War for Independence Flashcards
1
Q
Lexington and Concord (1775)
A
- prior to the declaration of independence (1776)
- goal was to capture rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock
- colonial “minute men” fight back (militia using their own guns)
- over 70 British are killed - the war is on
2
Q
Bunker Hill (1775)
A
- British are mowed down by colonial militia
- colonial militia attacked Boston-area British soldiers
- ## another loss for the might British army
3
Q
Valley Forge (1777-78)
A
- showed the weaknesses of the colonial army
- cruel winter imposes hardships
- colonial soldiers had to endure days with no food
- 2800 without shoes
4
Q
loyalists vs. patriots
A
- loyalist: colonists whoa re wishing to stay connected to Britain
- patriots: colonists who want independence from Britain
- BOTH must live together during and after the war
5
Q
1776-1781 War
A
- 1776 - colonists defeated badly at Battle of Long Island
- December 26, 1776 - Washington crosses Potomac River and captures Trenton
- 1776-77 New York and Philadelphia attacked and taken by British
- 1780 - The French arrive to help the colonists (french have a navy)
- 1781 - Yorktown - General Cornwallis surrounded by colonial army and French navy. Final surrender by British
6
Q
the treaty of Paris - 1783
A
- Brtian formally recognizes the independence United States of America
- Loyalists in the colonies would not be persecuted
7
Q
remember this…
A
the declaration of Independence was penned in 1776, but the actual US would not be officially form until 1783
8
Q
when Paul Revere rode yelling “The British are coming!”, he was warning which important person in particular
A
Hancock (Lexington)