Chapter 6 Section 3:The War Widens

Many early battles of the American Revolution were fought in the Northeast.

But the struggle for independence was waged on many fronts and affected Americans in all parts of the country

The Widening War

African Americans fought on both sides during the war

The British offered freedom to enslaved people who deserted and joined the British

Some people who had formerly been enslaved also joined the British

African Americans in the War

On the American side at first refused to accept African American soldiers

By the end of the war 7,000 served on the American side

Most southern states refused to allow slaves in the army because they feared revolt

African Americans in the War

Men often enlisted for 1year terms

Making it hard for Washington to keep the ranks filled

Civilians faced hardships such as food shortages and military attack

The War at Home

With men at war women took over many of their duties

Some women accompanied their husbands to military camps

They often cared for the wounded and took water to the troops

Women

Deborah Sampson Disguised as a man to

fight in the Revolutionary War

She was wounded in battle and addressed her own wounds to keep her secret

Molly Pitcher Mary Ludwig Hayes

carried water for soldiers and took over for her wounded husband.

Congress had limited resources◦ No power to tax◦ To pay and supply troops

they printed paper money◦ The more money they

printed the less it was worth

Financial Burden

Most sided with Great Britain They feared American victory would lead to

more settlers moving west onto their land

Native Americans Take Sides

Virginia sent George Rogers Clark and a militia force to strike British forts beyond the Appalachian Mountains in 1778

His victories allowed settlers to stay on the frontier

Defending the Frontier

Spain was eager to get back Florida

Bernardo De Galvez, Governor of Louisiana, provided money and munitions to Clark and other Americans

1779-1781 Galvez played a key role in Spanish attacks

Help From the Spanish

Continental Navy created in 1775 Colonists resorted to hit and run attacks British ships set up blockades around

American ports Privateers were more successful in breaking

through the blockade and capturing British ships

The War at Sea

His ship the Bonhomme Richard, captured the British ship the Serapis.

Naval hero for the Americans Famous quote “I have not yet begun to

fight”

John Paul Jones