F
OCUS
Q
UESTIONS
1. Why was it not a wise idea for the Americans
to declare independence fromEngland?
2. What was the Valley Forge encampment?
3. How did the French and Friedrich von Steuben
contribute to the final American Revolution victory?
4. How did Pennsylvania contribute to the American Revolution?
LESSON
11
KEY
WORDS
loyalists
morale
encampment
sanitation
negotiate
avenge
KEY
PEOPLE
GeorgeWashington
Friedrich von Steuben
Ben Franklin
Anthony Wayne
Robert Morris
HaymSalomon
Samuel Witherill
Molly Pitcher
Sarah Bache
Betsy Ross
KEY
PLACES
American Revolution
Battle of Trenton
T
HE
A
MERICAN
C
OLONIES
’
R
EVOLUTIONARY
W
AR
The Impact of the Declaration
Declaring freedom fromEngland was far different than having freedom fromEngland.
The King and his advisors did not thinkmuch of the American colonies’ Declaration of
Independence. Although England was 2,000miles across the Atlantic Ocean, it still was
themost powerful country in the world. Simply put, the colonists would have to fight a
war to gain their independence fromEngland. This war became known as the
American
Revolution
. The actual fighting in this war occurred during the years 1775-1781.
Declaring independence fromEngland was a very risky decision by the colonies.
The chances of the colonies winning this war were very small. On the one hand, you have
themost powerful nation on the planet ready to squash you. On the other
hand, you have the American colonies, which were very poorly prepared for
war. They had no army, no navy, no uniforms, no flag, no
supplies, no government, no transportation, and no
money. This is not a formula for success!
It is easy to see that the Americans
were not givenmuch of a
chance to win their
freedom.
JohnHancockwas
president of the Second
Continental Congress, of
which 56 delegates signed
theDeclaration of
Independence.
KEY
EVENTS
New York City
New Jersey
Trenton, New Jersey
Washington Crossing
State Park, PA
Brandywine Battlefield
Park, PA
Valley Forge National
Historical Park, PA
50
Understanding Pennsylvania
