American Revolution Flashcards
What does debt mean?
To owe money.
After the French and Indian War, England was in debt.
What are taxes?
Added cost on an item/good that a person buys.
Britain began taxing the colonists to make money.
What is taxation without representation?
England was taxing the colonists without having the colonists participate in the government.
What is smuggling?
To bring goods into a country illegally.
The colonies would not allow Britain to force a tax on them, so they began to sneak in goods.
What were the Red Coats?
Nickname for English soldiers.
Who were the Patriots?
People who favored independence during the American Revolution.
Who were the Loyalists?
People who were loyal to the king and England during the American Revolution.
What is a militia?
Citizen soldiers, who did not have prior military experience or training.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Document that explains why the colonists decided to break away from England.
Who was General George Washington?
Leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
What was the Continental Congress?
Meeting of the 13 colonies to figure out a plan to fight back against Britain.
What were Lexington and Concord?
First battle of the American Revolutionary War.
What was the Battle of Bunker Hill?
Battle on hilly landscape.
England won but realized the colonists were tough opponents.
Who was Thomas Paine?
Patriot who published ‘Common Sense’ urging colonists to fight for independence.
What is Common Sense?
Influential pamphlet that helped colonists decide to become Patriots.
What were England’s advantages in the war?
British had navy, more soldiers, wealth, weapons, and experience.
What were the Colonial advantages?
Americans believed in their cause and had the home team advantage.
What happened at the Battle of Long Island?
In August 1776, British defeated the Patriots who were outnumbered and under-equipped.
Who was Nathan Hale?
Patriot who spied on British troops disguised as a school teacher.
What was life on the home front during the war?
Wives managed homes and businesses; economy suffered; conflict arose.
What was the role of the Navy in the war?
British had experience and money; colonists had no naval experience; blockades formed.
Who was John Paul Jones?
American naval hero.
What is a privateer?
Privately owned merchant ships outfitted with weapons.
What is foreign aid in the context of the war?
France and Spain helped the Patriots by sending money, troops, and equipment.
What are hit and run tactics?
Patriot bands attacked and disappeared, surprising British troops.
Who was Peter Salem?
Fought at Concord and Bunker Hill; won freedom for service.
What role did women play in the Revolution?
Boycotted goods, produced supplies, spied, and fought disguised as men.
Who was Margaret Hill Morris?
Provided medicine and cared for sick and wounded soldiers.
Who was Mary Ludwig Hays?
Carried water; took over cannon after husband’s death; made sergeant by George Washington.
Who was Lydia Darrah?
Spied on British and warned Washington about a surprise attack.
What happened at Yorktown?
Final battle of the war; colonists won and British surrendered.
Why did the Americans win the war?
Fought on home land, ambush skills, foreign aid, and people’s spirit.
What is the Treaty of Paris?
Officially ended the war and recognized American independence.
What were the Articles of Confederation?
Weak national government; states retained most of the power.
