What happened during the revolutionary war Missouri supported?

What Happened During the Revolutionary War: Missouri’s Support

The Revolutionary War, fought between 1775 and 1783, was a pivotal moment in American history. Missouri, a state that would not be admitted to the Union until 1821, played a significant role in supporting the Continental Army during this period. In this article, we will explore what happened during the Revolutionary War and Missouri’s involvement.

The Background

The Revolutionary War was sparked by the British government’s imposition of taxes on the American colonies without their consent. The colonies, feeling exploited and oppressed, decided to take a stand against British rule. In 1775, the Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence, formally declaring the colonies’ independence from Great Britain.

Missouri’s Early History

Missouri, at the time, was a vast and sparsely populated territory under French control. The region was home to various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Kaw, and Missouria. In 1762, France ceded the region to Spain, but the British gained control of it during the French and Indian War. After the war, the British returned the territory to Spain, and it remained under Spanish control until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Missouri’s Involvement

Missouri did not play a direct role in the Revolutionary War, as it was not yet a part of the United States. However, the region’s geography and Native American tribes played a crucial role in the war effort. Here are some ways Missouri supported the Continental Army:

• Supply Line: Missouri’s vast wilderness and rivers provided a crucial supply line for the Continental Army. The region’s rivers, such as the Missouri and Mississippi, connected the eastern colonies to the western frontier, allowing goods and supplies to be transported across the country.

• Native American Allies: Many Native American tribes in Missouri, including the Osage and Kaw, allied themselves with the Continental Army. These tribes provided crucial military support, serving as scouts, guides, and warriors.

• Trading Post: The region’s trading posts, such as Fort Orleans and Fort Chartres, served as vital hubs for trade and communication. These posts allowed the Continental Army to gather supplies, exchange information, and conduct diplomacy with Native American tribes.

• Strategic Location: Missouri’s strategic location made it an important stopping point for troops and supplies traveling between the eastern colonies and the western frontier. The region’s rivers and mountains provided a natural barrier against British attacks, allowing the Continental Army to maintain a secure supply line.

Key Events

Here are some key events that highlight Missouri’s involvement in the Revolutionary War:

• Battle of Blue Licks: In 1782, a group of Native American warriors, including Osage and Shawnee, allied with the Continental Army, clashed with British forces at the Battle of Blue Licks. The battle was a decisive victory for the Continental Army.

• Fort Orleans: In 1779, the Continental Army established Fort Orleans, a trading post and military outpost, to secure the region and provide a base for operations. The fort played a crucial role in the war effort, serving as a hub for trade and communication.

• Treaties with Native American Tribes: The Continental Army negotiated several treaties with Native American tribes in Missouri, including the Osage and Kaw. These treaties secured crucial alliances and ensured the region’s Native American population remained neutral or supportive of the Continental Army.

Aftermath

The Revolutionary War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing American independence. Missouri, still a territory under Spanish control, played a significant role in the early years of the United States. The region’s Native American tribes continued to play a crucial role in shaping the region’s history, and the Continental Army’s alliances with these tribes remained important for decades to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Missouri played a significant role in supporting the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The region’s geography, Native American tribes, and trading posts all contributed to the war effort. While Missouri was not a direct participant in the war, its involvement was crucial to the Continental Army’s success. As the United States expanded westward, Missouri’s early history and Native American alliances continued to shape the region’s development, making it an important part of American history.

Table: Missouri’s Involvement in the Revolutionary War

Bullets List: Key Events

• Battle of Blue Licks
• Establishment of Fort Orleans
• Treaties with Native American Tribes