History 8: American Revolution Flashcards
Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration, also known as the Age of Discovery, was a period in history that began in the late 15th century and continued into the early 17th century. It was characterized by extensive exploration, primarily by European powers, of previously unknown regions of the world, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. The primary motivations for this era of exploration were economic, political, and cultural, as Europeans sought to expand trade routes, establish colonies, spread their influence, and acquire valuable resources such as spices, precious metals, and new trade partners.
Key developments during the Age of Exploration included Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas, Vasco da Gama’s sea route to India, Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe, and the colonization of regions in Africa, the Americas, and Asia.
Plymouth/Jamestown
Plymouth and Jamestown were two of the earliest English settlements in North America, established in the early 17th century.
Plymouth: Plymouth, often called Plymouth Colony, was a settlement founded by English Pilgrims in 1620. These Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, arrived on the Mayflower and settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Jamestown: Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 in Virginia. It was founded by the Virginia Company of London with the primary goal of seeking economic profit through the extraction of resources like gold and the production of valuable crops like tobacco. The settlement faced many hardships, including disease, conflicts with Native Americans, and food shortages. Jamestown is famous for the contributions of figures like John Smith and Pocahontas.
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a historic document adopted by the Continental Congress of the United States on July 4, 1776. It formally announced and justified the American colonies’ decision to break away from British rule and declare their independence. The Declaration is primarily composed of four parts.
1. Preamble
2. Statement of rights
3. List of grievances
4. Declaration of Independence.
Portugal
Portugal is a country located in Southern Europe, situated on the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and strong maritime tradition. Here is a brief definition of Portugal. Portugal is a country in Western Europe, bordered by Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. It is one of the oldest nations in Europe, with a history dating back to the 12th century when it was founded as a kingdom. Portugal is known for its diverse geography, including lush forests, rolling plains, and a rugged coastline. The capital city is Lisbon, and the official language is Portuguese. Portugal has made significant contributions to world exploration and is renowned for its navigators and explorers during the Age of Exploration, including Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. Today, Portugal is a member of the European Union and has a parliamentary democracy
Guerilla warfare
is a form of irregular warfare in which small, independent, and often lightly armed groups of combatants, known as guerrillas, use hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, sabotage, and other unconventional methods to engage in armed conflict against a larger, more conventional military or government forces. This type of warfare is typically employed by insurgent or resistance movements, Guerrilla warfare is often associated with the support of local populations and a deep understanding of the local terrain. It can be a protracted and challenging form of warfare that aims to achieve strategic goals through persistence and attrition rather than direct confrontation.
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress of the American colonies on July 5, 1775. It was a final attempt at reconciliation with the British government, particularly King George III, prior to the full outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. The Olive Branch Petition expressed the colonies’ desire for peace and a return to their previous harmonious relationship with Britain. However, by the time the Olive Branch Petition reached London, the situation had escalated, and the British government considered the American colonies to be in open rebellion. King George III issued a proclamation that effectively declared the colonies to be in a state of rebellion, The rejection of the Olive Branch Petition marked a significant turning point in the lead-up to the American Revolutionary War, which officially began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775.
Spain
Spain is a country located in the southwestern part of Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Spain.Treaty of Paris (1783): Spain was one of the signatories of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the American Revolution. As a result, Spain gained control of East and West Florida from Britain. However, Spain did not achieve all its territorial objectives, which led to future border disputes with the United States.
Continental Army
The Continental Army was the organized military force that represented the thirteen American colonies during the American Revolutionary War against Great Britain. It was established on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress and served as the precursor to the United States Army. The Continental Army played a crucial role in achieving American independence from British rule. Formation: The Continental Army was created shortly after the outbreak of hostilities between the American colonies and British forces at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.Structure: The army was initially composed of a mixture of troops from different colonies, and it underwent significant organizational changes and restructuring during the war.ort units.
Role in the American Revolution: The Continental Army played a pivotal role in many of the war’s major battles and campaigns, including the Siege of Boston, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the crossing of the Delaware River, and the decisive Battle of Saratoga.Challenges: The army faced numerous challenges, including a lack of training, adequate supplies, and funding.Legacy: The Continental Army’s perseverance, leadership, and eventual success in the American Revolution played a critical role in achieving American independence. The Continental Army was the forerunner of the modern U.S. military and is considered a symbol of the American spirit and determination during the struggle for independence. George Washington’s leadership as its commander-in-chief is widely celebrated in American history.
Continental Dollar
The Continental Congress issued the Continental Dollar as a form of paper currency during the American Revolutionary War. It was an early form of fiat money, and its issuance was an attempt to finance the war effort and support the fledgling American government. The Continental Dollar, also known as the Continental Currency, was a form of paper money issued by the Continental Congress, the legislative body of the American colonies that were seeking independence from British rule during the American Revolutionary War.Fiat Currency: The Continental Dollar was not backed by a commodity like gold or silver; it was a fiat currency, meaning its value was not tied to any physical assets.Hyperinflation and Depreciation: Due to a lack of backing and widespread counterfeiting by the British, the Continental Dollar rapidly depreciated.Financial Challenges: The depreciation of the Continental Dollar posed significant financial challenges for the Continental Army and the American government.Transition to a National Currency: After the American Revolution and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787
France
France played a crucial role in the American Revolution, offering significant support to the American colonies in their fight for independence from Great Britain.During the American Revolution, France was a key ally of the American colonies in their struggle for independence from British rule. France provided substantial military, financial, and diplomatic support to the American cause, which significantly contributed to the success of the revolution. The Franco-American alliance, formalized by the Treaty of Alliance in 1778, led to French military assistance, including troops and naval support, which played a decisive role in American victories like the Battle of Saratoga. French involvement helped divert British resources away from North America and ultimately contributed to the American victory in the war.
Mercantilism
Mercantilism was an economic theory and policy that dominated European economic thought and practices during the early modern period, from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Favorable Balance of Trade: Mercantilist countries aimed to export more goods than they imported, creating a surplus of precious metals (usually gold and silver) as payment for trade imbalances.State Regulation: Mercantilist governments actively regulated and controlled economic activities. Accumulation of Precious Metals: The accumulation of precious metals, particularly gold and silver, was considered a measure of a nation’s wealth. Colonial Empires: Mercantilism supported the establishment of colonial empires.Protectionism: Mercantilist policies favored protectionism, such as tariffs, import quotas, and trade restrictions, to shield domestic industries from foreign competition.Economic Nationalism: Mercantilism was marked by economic nationalism, where the nation-state and its interests were paramount.State Intervention: Governments played a central role in the economy.
Militia
A militia is a military organization or force primarily composed of non-professional, part-time soldiers or civilians who are trained and equipped to act as a local or national defense force. Civilian Composition: Militias are typically made up of civilians or individuals who are not career soldiers.Local or National Defense: Militias can serve various roles, including local defense against threats or emergencies.Voluntary Service: Membership in a militia is often voluntary, and individuals join out of a sense of duty, community, or to defend their local or national interests.
Britain
During the American Revolution, “Britain” or “Great Britain” referred to the Kingdom of Great Britain, which was a sovereign state that existed from 1707 until 1801.Britain, or the Kingdom of Great Britain, was a powerful and established colonial power during the American Revolution. It was composed of the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, which were united through the Act of Union in 1707. During the American Revolution (1775-1783), the British government, under the reign of King George III, sought to maintain control over its American colonies, The British were forced to fight but on the other side, the Americans wanted to fight.
Vikings
Prince Henry the navigator
Paul Revere
Minutemen
William Penn
Daniel Morgan
Quakers
Small Pox
Vasco de Gama
Bayonets
George washington
Ferdinand Magellen
Debtors
Friedrich von Steuben
Christopher Columbus
James Ogelthrope
battle of bunker hill
Battle of lexington/concord
Hernan Cortez
King George lll
