The Revolutionary War
The War
There were tensions between the colonists and the British Parliament, since they disagreed over how the colonies should be governed.
Parliament believed it had legal authority in the colonies, while the colonists believed their local governments had legal authority
Parliament believed it had the right to tax the colonies on things such as sugar and tea, while the colonists believed they should not be taxed because they had no representation in Parliament
The colonists became so fed up with the taxes that they dumped crates of British tea into the ocean during the Boston Tea Party. Because of these reasons, the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) began.
The Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776
Gave reasons for independence and ideas for self-government
Says that the authority to govern belongs to the people rather than to kings
Says that all people are created equal and have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Various roles of American Indians, whites, slaves, and free African Americans in the Revolutionary War:
Virginia patriots served in the Continental Army (the colonists) and fought for independence, leading to the British surrender at Yorktown
Some Virginians were neutral and did not take sides, while other Virginians remained loyal to Great Britain
Some American Indians fought alongside the Virginia patriots, while others fought with the British
Women took on more responsibilities to support the war effort
Some slaves supported the British, who promised them freedom
Some free African Americans fought for independence
Contributions of Virginians during the Revolutionary War era:
George Washington served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence
Patrick Henry spoke out against taxation without representation by saying “give me liberty or give me death”
The Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman, volunteered his service, French troops, and supplies to the Continental Army and contributed to many victories
James Lafayette, a slave, served as a spy in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and gained his freedom after the war
The last major battle of the Revolutionary War was fought at Yorktown, Virginia. The American victory at Yorktown resulted in the surrender of the British army in 1781, which led to the end of the war.
Post-War
After the war, the new nation had to form a new government, and they discussed ideas at a Constitutional Convention, at which they wrote the United States Constitution. The ideas of some Virginians helped form the basis for the United States government.
George Washington
First president of the United States
Provided strong leadership to help the young country
Acted as a model for future presidents
Often called the “Father of our Country”
James Madison
Kept detailed notes during the Constitutional Convention
Skills at compromise helped the delegates reach agreement while writing the Constitution
Sometimes called “Father of the Constitution”
George Mason
Wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which states that all Virginians have rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of the press
Thomas Jefferson
Wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which states that all people should be free to worship as they please
After the American Revolution, large numbers of Virginians moved west and south to find better farmland and new opportunities:
Tobacco farming was hard on the soil, so farmers moved to find new farming land
The development of the cotton gin, which made cotton processing more efficient, led to the opening of new lands in the south and attracted settlers from Virginia
As Virginians moved, they took their slaves, traditions, ideas, and cultures with them
Settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains through the Cumberland Gap as they migrated to new lands in the west
