3.5 The American Revolution

The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783, where the Thirteen Colonies fought against British rule to achieve independence and establish a new nation. This struggle was driven by various factors including taxation, political representation, and Enlightenment ideals, ultimately leading to significant changes in government and society.

Declaration of Independence: A document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the Thirteen Colonies independent from British rule, outlining grievances against King George III and emphasizing the rights of individuals.

Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, opposing the revolutionaries and often facing persecution.

Continental Congress: A series of assemblies of delegates from the colonies that became the governing body during the American Revolution, organizing resistance against British policies and ultimately declaring independence.

The Quartering Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in the 18th century that required American colonists to provide housing, food, and supplies to British soldiers stationed in the colonies. These acts were seen as an infringement on the rights of colonists and fueled tensions between Britain and the American colonies, ultimately contributing to the growing sentiment for independence.

Stamp Act: A law enacted in 1765 that imposed a direct tax on the colonies, requiring them to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications.

Intolerable Acts: A series of punitive laws passed in 1774 by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at asserting control over the colonies and stifling dissent.

Boston Tea Party: A political protest by the Sons of Liberty in December 1773, where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor as a response to the Tea Act and British taxation.

The Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts, were a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts aimed to assert British authority over the American colonies and included measures such as closing Boston Harbor and revoking Massachusetts' charter. The Intolerable Acts heightened tensions between Britain and the colonies, contributing significantly to the growing movement toward rebellion and ultimately the American Revolution.

Boston Tea Party: A protest by American colonists in December 1773 against British taxation, where they dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor.

First Continental Congress: A gathering of colonial delegates in September 1774 to address colonial grievances and organize resistance against British rule.

Lexington and Concord: The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, occurring in April 1775, marking the start of open conflict between Britain and the colonies.

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It laid the groundwork for modern democracy, influencing political thought and social reforms, as well as inspiring revolutionary ideas and movements.

Rationalism: A philosophical stance asserting that reason and knowledge are the primary sources of authority and legitimacy, often contrasted with empiricism.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that posits individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and abide by its rules for mutual benefit.

Natural Rights: Philosophical beliefs that individuals are inherently entitled to certain rights simply by being human, including life, liberty, and property.

The Boston Massacre was a deadly confrontation that took place on March 5, 1770, between British soldiers and a group of colonial civilians, resulting in the death of five colonists. This incident significantly fueled anti-British sentiments and became a pivotal moment in the buildup to the American Revolution, highlighting the tensions between the colonies and British authorities over issues like taxation and governance.

Tea Act: A British law passed in 1773 that granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the American colonies, leading to protests and events like the Boston Tea Party.

Quartering Act: A series of British laws that required colonial assemblies to provide housing and supplies for British troops stationed in America, which was deeply resented by colonists.

Propaganda: Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view, especially significant in how the Boston Massacre was portrayed to stir public sentiment against British rule.

Paul Revere was an American silversmith and patriot best known for his midnight ride on April 18, 1775, to warn the colonial militia of the approaching British forces. His actions became emblematic of the growing resistance against British rule, particularly in relation to the sentiment of taxation without representation and the events leading up to the American Revolution.

Midnight Ride: The famous journey made by Paul Revere and others to alert the colonists in Lexington and Concord about British troops advancing to seize military supplies.

Sons of Liberty: A group of colonial patriots formed to oppose British policies and taxes, playing a crucial role in organizing resistance efforts leading up to the Revolution.

Boston Tea Party: A political protest by the Sons of Liberty in December 1773, where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act, representing their opposition to taxation without representation.

Minutemen were colonial militia members who were ready to fight at a moment's notice during the American Revolution. They played a crucial role in the early battles of the conflict, particularly in places like Lexington and Concord, where their rapid mobilization helped confront British troops. The Minutemen symbolize the commitment of the colonies to defend their rights and liberties against British oppression.

Continental Army: The unified colonial army established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, led by General George Washington during the American Revolution.

Militia: A group of ordinary citizens organized for military service, which served as a defense force in the colonies prior to and during the Revolutionary War.

Lexington and Concord: The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War that took place on April 19, 1775, where Minutemen confronted British troops.

The Battle of Lexington and Concord marked the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. This confrontation was significant as it symbolized the beginning of armed resistance against British rule, showcasing the colonists' resolve to defend their rights and liberties. The battles demonstrated that ordinary citizens could effectively stand up against a professional army, inspiring further revolutionary fervor across the colonies.

Minutemen: Colonial militia members who were ready to fight at a moment's notice during the American Revolutionary War.

Continental Congress: A convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies that became the governing body during the American Revolution, coordinating resistance against British policies.

Shot Heard 'Round the World: A phrase referring to the first shot fired at the Battle of Lexington, which signaled the start of open conflict between Britain and its American colonies.

George Washington was the first President of the United States and a central figure in the founding of the nation. He played a pivotal role in leading the American colonies to victory during the American Revolution and set key precedents for the presidency and the new government.

Continental Army: The army formed by the colonies during the American Revolution, led by George Washington, to fight against British rule.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, which Washington supported through his administration.

Farewell Address: The letter written by Washington at the end of his presidency, advising future leaders on foreign policy and political factions.

The Continental Army was the unified military force established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to fight against British rule during the American Revolutionary War. It played a crucial role in securing American independence and was characterized by its diverse membership, leadership under General George Washington, and evolving strategies that reflected the revolutionary ideals of liberty and self-governance.

George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, who later became the first President of the United States, known for his leadership and strategic skills during the Revolutionary War.

Second Continental Congress: A convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that met in Philadelphia in 1775, which acted as the de facto national government during the American Revolution and established the Continental Army.

Minutemen: Colonial militia members who were trained to be ready at a moment's notice to fight against British forces, playing a key role in the early stages of the American Revolution.

The French and Indian War was a conflict fought between 1754 and 1763 in North America, primarily involving British colonists and their Native American allies against the French and their own Indigenous partners. This war was part of a larger global conflict known as the Seven Years' War, and it significantly reshaped territorial claims in North America, leading to tensions that would ultimately contribute to the American Revolution.

Seven Years' War: A global conflict that lasted from 1756 to 1763, involving most of the great powers of the time, with battles fought in Europe, the Americas, West Africa, India, and the Philippines.

Albany Plan of Union: A proposal by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 to create a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies to better coordinate defense against the French threat.

Proclamation of 1763: A British law that prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains in order to prevent conflicts with Native Americans after the war.

Hessians were German mercenaries hired by the British during the American Revolutionary War to help fight against the American colonies. They were primarily from the German state of Hesse-Kassel and became infamous for their disciplined military tactics and effectiveness on the battlefield. Their involvement marked a significant aspect of British military strategy as they sought to suppress the growing rebellion in America.

Mercenary: A mercenary is a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army, often motivated by financial gain rather than loyalty to a nation.

Continental Army: The Continental Army was formed in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress to coordinate military efforts against British forces during the American Revolutionary War.

Battle of Trenton: The Battle of Trenton was a pivotal battle fought on December 26, 1776, where George Washington's Continental Army achieved a surprise victory over Hessian troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey.

The Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, was a significant conflict fought during the American Revolutionary War on August 27, 1776. It marked the largest battle of the war and resulted in a decisive victory for British forces, showcasing their military superiority and forcing the Continental Army to retreat. This battle was critical as it highlighted the challenges faced by the American forces and set the stage for future engagements in the war.

Continental Army: The army formed by the Thirteen Colonies to fight against British rule during the American Revolutionary War.

General George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army who led American forces throughout the Revolutionary War, including at the Battle of Long Island.

British Strategy: The military approach utilized by British forces to regain control over the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, focusing on major cities and key battles.

McKonkey's Ferry was a strategic location on the Delaware River where George Washington and his Continental Army famously crossed on the night of December 25-26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. This event was pivotal, as it allowed Washington to launch a surprise attack against the Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey, turning the tide of the war in favor of the American cause.

George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, who played a crucial role in leading the colonies to victory against British forces.

Battle of Trenton: A significant battle that took place on December 26, 1776, shortly after Washington's crossing at McKonkey's Ferry, resulting in a decisive victory for the Continental Army over Hessian troops.

Hessian Soldiers: German mercenaries hired by the British to fight against the American revolutionaries, known for their disciplined military tactics and participation in key battles during the war.

The Delaware River is a major river in the eastern United States, flowing approximately 330 miles from the Catskill Mountains in New York to the Atlantic Ocean at Delaware Bay. During the American Revolution, it served as a crucial geographical feature for military movements and strategies, especially for the Continental Army's surprise attack on Trenton in 1776.

Continental Army: The army formed by the Thirteen Colonies to fight against British rule during the American Revolution, led by General George Washington.

Battle of Trenton: A pivotal battle fought on December 26, 1776, where George Washington's forces achieved a surprise victory over Hessian troops after crossing the Delaware River.

George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, later becoming the first President of the United States.

The Battle of Trenton was a pivotal engagement during the American Revolutionary War, fought on December 26, 1776, in New Jersey. This battle is significant as it marked a turning point for the Continental Army, boosting morale and proving that George Washington's leadership could achieve decisive victories against the British and their Hessian allies.

George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, known for his strategic leadership and pivotal role in securing American independence.

Hessian Soldiers: German mercenaries hired by the British to fight against the American revolutionaries, noted for their discipline and effectiveness in battle.

Continental Army: The military force established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to fight against British rule, composed of soldiers from the Thirteen Colonies.

The Battle of Saratoga, fought in 1777, marked a pivotal turning point in the American Revolutionary War, as it resulted in a significant victory for the American forces against the British. This battle not only boosted American morale but also convinced France to enter the war as an ally of the colonies, altering the course of the conflict. The success at Saratoga showcased the determination and tactical skill of the American forces, demonstrating their capability to challenge British supremacy on the battlefield.

George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, who played a crucial role in leading American forces to victory against British troops.

French Alliance: The formal agreement between the United States and France in 1778, which provided critical military support to the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

Continental Army: The army established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, composed of soldiers from the thirteen colonies, tasked with fighting against British forces during the American Revolutionary War.

General John Burgoyne was a British Army officer and politician known for his role in the American Revolutionary War, particularly as the commander of British forces during the Saratoga campaign in 1777. He is most notable for his surrender at the Battle of Saratoga, which marked a significant turning point in the war, as it led to France formally entering the conflict on the side of the American colonies.

Saratoga Campaign: A pivotal series of battles during the American Revolutionary War in 1777, culminating in a decisive American victory at Saratoga, which convinced France to ally with the colonies.

William Howe: A British general who served as Commander-in-Chief of the British forces during the early part of the American Revolutionary War, whose strategies contrasted with Burgoyne's.

Continental Army: The American army formed by the colonies during the Revolutionary War, led by General George Washington and tasked with fighting against British forces.

General William Howe was a British Army officer who played a key role during the American Revolutionary War, serving as Commander-in-Chief of British forces in North America from 1776 to 1778. His leadership included significant battles such as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the capture of New York City, but his strategies and decisions also sparked debates about British military effectiveness and tactics against the American forces.

Battle of Bunker Hill: A pivotal battle early in the American Revolutionary War where British forces faced fierce resistance from American troops, resulting in heavy British casualties despite their eventual victory.

Saratoga: A turning point battle in 1777 that saw American forces defeat the British, leading to France entering the war as an ally of the Americans.

Continental Army: The unified military force formed by the thirteen American colonies to fight against British rule during the Revolutionary War, led by General George Washington.

General Horatio Gates was a prominent American general during the Revolutionary War, known for his role in leading the Continental Army to a significant victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. This victory was a turning point in the war, as it secured French support for the American cause and boosted morale among the colonial forces. Gates became a controversial figure, facing criticism for his leadership and eventually falling from grace after later military setbacks.

Battle of Saratoga: A crucial battle in the Revolutionary War that took place in 1777, marking a turning point in the conflict by securing French support for the Americans.

Continental Army: The unified army created by the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolutionary War to fight against British forces.

French Alliance: The military alliance formed between France and the United States in 1778, significantly aiding the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

The Battle of Yorktown, fought from September 28 to October 19, 1781, was the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. This pivotal conflict saw American and French forces, under General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, lay siege to British General Cornwallis’s troops, leading to the surrender of the British forces. The victory at Yorktown effectively ended major military operations in the colonies and paved the way for peace negotiations.

George Washington: The commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later the first President of the United States.

Treaty of Paris 1783: The agreement that officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.

Siege Warfare: A military tactic involving surrounding a fortified position to cut off supplies and reinforcements, forcing the defenders to surrender.

Lord Charles Cornwallis was a British Army officer and colonial administrator known for his role as a commanding general during the American Revolutionary War. His leadership marked significant events in the war, including the British campaign in the southern colonies and the eventual surrender at Yorktown, which was pivotal in leading to American independence.

Yorktown: The site of the decisive battle in 1781 where Cornwallis's forces were surrounded by American and French troops, leading to his surrender.

Treaty of Paris: The agreement signed in 1783 that officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

Southern Strategy: A military strategy employed by the British during the American Revolutionary War that aimed to gain support from loyalists in the southern colonies.