Chapter 8 Flashcards
Second Continental Congress
Met in Philadelphia in 1775. The most important thing accomplished by the Second Continental Congress was the appointment of George Washington as commander of Continental forces.
Bunker Hill
A strategic British victory where British soldiers attacked up a fortified hill against entrenched colonial soldiers. The colonists inflicted terrible losses on the British before finally running out of ammunition.
Olive Branch Petition
A message from the 2nd Continental Congress directly to King George, professing Colonial loyalty to the crown it asked for the redress of specific grievances. King George dismissed this effort at peace, instead declaring the colonies in open rebellion.
Hessians
The name for all European mercenaries for colonists. These mercenaries were known for their brutality in combat.
Common Sense
A pamphlet that called for independence and a republican form of government for the colonies. It was written by Thomas Paine.
Declaration of Independence
Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, this document was first a call for natural rights for men, followed by list of grievances with King George and his government, and finally a formal declaration of independence for the United States of America.
Who were the Patriots and who were the Loyalists?
Patriots were in favor of independence from Great Britain, often times they were members of Congregational churches or had been indebted to British merchants. Loyalists were loyal to the King, they were often members of the Anglican church and were concentrated in the South and New York.
Battles of Trenton and Princeton
A surprise colonial attack on a small detachment of British mercenaries. These victories secured momentum and re-enlistments for the Continental Army. These daring attacks were a huge victory for Washington.
Battle of Saratoga
General Burgoyne surrendered his entire command to the Colonial General Horatio Gates. This victory was especially important because it brought French into the war on the colonists side.
Privateers
Essentially these were American pirates who preyed on British merchant ships and occasionally attacked a weak British warship. They were the only Navy the colonies could muster.
Battle of Yorktown
At Yorktown British General Cornwallis surrendered his entire army to General Washington and a French force. This battle was the culminating battle of the American Revolution, although hostilities continued for more than a year.
Treaty of Paris of 1783
This treaty ended the American Revolution and allowed for the creation of the United States of America.
