American Revolution Flashcards
Government
Laws and people that rule a country
Liberty
Freedom from forced government or control
Militia
A group of volunteer soldiers
Protest
Outward showing of disapproval of something
Surrender
To give up during a battle
Loyalist
Colonist who approved of British rule
Patriot
Colonists who were against British rule
Continental Army
The Patriot’s army
Continental Congress
A group of colonist that met in Philadelphia in May 1775 to discuss how the colonies should deal with Great Britain
King George III
The ruler of Great Britain who made strict laws that outraged the colonist and cause the war
Thomas Jefferson
He wrote the Declaration of Independence
George Washington
Commander of the Continental Army
Retreat
To turn back during battle
Boycott
To refuse to buy or use something
King George III stated that the colonists had to pay a tax on practically every piece of paper they used. Each piece of paper had to be marked to show that the tax had been paid.
The Stamp Act
King George III stated that the colonists had to pay taxes on their favorite drink.
The Tea Act
As the Redcoats began to drive the colonist back, someone fired a gunshot. No one knows which side fired first, but that shot was the one that officially started the American Revolution in 1775. It was known as “the shot that was heard around the world.”
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Patriots won this battle, this battle was famously known as the “turning point of the war.” It was a big victory for the Patriots because it completely helped to stop the British from gaining control of Central New York, which would have given the British a big advantage. When the French heard the news of the Patriots’ victory it convinced France that the Americans could win the war.
The Battle of Saratoga
The Patriots won this battle. It was the final battle of the American Revolution. Although the this battle took place in 1781, it took until 1783 for the last of the British soldiers to leave New York
The Battle of Yorktown
Why did the colonist go to war?
Because they wanted to rule themselves and they did not want to pay taxes or have to obey British laws anymore.
Why was New York so important to winning the war?
Because New York was located in the middle of the the other colonies and if the British could control New York they could split the colonies in half. If this happened it would be very difficult for the colonies to send supplies, soldiers, or messages between the colonies.
What was the result of the colonies winning the Revolutionary War?
The 13 colonies were now their own country and the colonies would call themselves Americans. They would make their own laws and make their own government.
What was the Declaration of Independence?
It was document written in by Thomas Jefferson which explained why the 13 colonies should be free. It was signed in 1776
