbidding colonists from settling west of Appalachians and forcing them to stop buying land from Indians.  The Proclamation Act ordered, "that no governor or Commander in chief of our other colonies of plantations in America, do presume for the present, and until our further pleasure be know, to grant warrant of survey, or pass patents for any lands beyond the heads of sources of any of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean from the west or north west..."

England felt that the colonists hadn't paid their fair share of the war expenses.  To keep from spending any more money, England was eager to make peace with the Indians and stop fighting.  England passed the Proclamation Act of 1763, forbidding colonists from settling west of Appalachians and forcing them to stop buying land from Indians.  The Proclamation Act ordered, "that no governor or Commander in chief of our other colonies of plantations in America, do presume for the present, and until our further pleasure be know, to grant warrant of survey, or pass patents for any lands beyond the heads of sources of any of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean from the west or north west ...."

The logic behind the Proclamation Act was that as long as the colonists stayed in the colonies and had nothing to do with Indians, there would be peace.  Little did the British know that peace would not last for long in the colonies, and that when war did break out again, it would be against the British themselves.

The logic behind the Proclamation Act was that as long as the colonists stayed in the colonies and had nothing to do with Indians, there should be peace.  Little did the British know that peace would not last for long in the colonies, and that when war did break out again, it would be against the British themselves.

==Tension Grows==

==Tension Grows==

In 1770, the [[British Empire]] was the greatest in the world, and it continued to grow in power through the 1800s.  The idea that 13 different colonies with tiny armies and a divided population - a large percentage of which were pacifist Quakers - could defeat the mighty British would have been absurd in 1770.  But this unlikely victory came true.  The story of this epic struggle for freedom is the story of the American Revolution.

In 1770, the [[British Empire]] was the greatest in the world, and it continued to grow in power through the 1800s.  The idea that 13 different colonies with tiny armies and a divided population - a large percentage of which were pacifist Quakers - could defeat the mighty British was utterly absurd in 1770.  But this unlikely victory came true.  The story of this epic struggle for freedom is the story of the American Revolution.

Years before war broke out, tension was growing between England and her colonies.  King George III controlled parliament much more than preceding monarchs had, and his changes facilitated attempts to gain additional revenue from the colonies.  This was accomplished through higher taxes and restrictive trade laws which oppressed the colonies.  We've already discussed the institution of the Proclamation Act, and now we need to discuss its consequences.

Years before war broke out, tension was growing between England and her colonies.  King George III controlled parliament much more than preceding monarchs had, and his changes facilitated attempts to gain additional revenue from the colonies.  This was accomplished through higher taxes and restrictive trade laws which oppressed the colonies.  We've already discussed the institution of the Proclamation Act, and now we need to discuss its consequences.

In addition, many colonists felt that the Proclamation Act was simply unfair.  They had worked hard fighting the French and Indian Wars, but now England was denying them the territory they had won.

In addition, many colonists felt that the Proclamation Act was simply unfair.  They had worked hard fighting the French and Indian Wars, but now England was denying them the territory they had won.

== Conflict Increases ==

== Conflict Increases ==

Grenville wanted the colonies to pay their share of the war costs, so he started burdening colonists by strictly enforcing taxes.  The era of [[salutary neglect]] was over, and colonists did not like sending their hard-earned money to Britain.

Grenville wanted the colonies to pay their share of the war costs, so he started burdening colonists by strictly enforcing taxes.  The era of [[salutary neglect]] was over, and colonists did not like sending their hard-earned money to Britain.

The first of these tax burdens was the Sugar Act.  As its name suggests, this act imposed taxes on sugar, but it also imposed additional burdens.  The Sugar Act placed stricter regulations on all shipping, stopped the colonies from importing rum, and lowered molasses tariffs that had been benefiting the colonies.  The British made no secret of the fact that the purpose of the Sugar Act was to make money: "Whereas it is expedient that new provisions and regulations should be established for improving the revenue of this kingdom...: and whereas it is just and necessary that a revenue be raised in you majesty's said dominions in America, for defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the same; we...have resolved to give and grant unto your majesty the several rates and duties herein after mentioned."

The first of these tax burdens was the Sugar Act.  As its name suggests, this act imposed taxes on sugar, but it also imposed additional burdens.  The Sugar Act placed stricter regulations on all shipping, stopped the colonies from importing rum, and lowered molasses tariffs that had been benefiting the colonies.  The British made no secret of the fact that the purpose of the Sugar Act was to impose more taxes: "Whereas it is expedient that new provisions and regulations should be established for improving the revenue of this kingdom ...: and whereas it is just and necessary that a revenue be raised in you majesty's said dominions in America, for defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the same; we ... have resolved to give and grant unto your majesty the several rates and duties herein after mentioned."

Grenville viewed the colonies as subservient to him.  Grenville humiliated the colonists with legal intrusions.  He violated ancient rights by authorizing writs of assistance to search businesses without a court order or warrant.

Grenville viewed the colonies as subservient to him.  Grenville humiliated the colonists with legal intrusions.  He violated ancient rights by authorizing writs of assistance to search businesses without a court order or warrant.

Realizing that it had underestimated the colonies, Britain repealed the Stamp Act in 1766 but passed the Declaratory Act asserting a right by Britain to legislate for colonies in future.  Public outrage decreased dramatically because the Stamp Act was repealed, even though the Sugar Act, Quartering Act, and Proclamation Line (the line preventing colonies from expanding westward) were still in effect.

Realizing that it had underestimated the colonies, Britain repealed the Stamp Act in 1766 but passed the Declaratory Act asserting a right by Britain to legislate for colonies in future.  Public outrage decreased dramatically because the Stamp Act was repealed, even though the Sugar Act, Quartering Act, and Proclamation Line (the line preventing colonies from expanding westward) were still in effect.

In 1767, Charles Townshend replaced William Pitt in Britain as leader in the British House of Commons.  Pitt had been generous to the colonies, and quite popular in America.  But Townshend viewed America as an opportunity to increase revenue.  His attempts to do this were a series of taxes called the Townshend Acts.  They taxed paper, lead, paint, and tea in colonies to pay salaries of royal judges and governors.  Townshend also tried to divide the colonies from each other by telling only New York and Massachusetts to suspend their assemblies for failing to levy taxes to house and feed British troops in their colonies.  But the rising conflict, particularly that of the Stamp Act, had already begun to unify the colonies, and they realized that they must rise or fall together.  

In 1767, Charles Townshend replaced William Pitt in Britain as leader in the British House of Commons.  Pitt had been generous to the colonies, and quite popular in America.  But Townshend viewed America as an opportunity for imposing taxes on the colonies in order to increase revenue for the benefit of the English government.  His attempts to do this were a series of taxes called the Townshend Acts.  They taxed paper, lead, paint, and tea in colonies to pay salaries of royal judges and governors.  Townshend also tried to divide the colonies from each other by telling only New York and Massachusetts to suspend their assemblies for failing to levy taxes to house and feed British troops in their colonies.  But the rising conflict, particularly that of the Stamp Act, had already begun to unify the colonies, and they realized that they must rise or fall together.  

The colonies did not react as swiftly as they had to the Stamp Act.  But they did resist, primarily due to clever pamphlets that educated and incited them.  John Dickinson's pamphlet, "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" was first published in 1767, and spread throughout the colonies as well as to Ireland, England, and France.  Dickinson, known as the "Penman of the Revolution," was a superb writer who also drafted the "Declaration of Rights" for the Stamp Act Congress, the "Olive Branch Petition", and the Articles of Confederation.   

The colonies did not react as swiftly as they had to the Stamp Act.  But they did resist, primarily due to clever pamphlets that educated and incited them.  John Dickinson's pamphlet, "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" was first published in 1767, and spread throughout the colonies as well as to Ireland, England, and France.  Dickinson, known as the "Penman of the Revolution," was a superb writer who also drafted the "Declaration of Rights" for the Stamp Act Congress, the "Olive Branch Petition," and the Articles of Confederation.   

The "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" maintained an impression of loyalty to the King.  Cleverly, Dickinson argued not from the standpoint of the colonies, but in terms of England's well being, and benefit to her.  He admonished Americans not to allow chaos break out (as occurred in the French Revolution a decade later): "The cause of ''liberty'' is a cause of too much dignity to be sullied by turbulence and tumult."

The "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" maintained an impression of loyalty to the King.  Cleverly, Dickinson argued not from the standpoint of the colonies, but in terms of England's well being, and benefit to her.  He admonished Americans not to allow chaos break out (as occurred in the French Revolution a decade later): "The cause of ''liberty'' is a cause of too much dignity to be sullied by turbulence and tumult."

By 1768, the colonists were ready to act.  Massachusetts wrote a letter to the British and the letter was endorsed (co-signed) by New Hampshire, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Discontent with England grew.  In 1768, Massachusetts wrote a defiant letter to the British and the letter was endorsed (co-signed) by New Hampshire, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Georgia, and South Carolina.

A harsh response came from across the Atlantic in Britain, ordering Massachusetts to revoke their letter, and admonishing other states to have no part in stirring up resentment toward Britain.  In June, more troops arrived from England.

A harsh response came from across the Atlantic in Britain, ordering Massachusetts to revoke their letter, and admonishing other states to have no part in stirring up resentment toward Britain.  In June, more troops arrived from England.

== Violence Begins ==

== Violence Begins ==

In 1770, in what became known as the "Boston Massacre," British troops (which had been stationed in Boston to enforce the Townshend Act) fired on a colonial mob that was throwing snowballs (with rocks in them) at the soldiers.  The massacre resulted in the death of 5 colonists.<ref>http://www.bostonmassacre.net/plot/detailed1.htm</ref>.  The future President John Adams then served as the defense attorney for the British soldiers, and obtained "not guilty" (acquittal) verdicts for them because they were provoked into shooting.

Before the Boston Tea Party, there was the "Boston Massacre," during which British troops (which had been stationed in Boston to enforce the Townshend Act) fired on a colonial mob that was throwing snowballs (with rocks in them) at the soldiers.  This massacre, which occurred in 1770, resulted in the death of 5 colonists.<ref>http://www.bostonmassacre.net/plot/detailed1.htm</ref>.  The future President John Adams then served as the defense attorney for the British soldiers, and obtained "not guilty" (acquittal) verdicts for them because they were provoked into shooting.

This incident outraged the colonies, but it was followed by relative calm from 1770 to 1773.  Things were not completely peaceful, however.  In 1772, in what became known as the Gaspee incident, Rhode Island colonists boarded the British Gaspee ship and burned her, to the King's great outrage.  The Gaspee had run aground while chasing smugglers, and the Rhode Island colonists had taken advantage of its misfortune.

This incident outraged the colonies, but it was followed by relative calm from 1770 to 1773.  Things were not completely peaceful, however.  In 1772, in what became known as the Gaspee incident, Rhode Island colonists boarded the British Gaspee ship and burned her, to the King's great outrage.  The Gaspee had run aground while chasing smugglers, and the Rhode Island colonists had taken advantage of its misfortune.

As punishment, Britain passed harsh laws, which were given pejorative names by the colonists: the Coercive Acts or, alternatively, the Intolerable Acts.  These laws revoked Massachusetts' charter, closed Boston Harbor, installed a British general as governor, and repealed liberties like the right to hold town meetings.  The closing of the harbor, in particular, was a sore blow to Massachusetts, whose economy was largely dependent on fishing and whaling.

As punishment, Britain passed harsh laws, which were given pejorative names by the colonists: the Coercive Acts or, alternatively, the Intolerable Acts.  These laws revoked Massachusetts' charter, closed Boston Harbor, installed a British general as governor, and repealed liberties like the right to hold town meetings.  The closing of the harbor, in particular, was a sore blow to Massachusetts, whose economy was largely dependent on fishing and whaling.

In defiance, public sentiment turned violently against tea.  Coffee gradually replaced it, and continues to be more popular than tea in America to this day. In Boston, there is still no tax on tea as a tribute to the Boston Tea Party.

In defiance, public sentiment turned violently against tea.  Coffee gradually replaced it, and continues to be more popular than tea in America to this day. In Boston today, there is still no tax on tea as a tribute to the Boston Tea Party.

The British also passed the Quebec Act, which gave Canadians part of the Ohio Valley.  This further infuriated the colonists.  In addition, the Act gave the French more freedoms, such as freedom of religion for the Catholic Church.  Colonists were angered because (1) they felt people in Quebec were getting more freedoms than they had and (2) they feared establishment of an Anglican Church in America.

The British also passed the Quebec Act, which gave Canadians part of the Ohio Valley.  This further infuriated the colonists.  In addition, the Act gave the French more freedoms, such as freedom of religion for the Catholic Church.  Colonists were angered because (1) they felt people in Quebec were getting more freedoms than they had and (2) they feared establishment of an Anglican Church in America.

There were 9 major causes of the Revolutionary War, also called the "American Revolution":

There were 9 major causes of the Revolutionary War, also called the "American Revolution":

:(1) Colonists were accustomed to much independence and self-determination, and Tory efforts to regulate and tax were bitterly opposed by the Colonies (and by Whigs in England).

:(1) Colonists were accustomed to much independence and self-determination, and British efforts (led by the Tory political party in England) to regulate and tax were bitterly opposed by the colonies (and by the Whig political party in England; the conservative Edmund Burke was a British politician who sided with the American colonists).

:(2) British burdens hurt nearly all Colonists in all walks of life.

:(2) British burdens hurt nearly all the colonists in all walks of life.

:(3) Taxes hit at a bad time: postwar depression.

:(3) Taxes hit at a bad time: postwar depression.

As the Congress met in Philadelphia, the colonial "Green Mountain Boys" captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775 because Ethan Allen wanted to protect his land holdings in a disputed area near Lake Champlain.  (Lake Champlain is located in the far north of Vermont, which was not a colony then.)  

As the Congress met in Philadelphia, the colonial "Green Mountain Boys" captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775 because Ethan Allen wanted to protect his land holdings in a disputed area near Lake Champlain.  (Lake Champlain is located in the far north of Vermont, which was not a colony then.)  

In January of 1776 [[Thomas Paine]]'s pamphlet called ''[[Common Sense]]'' argued against divine rule and economic reasons to stay with Britain, in plain language.  Paine's book and ideas worked the colonists in a frenzy, and gave them the courage to realize that separation from Britain was necessary and attainable.  After only three months, 120,000 copies had been sold, which was about 5% of the total population!  Today a bestselling book has sales of 30,000 out of a population of 30 million (only 0.1%).  Thomas Paine's book sold 50 times as much, when measured as a percentage of the population.  And many more read borrowed copies, or heard speeches that quoted from the book.

In January of 1776, [[Thomas Paine]]'s published a pamphlet called ''[[Common Sense]]'', which argued against divine rule and economic reasons to stay with Britain, in plain language.  Paine's book and ideas worked the colonists into a frenzy, and gave them the courage to realize that separation from Britain was necessary and attainable.  After only three months, 120,000 copies had been sold, which was about 5% of the total population!  Today a bestselling book has sales of 30,000 out of a population of 300 million (only 0.01%).  '''''Thomas Paine's pamphlet ''Common Sense'' sold 500 times as much as a bestseller today, when measured as a percentage of the population'''''.  And many more read borrowed copies, or heard speeches that quoted from the book.

Here are some of Paine's words against divine rule: "The heathens paid divine honors to their deceased kings, and the Christian world had improved on the plan by doing the same to their living ones.  How impious is the title of sacred majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is crumbling into dust!"

Here are some of Paine's words against divine rule: "The heathens paid divine honors to their deceased kings, and the Christian world had improved on the plan by doing the same to their living ones.  How impious is the title of sacred majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is crumbling into dust!"

In 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation to govern the colonies, but they were not ratified until 1781.  The government they instituted was weak, without a president or courts, and unanimous approval was required to amend them.  Eventually, they were replaced by the Constitution.

In 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation to govern the colonies, but they were not ratified until 1781.  The government they instituted was weak, without a president or courts, and unanimous approval was required to amend them.  Eventually, they were replaced by the Constitution.

At Saratoga in upstate New York in October 1777, 6,000 British soldiers surrendered, constituting a huge victory for the colonies.  [[Benedict Arnold]] led our army brilliantly, before he became a traitor and went over to the British side.  The Saratoga victory was the turning point in the war, because the French then ended its neutrality and entered on our side.

At Saratoga in upstate New York in October 1777, 6,000 British soldiers surrendered, constituting a huge victory for the colonies.  [[Benedict Arnold]] led our army there before becoming a traitor and went over to the British side.  The Saratoga victory was the turning point in the war, because the French then ended its neutrality and entered on our side.

Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in obtaining French backing for the American cause and forging the Franco-American Alliance in 1778.  Due to Franklin's efforts as an ambassador to France, and the inspiration of the colonies' victory at Saratoga, France recognized the colonies' independence, entered into a military alliance with the colonies, and renounced its territory east of the Mississippi as well as Bermuda.  Franklin, it is worth noting, had other significant achievements that included writing Poor Richard's Almanac, inventing the Franklin stove for heating, and starting the first library.   

Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in obtaining French backing for the American cause and forging the Franco-American Alliance in 1778.  Due to Franklin's efforts as an ambassador to France, and the inspiration of the colonies' victory at Saratoga, France recognized the colonies' independence, entered into a military alliance with the colonies, and renounced its territory east of the Mississippi as well as Bermuda.  Franklin, it is worth noting, had other significant achievements that included writing the ''Poor Richard's Almanac'', inventing the Franklin stove for heating, and starting the first library.   

Despite the alliance with the French and the northern victories by the Patriots (Americans), the British were still beating the Patriots badly in the South.  The British captured Charleston in 1780, taking 5,500 soldiers and huge amounts of weapons.  Finally, the Patriots installed General [[Nathanael Greene]], one of the revolution's best generals.  He started inflicting heavy casualties on the British, and they retreated from the Carolinas to Yorktown, Virginia.

Despite the alliance with the French and the northern victories by the Patriots (Americans), the British were still beating the Patriots badly in the South.  The British captured Charleston in 1780, taking 5,500 soldiers and huge amounts of weapons.  Finally, the Patriots installed General [[Nathanael Greene]], one of the revolution's best generals.  He started inflicting heavy casualties on the British, and they retreated from the Carolinas to Yorktown, Virginia.

In May 1781, the French arrived with two fleets, and trapped the British at Yorktown, Virginia.  They were forced to surrender their entire army of 8,000.  But the British still held New York, and did not finally sign a peace treaty until February 1783, the Treaty of Paris.  In it the British gave up their claim to land east of the Mississippi, from Canada to Florida.  The Americans promised to treat the Loyalists (colonists loyal to the King) and English creditors (people owed money by colonists) fairly.  Some people on both sides refused to abide by the treaty, and loyalty to England continues to run deep to this day in some families.

In May 1781, the French arrived with two fleets, and trapped the British at Yorktown, Virginia.  They were forced to surrender their entire army of 8,000.  But the British still held New York, and did not finally sign a peace treaty until February 1783, the Treaty of Paris.  In it the British gave up their claim to land east of the Mississippi, from Canada to Florida.  The Americans promised to treat fairly the Loyalists (colonists loyal to the King) and English creditors (people owed money by colonists).  Some people on both sides refused to abide by the treaty, and loyalty to England continues to run deep to this day in some American families.

== References ==

== References ==