Early battle that demonstrated
that the colonists could fight well
against the British army.
Battle of Bunker Hill
Statement issued by Virginia’s
royal governor promising freedom
to any slave who fought for the
British in the American Revolution
Lord Dunmore’s
Proclamation
Military tactic of engaging in
swift, hit-and-run attacks.
Guerrilla warfare
Peace agreement that officially
ended the Revolutionary War and
established British recognition of
the United States.
Treaty of Paris of
1783
Peace request sent by the
Second Continental Congress to
Britain’s King George III, who
rejected it.
Olive Branch
Petition
1777 battle that marked the
greatest victory up to that point for
the American forces and led to the
surrender of British general
Burgoyne.
Battle of Saratoga
Last major battle of the American
Revolution, which resulted in the
surrender of British general
Cornwallis.
Battle of Yorktown
Colonists who chose to fight
for independence.
Patriots
Name given to British soldiers by
the colonists because of the
uniforms worn by the British.
Redcoats
Members of colonial militia units
who were supposed to be ready
to fight on a moment’s notice.
minutemen
Meeting of colonial delegates in
Philadelphia to decide how to
respond to increased taxes and
abuses of authority by the British
government; delegates petitioned
King George III, listing the freedoms
they believed colonists should enjoy.
First Continental
Congress
Document that defined what the
colonists believed to be their
rights, spelled out their
complaints against Britain, and
declared the colonies free and
independent.
Declaration of
Independence
Colonists who sided with Great
Britain during the colonial fight for
independence.
Loyalists
Hired foreign soldiers.
mercenaries
Pamphlet written by Thomas
Paine that criticized monarchies
and convinced many American
colonists of the need to break
away from Britain.
Common Sense