UNITED STATES STUDY QUESTIONS
Chapter 4: The American Revolution (1765-1783)
Important Vocabulary Terms and Topics
Directions: Circle terms or topics you remember and write a statement to show your
understanding.
Treaty of Paris, Proclamation of
Sugar Act
Stamp Act
John Adams
1763
1763
Patrick Henry
Samuel Adams
Sons of Liberty Non-Importation Townshend Acts
Agreement
Boston
Crispus Attucks
Committees of
Boston Tea Party King George III
Massacre
Correspondence
Intolerable
First Continental
Martial law
Minutemen
Second Continental
Acts
Congress
Militia
Congress
Continental
George
Olive Branch
Common Sense
Thomas Paine
Army
Washington
Petition
Thomas
Declaration of
Natural Rights
Patriots
Loyalists
Jefferson
Independence
Lexington and William Howe
Mercenary
Inflation
Profiteering
Concord
Molly Pitcher
Battle of Trenton Battle of
Battle of Saratoga Marquis de
Princeton
Lafayette
Friedrich von
Benjamin
Valley Forge
Battle of
Kings Mountain
Steubon
Franklin
Monmouth
Charles
Yorktown
Treaty of Paris, Egalitarianism
Manumission
Cornwallis
1783
American
Revolutionary
War
Ch. 4, section 1
1. How did the colonial government differ from the British government?
Colonial government had a Governor appointed by and served the king but paid by
the colonial legislature. British government had a King which was an inherited
executive power. Colonial government had Colonial Legislatures with Upper House
or Council (appointed by the Governor and usually a prominent colonists but
without inherited titles) and Lower House (elected by men who help property with
about 2/3 of colonial men qualified to vote). British government had a Parliament
with House of Lords (Aristocrats with inherited titles also inherited legislative
power) and House of Commons (elected by men who held significant amounts of
property with less than ¼ of British men qualified to vote). Formal documents
provided the basis for colonial government, where as the British government
consisted of a collection of accumulated laws.
2. What was the Stamp Act and what was the colonists’ reaction to it?
The Stamp Act, enacted by parliament in 1765, was the first law that taxed the
American colonists directly, rather than through duties on imports; therefore it is
called—a direct tax. The Stamp Act required colonists to purchase special stamped
paper for legal documents (wills), licenses, newspapers, pamphlets, almanacs,
playing cards, and dice. The colonists organized a secret resistance group called the
Sons of Liberty. The colonist disobeyed the law, organized protests, boycotted
goods, and many times harassed the British Stamp Agents. They were angry.
3. Who was Patrick Henry and what was his significance?
Patrick Henry a young Virginia representative apart of the individual colonial
assembly. He helped the Virginia lower house adopt several resolutions as a lawyer
he put together a strong collective protest stating Virginians could be taxed only by
the Virginia assembly and only by their own representatives. These resolutions
were known as the Virginia Resolves.
4. Who was Samuel Adams? What organization did he form?
Samuel Adams, influential political activist, help found the Sons of Liberty, a secret
resistance group that leads in the boycott of British goods.
5. Why did the Stamp Act Congress issue a Declaration of Rights and Grievances?
What did this mean?
The Stamp Act Congress issued a Declaration of Rights and Grievances which
demonstrated a sense of unity among the colonies. The Declaration of Rights and
Grievances stated that parliament lacked the power to impose taxes on the colonies
because the colonists were not represented in parliament.
6. Who was Charles Townshend and what did he create?
Charles Townshend, the leading government minister who decided a new measure
(other than the stamp act) to create revenue from the colonies. This was a new way
to make revenue from the American colonists. In 1767, parliament passed the
Townshend acts.
7. Why did the Townshend Acts anger the colonists?
The Townshend Acts angered the colonists because this was an indirect tax on
imports, such as glass, lead, paint, and paper as they came into the colonies from
Britain. It also imposed a three-penny tax on tea, the most popular drink in the
colonies. The price of goods was higher.
8. What happened at the Liberty? Do you think that the colonists’ reaction to the
seizing of the Liberty was justified?
A ship belonging to a merchant (John Hancock) was suspected of smuggling goods
by the British soldiers. The inspector claimed Hancock neglected to pay custom
taxes. This seizure triggered riots against custom agents. In response the British
stationed 2,000 redcoats. Yes, England’s policy of taxing goods that the colonists
traded with other countries was unjust. No, custom agents were simply doing their
duty by searching ships they believed to be involved in smuggling.
9. What prompted the Boston Massacre?
Off duty British soldiers and colonists had been competing for ship yard work in
Boston. A mob gathered outside a custom house and taunted British soldiers. This
disagreement and tension led to the Boston Massacre.
10. Who was the first African American to be killed in the American Revolution?
Crispus Attucks, a sailor of African American and Native American ancestry, was
an early hero of America’s struggle for freedom. He was the first to die in the
Boston Massacre.
11. Why were the committees of correspondence established?
The committees of correspondence was established to help the colonies communicate
with each other colonies about threats to American liberties and to stay informed on
the British troops movements.
12. What prompted the Boston Tea Party?
The British East India Company was almost bankrupt. They could not sell their
tea. So the parliament passed a law allowing them to sell the tea without a tax to the
colonists. This angered many colonial merchants because it was cutting them out.
So, several rebels disguised themselves as Native Americans and dumped 18,000
pounds of tea into Boston harbor which began the Boston Tea Party. In reaction,
parliament passed the Intolerable acts.
13. What were the Intolerable (Coercive) Acts and how did the colonists respond to
them?
Shut down Boston harbor; Quartering act; Commander-In-Chief of British forces
(Thomas Gage)—new governor of Massachusetts; Boston under martial law (rule
imposed by military forces) in order to keep peace. The colonists responded by
these acts by assembling the first continental congress and defended their right to
run their own affairs from the Declaration of Colonial Rights.
14. How did the Intolerable (Coercive) Acts lead to colonial unity?
Colonists saw the acts as a threat to their liberty. Although they did not agree on
whether to fight for independence, they united in their protest against the harshness
and unfairness of the Intolerable Acts.
15. What did King George set out to achieve when he disciplined Massachusetts?
King George III wanted to end (quell) all rebellions and enforcement of British rule
when he disciplined Massachusetts. He also wanted to make the colonies pay for the
damaged tea.
16. What was the significance of martial law?
Martial law was an action authorized by General Thomas Gage (commander-inchief) of the British forces in North America. Gage was appointed the new royal
Governor of Massachusetts. The significance of martial law was to keep peace by
ruling the colonies with using military forces.
17. Who were the Minutemen?
Minutemen were civilian soldiers who were organized by the colonial leaders in the
New England towns. They were to step in and be ready to fight at any moments
notice. The minutemen begin to quickly stockpile fire arms and gunpowder at the
Battle of Lexington.
18. What was accomplished at the First Continental Congress?
56 delegates met in Philadelphia and drew up a Declaration of Colonial Rights:
1. Colonies rights to run own affairs
2. Supported protests in Massachusetts
3. If British used force—the colonies would fight back!
4. Meet again in may 1775
This was a great example of how the colonies plan to stand strong against the
British.
19. In what ways did the colonial reaction to British rule intensify between 1765 and
1775?
Colonial reaction gradually becomes more organized—Declaration of Rights and
Grievances; boycotts of British goods; violent protest, Boston Massacre; Boston Tea
Party; the First Continental Congress; battles of Lexington and Concord.
Ch. 4, section 2
1. Why did the British decide to march on Concord?
The British were concerned about reports brought to them of colonists having large
amounts of arms (a stockpile guns) and ammunition hiding outside of Boston in the
town of Concord. The British found out about the weapons and were going to
destroy them.
2. What did Warren order Paul Revere to do?
He was ordered by Dr. Warren to warn the townspeople of Lexington and Concord
that the British regulators were about to arrive to search for hidden arms for war.
He was to also warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams (two of the most prominent
leaders in the resistance to British authority) who were in hiding because the British
regulators were out to arrest them.
3. What were the causes and outcomes of the battles at Lexington and Concord?
The British were met in Lexington by 70 minutemen; resulting in eight minutemen
(civilian soldiers) killed and 10 more were wounded. The British had only one
casualty. This is where “the shot was heard around the world”. British won!!!
Concord—700 British troops march to concord to disarm the colonial militia.
British find the empty arsenal and return to Boston, on their way back are met by
3,000 to 4,000 minutemen (ready to fight); the British soldiers were ambushed and
outnumbered, some were wounded, the others retreated….Colonists won!!!
4. What actions did the Second Continental Congress take in response to the
outbreak of war with Britain? Do you think the Continental Congress was
responsible in the actions that it took? Why?
John Adams of Massachusetts suggested a plan for each colony to set up their own
government and that congress declare the colonies independent. After several
debates, they decided to place George Washington as leader of the Continental
Army and to print money. The printed money would be used to pay the troops and
organize a committee to deal with foreign nations.
 Yes, because the British forces were well organized and the Americans
needed a strong leader to organize them as well.
 No, because the colonists had declared their intention to step up armed
resistance thereby jeopardizing any hope for reconciliation with the crown
(King George III).
5.
What was the Olive Branch Petition? Do you think the Olive Branch Petition
was too little too late? Why?
The Olive Branch Petition (July 8, 1775) was sent to King George III urging to
return to “former harmony” but King George rejected it, calling the colonists
“traitors”. He issued the Prohibitory Act in august 1775, which declared the
colonies in a state of rebellion and empowered royal officers.
 Yes, because King George III had only responded to the colonists with
punishment and by sending troops.
 No, because a war would be costly for both sides.
6. Who was Thomas Paine? What did he argue in his pamphlet? Give details on the
pamphlet.
Thomas Paine was an immigrant from England who wrote a pamphlet called
Common Sense, an anonymous 50 page pamphlet. In simple but forceful and direct
language he argued that the time had come for a radical course of action for the
colonies: American independence from England, republican state governments,
and a union of new states. Paine attacked King George III and explained his own
revolt against the King had begun with Lexington and Concord. Paine sold over
500,000 copies and donated most of his profits to the Revolutionary war.
7. Why do you think that Common Sense was so effective?
Common Sense eased the colonists’ fears that they needed Britain to survive. It
explained independence would give Americans the chance to create a better society.
Paine stated a republic would provide opportunities to reward merit rather then
inherited privilege. He also explained freedom from the British empire would allow
Americans to trade with the entire world. This would be a universal struggle.
8. What ideas influenced the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Many of his ideas came
from John Locke, who maintained that people enjoy “natural rights” to life, liberty,
and property. Jefferson described these rights as life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness.
9. What reasons did Thomas Jefferson give to justify revolt by the colonists?
Jefferson explained the colonies had a right to revolt due to the government failing
to protect those unalienable rights. In the document, Jefferson had a long list of
grievances (as stated in Common Sense). He stated a declaration that all men are
equal with certain natural rights that cannot be taken away. This document only
separated the colonies from Great Britain. There was no turning back; the colonists
must be ready to fight!!!
10. What political ideas from the Enlightenment influenced Thomas Jefferson?
The Social Contract theory, an emphasis upon natural rights and that the purpose
of government should be to benefit the population being governed, not hold it in
bondage.
11. Explain the ideas of natural rights and rule of law?
Natural rights simply means rights that belong to people simply because they are
human (Jefferson quotes them as Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness); Rule of
law is a type of government in which decisions must be based on law, not on the
personal whim of the ruler (no one can be disenfranchise based on personal wishes).
12. What groups made up the Loyalists and the Patriots?
Loyalists (Tories)—those who oppose independence from Great Britain and evently
left the colonies. Loyalists (William Franklin, Charles Inglis, Joseph Brant, Isaac
Wilkins); African Americans (fought with hopes of freedom); Native Americans
(due to colonial settlers being the biggest threat to their lands).
Patriots—supports of independence eventually are called Rebels. Patriots
(Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Paine, Robert Livingston, Roger
Sherman, Nathaniel Greene, James Armistead, and Mercy Otis Warren); Quakers
(but did not fight); African Americans (some fought).
13. How did the thinking of the Loyalists differ from that of the Patriots?
The Loyalists maintained respect for the King and preferred British rule. They felt
the Patriot forces were too weak to resist Britain’s power and that a revolt against
the King would bring destruction. The loyalists disliked the Patriot’s taxes, oaths of
loyalty, and militia drafts. Some were even angered by the Patriot’s closing Loyalist
newspapers. The Patriots agreed with Paine and wanted to be free of tyrannical
laws imposed by Britain. They felt that their actions were in response to Britain’s
determination to limit them and they would not waver (give up).
Ch. 4, section 3
1. What were some advantages of the colonists during the war? The disadvantages?
Advantages of the colonists during the war:
1. Familiar with home ground; 2. Leadership of George Washington and other
officers who had more efficient military tactics, such as firing from cover; 3.
Inspiring cause--“independence”; 4. Support from France
Disadvantages of the colonists during the war:
1. Soldiers struggled to stay alive; to stay clothed, housed, fed, warm, and
Healthy; 2. Soldiers struggled to keep their spirits up; 3. Despite facing a better
prepared, better-armed, more numerous enemy; 4. Low pay received; lack of
uniforms and boots
2. What were some advantages of Great Britain during the war? The disadvantages?
Advantages of the Great Britain during the war:
1. Strong, well-trained army and navy; 2. Strong central government with
available; 3. Funds to furnish better food, supplies, and lodgings; 4. Support of
colonial loyalists and Native Americans.
Disadvantages of Great Britain:
1. Unfamiliar lands; large distance separating Great Britain from battle fields
2.No strong alliance or strong generals; 3. Some British politicians showed
sympathy to the American cause; luck was not on their side; 4. The use of
mercenaries who had no real stake in the outcome was not a good idea.
3. What was the Battle of Bunker Hill?
British leader: General Thomas Gage; British won only because of colonists not
having enough ammunition. British suffered a great loss in troops named the
deadliest battle of the war. After the battle of Breed’s Hill (Bunker Hill,
Massachusetts), many people called for a peaceful solution to the colonies problems
with England.
4. How was the Continental Army able to capture Trenton?
Washington takes Trenton and Princeton—Washington and his army were crossing
the Delaware River in small rowboats. Those 2,400 men marched through sleet and
snow (a fierce storm). Most of the Hessians (Germans) were sleep and had drank
too much the night before because it was Christmas night. Washington took the
troops by surprise. They killed 30 men, held 918 men captive, and took 6 Hessians
cannons. This demonstrated Washington’s tactical brilliance which sparked the
determination, dedication, and courage of his troops. Many soldiers re-enlisted at
this time. Another victory came later against 1,200 British soldiers stationed at
Princeton.
5. Why were the victories at Trenton and Princeton so important to the Continental
Army?
The victories at Trenton and Princeton were so important because these victories
showed that Washington and his troops (Continentals) took the overconfident
Germans by surprise (in Trenton) on Christmas night and won. This battle showed
Washington and some 2,400 troops ferried across the ice-choked Delaware River in
small boats. Before there were many losses and those victories motivated
continentals to re-enlist and continue fighting in the war and the American morale
rose. Also, this demonstrated Washington’s tactical brilliance which sparked the
determination, dedication, and courage of his troops.
6. What factors contributed to General Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga?
General Burgoyne under estimated the difficulties of fulfilling the Americans attack.
The British commander and his troops faced difficult terrain (traveling from
Montreal) and raids by the American militia. They ran low on food and General
Howe failed to arrive with reinforcements. British confidence was damaged. The
French signed an alliance or Treaty of Cooperation with the American troops.
General Burgoyne showed more compassion toward his soldiers than any other
British commanding officer; he was nicknamed “the soldier’s friend”.
7. Why was the Battle of Saratoga considered the turning point of the war?
The American victory at the battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the
American Revolution—it prompted France’s involvement and the British army was
not able to combine to defeat the continentals. The victory at Saratoga bolstered the
French trust in the American army and France had now agreed it was time to
support the revolution. The massed American troops finally surrounded Burgoyne
at Saratoga. The British strategy had to be changed and General Borgoyne had to
surrender to General Horatio Gates. The British now had to fight near the coast
and close to their guns arsenal and the supply base on the British fort.
8. What did France agree to do in its treaty of cooperation with the Americans?
France signed the treaty in February 1778 and the agreed to recognize American
independence and agreed not to make peace with Britain until it recognized
American Independence as well. The French had been secretly sending weapons to
the Patriots since 1776.
9. What happen at Valley Forge?
Valley Forge (1777-1778)—harsh winter camp where the Continental army of
10,000 soldiers stayed. The soldiers suffered from cold weather exposure and frost
bite; resulting in a loss of 2000+ soldiers, there were no deserters! Surgeons worked
constantly but often were unsuccessful in saving soldiers’ arms and limbs from
amputation. The continental army suffered greatly.
10. What economic problems did the Americans face in financing the war?
Congress ran out of hard currency. They began to print paper money causing
inflation—rising prices. Some government officials engage in profiteering—selling
scare goods for a profit.
11. Why was the Spanish governor of Louisiana important for the Patriots?
He gave the Patriots money and supplies. He also prevented the British from sailing
up the Mississippi River, effectively stopping the British from mounting a two-sided
attack on Patriot troops.
12. In what ways did women contribute to the Revolutionary war?
Women managed homes, businesses, and ships dock areas along with taking care of
their families. They cooked and were sewing uniforms for the troops. Some fought
in the war risking their lives in combat. (1) Sarah Franklin—volunteered to mend
clothing for the soldiers. (2)Deborah Sampson (Massachusetts) and (3) Sally St.
Clair (South Carolina)—disguised themselves as men and fought in the army.
(4) Nancy Hart (Georgia)— captured a group of loyalists soldiers all by herself.
(5) Abigail Adams (wife of John Adams)—wrote a letter to him explaining Congress
should include the liberties of women in the laws of the new country.
13. Who was Molly Pitcher?
Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley “molly pitcher” took her husband’s place at the
cannon when he was wounded at the Battle of Monmouth. Also, she continued
involvement in the war carrying pitchers of water to the soldiers. General
Washington made her a non-commissioned officer for her brave deeds.
Ch.4, section 4
1. What contribution did Friedrich von Steuben make to the American war effort?
Friedrich von Steuben—a Prussian captain and talented drillmaster (volunteered
his services to General Washington) transformed the continental army during the
winter of 1777-1778 by teaching the soldiers how to execute field maneuvers, fire
and reload quickly, and wield bayonets.
2. What role did Marquis de Lafayette play in the Revolution?
Marquis de Lafayette— a brave, idealistic 20-yr old French aristocrat, aided the
American cause by joining George Washington’s staff, leading a command in
Virginia, and suggesting the military strategy that resulted in the surrender of the
British army (Yorktown). He also encouraged the French to send reinforcements in
1779.
3. What was the British strategy in the South and why did they expect support from
southern Loyalists?
The British hoped to rally loyalist support in the south, recapture their colonies, and
establish a base from which they could move north. The South was largely
agricultural and dependent on British markets for its cotton; at the same time, the
South relied on imports, mainly from Britain, of goods they could not produce
themselves.
4. Where were most of the later Revolutionary battles fought? Describe the war in
the South.
Most of the later battles were in the south. Despite early British victories in many
seaports, the British failed to win civilian or Loyalists militia support, leading the
South to support the Patriots. Also Spanish forces attacked British forts, deflecting
British attention away from the Patriots. New Continental Army commanders won
important victories and caused massive British losses, frustrating British
commanders.
5. Why did General Cornwallis lead his army to Yorktown?
The British General Charles Cornwallis wins many southern victories. He camps at
Yorktown, plans to take Virginia. The battle of Yorktown—was a significant win
for the colonists because up until then, the war could have gone either way.
6. What was Washington’s plan at Yorktown?
He planned to trap the British General Charles Cornwallis’s army between his
army and the French forces, who were in the Chesapeake Bay.
7. How did the French forces contribute to the American victory at Yorktown?
The French troops joined the siege, while other French ships blocked a British
rescue by sea. There was also some Spanish support (as an ally to the French).
Spain allowed the American Navy to use the Spanish port of New Orleans.
8. Who was Benedict Arnold?
Benedict Arnold—traitor, he was a commanding officer and good friend to
Washington. Arnold’s wife was a devout loyalist, so he began to spy for the
British—he was caught. At the beginning of the war he was a popular patriot
soldier and leader who helped defend the New England territory and then served as
the American Commander of Philadelphia.
9. What were the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1783?
Treaty of Paris (1783) written & signed in Paris: (Benjamin Franklin attended for
the colonies)
• Officially ends the Revolutionary War
• Confirmed colonial (U. S.) Independence
• Recognized the colonies as the United States of America
• Set boundaries of the new nation (Canada-Florida & Atlantic Ocean to
Mississippi River).
10. What issues did the Treaty of Paris leave unresolved?
The issues the Treaty of Paris left unresolved were it (1) did not specify when British
troops would evacuate American Forts and (2) did not discuss the protection of
lands belonging to Native Americans who had allied with British.
11. In what ways did the Revolution fail to change the lives of women and African
Americans?
Women did not have any new political rights. There were limits on women being
able to divorce their husbands and common law still dictated that a married
woman’s property belonged to her husband. African Americans were still enslaved
and even those who were free usually faced discrimination and poverty. Native
Americans lands were being taken away by the colonial settlers.
12. What were the exceptions to the spirit of egalitarianism that arose after the
Revolutionary War?
The main exceptions to the spirit of egalitarianism was African Americans, most of
whom remained enslaved and Native Americans, whose land were being taken away
by colonial settlers.
13. Describe three significant challenges facing the United States when the American
Revolution ended.
There were three challenges facing the United States
 It had to form a government; Handle problems resulting from the
provisions of the Treaty of Paris, 1783; Live up to its original ideals
for wanting independence (set out to find/build a stable republic
(government of the people).
________________________________________________
Vocabulary_Chapter 4 The American Revolution
1. Treaty of Paris (1763)—Treaty ending the French and Indian War that resulted in
Great Britain winning control of France's claims in Canada and east of the
Mississippi River and Florida.
2. Proclamation of 1763—developed by King George III, it was a declaration (law) that
limited colonial settlement after the French and Indian War forbade colonists from
moving into territory west of the Appalachian Mountains.
3. Sugar Act—This law raised duties (taxes) on goods imported from any place other
than England or another British-controlled colony, especially on refined sugar and
textiles (cloth). It was designed to help pay war debt from the French and Indian war
and reduce colonial smuggling.
4. Stamp Act—This law was a British tax on printed material (such as newspapers,
pamphlets, legal documents, wills, and playing cards and dice) in the colonies. It was
considered a direct tax in which the colonists had to pay.
5. John Adams—a prominent Massachusetts lawyer who observed the protests made by
the colonists during the Revolutionary period and wrote several documents in
support of the protest. He will eventually become the Secretary of State and later the
2nd President of the United States.
6. Patrick Henry—a young Virginia representative who used the enlightenment ideas
(revolutionary period—natural and individual rights) to draft a radical document
called the Virginia Resolves that argued only the colonial assemblies had the right to
tax the colonists. Later, he was quoted in stating “Give me liberty or Give me death”
while fighting for the Revolutionary cause.
7. Samuel Adams—Famous leader during the Revolutionary period in Boston, he
formed the secret resistance group called the Sons of Liberty.
8. Sons of Liberty—a secret resistance group of Patriots that led protest against
England’s laws and organized boycotts against England’s taxation policies. They also
harassed the custom stamp agents. Daughters of Liberty made colonial goods to
substitute for British goods during this period.
9. Non-importation Agreement—colonial consumer boycotts of British exports as a
response to taxes passed by the Parliament. It threaten British merchants and
manufacturers with economic ruins.
10. Townshend Acts—This law levied new import duties (taxes) on items such as glass,
lead, paint, paper, and a 3 penny tax on tea. It was an indirect tax which caused the
colonial merchants to increase the price of their goods.
11. Boston Massacre—Incident that occurred on March 5, 1770 between a squad of
British soldiers and colonists that resulted in 5 colonists (including Crispus Attucks)
dead in the snow. Led to colonial dissent (hatred) against the British.
12. Crispus Attucks—A sailor of African American and Native American ancestry
(may have been an escaped slave) who was self-educated and was an early hero of
America’s struggle for freedom. He was one of the first to die in the Boston
Massacre.
13. Committees of Correspondence—an organized network of colonial men that was
established to help the colonies communicate with each other colonies about threats
to American liberties and to stay informed on the British troops movements.
14. Boston Tea Party—the result of the English allowing the British (Dutch) East
Indian Company sell their tea to colonists tax free. This angered many colonial
merchants because it was taking away their profit (cutting them out). So, several
rebels disguised themselves as Native Americans and dumped 18,000
pounds of tea into Boston harbor.
15. King George III—At the age of 22, he became the King of England in 1760 (just
before the end of the French and Indian War and during the Revolutionary War
period).
16. Intolerable Acts—(Also known as the Coercive Acts) The British government’s
response to the colonial Boston Tea Party; the Parliament passed this series of laws
in 1774. They were as follows: closure of Boston Harbor, placing Boston under
martial law, issuing the Quartering Act, and appointing a new royal governor
(Thomas Gage) in charge.
17. First Continental Congress—a gathering of 56 delegates at Carpenter’s Hall in
Philadelphia on September 5, 1774; the delegates adopted a number of measures
such as renewed boycotts of British goods and a call to the people of all the English
colonies to arm themselves and form militias (colonial soldiers).
18. Martial Law—emergency rule by military authorities to control chaos (presently
under this rule some Bill of Rights guarantees are suspended).
19. Minutemen/Militia—armed citizens (colonial men) who serve as soldiers during an
emergency (ready to fight at a moment’s notice). They were Patriot fighters (fulltime farmers and part-time soldiers).
20. Second Continental Congress—this Congress gathered in Philadelphia on May of
1775, less than a month after British troops and colonial militia had clashed at
Lexington and Concord. The colonists agreed to set up their own government and
that Congress declare the colonies independent. They decided to place George
Washington as leader of the Continental Army and to print money. The printed
money would be used to pay the troops and organize a committee to deal with
foreign nations.
21. Continental Army—the army that represented the colonies during the
Revolutionary War, made up of minutemen (Patriots-armed civilians in the colonies).
22. George Washington—appointed Commander of the Continental Army at the
Second Continental Congress; led the American forces against the British in the War
for Independence. Later becomes the first President of the United States.
23. Olive Branch Petition—the delegates from the Second Continental Congress
devised a plea written by John Dickerson (on the behalf of the American colonists) to
King George III in 1775 that he would halt the fighting. This was thought of as a
compromise with hopes of Britain increasing colonial self-rule. King George III
rejects the petition.
24. Common Sense—a 50 page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in which he argued
that the time had come for American Independence. Paine attacked King
George III and explained his own revolt against the King had begun with Lexington
and Concord. Paine sold over 500,000 copies and donated most of his profits to the
Revolutionary War. It was used as an inspiration to the colonists to demand
independence from England.
25. Thomas Paine—was an immigrant from England who was the author of a pamphlet
called Common Sense used to inspire colonial independence.
26. Thomas Jefferson—the main author of the Declaration of Independence; a firm
believer in people having “unalienable rights” (natural rights) which are Life,
Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness.
27. Declaration of Independence—a document written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776,
issued at the Second Continental Congress, explaining why the colonies wanted
independence from England. It expressed ideas inspired by English philosopher
John Locke. Jefferson stated the colonies had a right to revolt due to the
government failing to protect their unalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and Pursuit
of Happiness.
28. Natural Rights—the Enlightenment period ideas embraced by the Second
Continental Congress that all men are born with and that no one can take away, also
known as unalienable rights.
29. Patriots—person who wanted independence from England, many joined the
Continental Army against England.
30. Loyalists—person who remained loyal to Great Britain during the American
Revolution.
31. Lexington and Concord—the first battles of the American Revolutionary War
occurred in April 1775. Lexington won by British (Redcoats) and Concord won by
Continental Army (Patriots).
32. William Howe—British Commander at the Battle of Bunker Hill who was ordered
to retake the hills; he accomplished this by ordering a frontal assault of British
soldiers in the middle of the day. He was successful on the third charge up the hill
by capturing the fort only because the Patriots ran out of ammunition.
33. Mercenary—German leaders hired out some of their regular army units to England
to fight against the Patriots in the American Revolution. They were called Hessians.
34. Inflation—is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an
economy over a period of time. When the general price level rises, each unit of
currency buys fewer goods and services.
35. Profiteering—makes what is considered an unreasonable profit especially on the sale
of essential goods during times of war or emergency; the selling of scarce items at
unreasonably high prices.
36. Molly Pitcher—was a nickname given to a woman who earned it by carrying
pitchers of water to the soldiers that fought in the American Revolution,
her original name is Mary Ludwig Hays. It is also believed she took her husband’s
place at the cannon (after he was shot) at the Battle of Monmouth.
37. Battle of Trenton—took place on December 26, 1776, during the American
Revolutionary War, after General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware
River north of Trenton, New Jersey. The hazardous crossing in adverse (bad) weather
made it possible for Washington to lead the main body of the Continental Army
against Hessian soldiers garrisoned at Trenton. After a brief battle, nearly the entire
Hessian force was captured, with negligible losses to the Americans. This modest
victory raised the spirits of the troops and Patriots supporters at
a critical moment.
38. Battle of Princeton—this was a battle in which General George Washington's
revolutionary forces defeated British forces near Princeton, New Jersey. On the night
of January 2, 1777 George Washington, Commander-in-Chief had another victory by
moving his troops at night. Washington inflicted heavy casualties on General Charles
Cornwallis’s troops.
39. Battle of Saratoga—conclusively decided the fate of British General John
Burgoyne’s Army in the American Revolutionary War and is generally regarded as a
turning point in the war. Fought in Saratoga, New York, news of Burgoyne's
surrender was instrumental in formally bringing France into the war as an
American ally, although it had previously given supplies, ammunition and
guns.
40. Marquis de Lafayette—a French aristocrat and military officer who assisted
American forces in the American Revolutionary period. Lafayette served as a majorgeneral in the Continental Army under George Washington. In the middle of the war
he returned to France to negotiate an increase in French support. On his return, he
blocked troops led by Cornwallis at Yorktown while the armies of Washington and
others prepared for battle against the British. He is best known for devising the
military strategy to surround the British at Yorktown.
41. Friedrich von Steuben—a Prussian-born military officer who served as inspector
general and Major General of the Continental Army during the American
Revolutionary War. He is credited with being one of the fathers of the Continental
Army in teaching them the essentials of military drills, tactics, and disciplines.
42. Benjamin Franklin—as a statesman during the American Revolutionary period, he
lead American negotiations in Paris, France to end the Revolutionary war. Franklin is
also known as a colonial inventor, printer, and writer (he contributed to the repeal of
the Stamp Act, Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution). He
earned the title “the First American” for his early campaign of colonial unity (Albany
Plan of Union).
43. Valley Forge—the infamous winter camp site (outside of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania) where Washington and his Continental Army spent the harsh winter
of 1777-1778. The soldiers suffered from a lack of supplies and food. Washington
reported nearly 1/3 of his 10,000 had no shoes.
44. Battle of Monmouth—an American Revolutionary War (or American War of
Independence) battle fought on June 28, 1778 in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The
Continental Army under General George Washington attacked the rear of the British
Army column as they left Monmouth Court House. The battle improved the military
reputations of Washington and the soldiers improved discipline under fire.
45. Kings Mountain—a 1780 Revolutionary War battle in South Carolina in which
Patriots defeated a Loyalist militia.
46. Charles Cornwallis—the commander of British forces during the American
Revolution. He surrendered at Yorktown and returned to Britain.
47. Yorktown—a victory won by a combination of American and French forces.
Lafayette helped to corner Britain’s Lord Cornwallis and his troops at Yorktown in a
triangular trap. The American defeat of the British at Yorktown (1781) was the last
major battle of the American Revolution. However, the war did not officially end
until the Treaty of Paris (1783).
48. Treaty of Paris (1783)—the announcement of America’s independence without
qualification from England. It ended the American Revolutionary War. The United
States won its independence and gained control of land stretching to the Mississippi
River.
49. Egalitarianism—the War stimulated a belief in equality of all people, which
fostered a new attitude; the idea that ability, effort, and virtue, not wealth or family
defined one’s worth. Note: only applied to all white males.
50. Manumission—the act of freeing someone from slavery; mainly occurred in colonies
like Virginia and Maryland after the American Revolutionary War.
51. American Revolutionary War—also known as the War for Independence between
the American colonies and England. The end of the war granted America its
independence from England with the Treaty of Paris of 1783.