Lesson 2

The American Revolution

McGraw Hill Chapter 7 Lesson 2

In this lesson we will...

• Learn about the rise of French support for the Patriots.

• Learn about noteworthy foreigners, and their contributions to the Continental Army and America's War for Independence

Foldables

Make this Foldable and label the three tabs after a foreign person mentioned in today's lesson. As you read, explain how each individual contributed to the American Revolution.

• The United States needed aid, or help, to win the American Revolution.

• The Continental Congress sent Benjamin Franklin to France in 1776.

• The French secretly gave the Americans money for their cause.

• After the Patriot win at Saratoga, France and other nations now saw that the Patriots might win the war.

• Soon after, in February 1778, France declared war on Great Britain.

• They agreed to help the Americans with money, equipment, and troops.

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Open Ended

Why did France choose to aid the Patriots during the American Revolution?

• News that the French had joined the war traveled slowly back to the United States.

• Over the winter of 1777–1778, the George Washington and his troops suffered through a hard winter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

• They were pitted against British General Howe.

• Many soldiers got sick. Many died. Some soldiers quit. Other soldiers deserted, or left without permission.

Despite the hardships, the Continental Army survived the winter. In April 1778, General Washington told the troops that France would help them. This made everyone feel hopeful. The army celebrated with a religious service and a parade.

French nobleman and Patriot volunteer;

became trusted aide to General

Washington

Marquis de

Lafayette

Polish nobleman who helped build

important defenses for the Americans

Thaddeus

Kosciusko

​Polish man who rose to rank of general

in Continental Army, died fighting for

the Patriot cause

Casimir

Pulaski

Former army officer from Prussia who

helped train the Continental Army

Friedrich von

Steuben

Multiple Choice

Which Founder was essential in getting the support of France during the American Revolution?

• John Adams

• James Madison

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

Multiple Choice

The Continental Congress sent Jonathan Austin to France to deliver the news of the American victory in the _____.

• Battle of Saratoga

• Battle of Long Island

• Battle of Bunker Hill

• Battles of Trenton and Princeton

Multiple Choice

The Continental Army endured harsh conditions during the winter of 1778 at _____.

• Philadelphia

• Valley Forge

• Boston

• Bunker Hill