The American War for Independence
1775-1783

Olive Branch Petition
Sent to King George III
July, 1775
America tried to make peace with England

Thomas Paine
Wrote “Common Sense”
He said it was common sense to become independent

Declaration of Independence
IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!
July 4, 1776
The most important statement of political principles in the history of the world

George Washington
General and America’s first president
1732-1799

Fighting in New York
Washington crossed the Delaware river
Christmas, 1776

Valley Forge
Difficult times for the Americans
Very cold, many soldiers died
1777-1778

John Paul Jones
Famous American naval captain
“I have not yet begun to fight”

Final Victory at Yorktown
General Cornwallis is trapped
October 19, 1781
America had won the war and its freedom from England

A new map