-
John Locke
The Social Contract stated the government exists because the people give it the right to rule. If the government abuses the rights of its citizens, they have the right to overthrow the government. It influenced the Declaration of Independence. The natural rights were life, liberty, and property. This also influenced Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the Declaration of Independence. -
Thomas Jefferson
During the American Revolution, Jefferson served in the Virginia legislature and the Continental Congress, and also was governor of Virginia. -
Lexington & Concord
The battles of Lexington & Concord signaled the start of the American Revolution. The British Army set out to capture rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock in Lexington as well as to destroy the Americans store of weapons and ammunition in Concord. The significance of these battles is that they were the first battles of the American Revolution. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was designed as a form of government to organize and direct the colonies This colonial government was meant to bring them together to fight. Direct goal was to prepare for war. -
George Washington
George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He led the American army to victory. Washington had the power of knowledge. He had previously served in the Virginia militia and campaigned with the British army learning military discipline and tactics. -
Bunker Hill
Early in the Revolutionary War, the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant causalities against the enemy, despite their loss. This provided them with an important confidence boost. The British decided to take over two hills, for a tactical advantage, the Americans heard about it and went to defend the hills. Many more colonists joined the army after this battle and the revolution continued to grow in strength. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was the colonists final attempt to avoid going to war with Britain, during the American Revolution. The colonists pledged their loyalty to the crown and declared their rights as British citizens. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration explains why the colonies should break away from Britain. It says people have rights that cannot be taken away, lists the complaints against the king, and argues that the colonies have to be free to protect the colonists' rights. This signified the colonies breaking away from British rule. -
Trenton
The Hessian army was crushed in Washington's raid across the Delaware river and the Americans were motivated by the easy defeat of the British Hessian forces. -
Princeton
It was significant because the British had lost control of New Jersey and retreated to New York. Following the victories at Princeton and Trenton, the Americans believed they could win the war. -
Saratoga
Saratoga was the turning point of the war. France decides to aid the colonies in their struggle with Great Britain. -
Valley Forge
A six-month encampment of General George Washington's Continental Army at Valley Forge. The defeats had led some members of the Continental Congress to want to replace Washington, believing he was incompetent. The troops left Valley Forge with stronger confidence and were well-trained. -
France Treaties
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce recognized the U.S. as an independent nation and encouraged trade between France and the Americas. The Treaty of Alliance provided military alliance against Great Britain, stipulating that the absolute independence of the United States be recognized as a condition for peace and that France would be permitted to conquer the British West Indies. -
Spain
Spain played a signal role in the Revolutionary War as a supply source for munitions and other material for the Americans. Spain's military forces won significant victories against Great Britain, thereby helping to bring the war towards a conclusive defeat of the British. -
Cowpens
Caused the British to lose control of SC and move further north.
This Battle left the British very weak. The first victory in the south. -
Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was significant because Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington as French and American forces trapped the British at Yorktown. The British surrendered and ended the Revolutionary war. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 ended the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay negotiated the peace treaty with Great Britain. The colonial empire of Great Britain was destroyed in North America. -
French and English Enlightenment
The Enlightenment ideas were the main influence for American Colonies to become their own nation. The ideas were freedom of speech, equality, freedom of press, and religious tolerance.