Dai fatti alla Storia - volume 2

The American Revolution MATERIALS The War Begins In 1774 the representatives of the 13 colonies held the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. They agreed upon a non-violent reaction to the decisions of the Parliament on taxes and commerce, and called for a boycott of British goods. To King George III it was an act of rebellion and the government decided to restore order using force. On 19 April, 1775, in Massachusetts, fighting broke out between a group of American militiamen and British troops. This was the beginning of the American Revolution, also called the United States War of Independence. When in 1775 the Second Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia, the delegates voted to form a Continental Army. George Washington, a rich landowner that had military experience during the war against France, was chosen as its commander in chief. At the beginning the British Army conquered both New York and Philadelphia (1776-1777). The colonial troops were initially taken by surprise and were not well organized, but they knew the territory perfectly and were supported by the civilians. Meanwhile, a writer and scientist called Benjamin Franklin was sent to Europe by the colonists to seek military aid and diplomatic recognition. He was able to gain support both by European individuals, who left as volunteers to fight alongside the American rebels, and monarchies that traditionally opposed England. Up until 1778 the conflict was a civil war within the British Empire but afterwards it became an international war as France and Spain joined the colonies against Britain. The surrender of the British Army to French troops (left) and American troops (right) in Yorktown, 1781. ACTIVITY 4.A Look at the text The War Begins and make sure you know the meaning of the words that are in bold. If the meaning is unclear, check it in the dictionary. ACTIVITY 4.B Read the text The War Begins and answer the following questions. 1. What happened in 1774? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. What did the British government decide to do? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3. Who was George Washington? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4. Why was Benjamin Franklin sent to Europe? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5. Why did the War of Independence become an international war? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 553