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John Locke
The Declaration of Independence was inspired by John Locke's Second Treatise on Government, which declared the natural rights of humans as being Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. -
French & English Enlightenment
The Declaration of Independence was inspired by philosophy from the French and English Enlightenment. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
It was the first battle in the American Revolution. It was between British troops and Minutemen. They came for a peaceful protest, but ended up with 8 dead and 10 wounded. -
Second Continental Congress
It was made to decide whether or not to go to war and they ended up going. They also nominated George Washington as commander in chief. -
Bunker Hill
It was the place outside of Boston where one of the early battles in the American Revolution happened. The colonists inflicted serious harm on British troops and ended up causing several casualties. -
George Washington
He was a leading force in the American military and was appointed as commander in chief after Congress's leadership turned out to be ineffective. He also ended up being the first president. -
Olive Branch Petition
It was when the Continental Congress asked the King to prevent Parliament from issuing any more acts until they could come to an agreement. -
Declaration of Independence
This was mainly created by Thomas Jefferson and announced the independence of America as a new nation and set an example of freedom for the rest of the world. -
Trenton
Washington surprised the British garrison and took over 900 prisoners. This boosted American morale. -
Princeton
Washington attacked Princeton and gained back most of the land taken by the British. The victory boosted American morale. -
Saratoga
British General Burgoyne's troop was taken over and was forced to surrender in Saratoga due to a superior American force led by General Horatio Gates. -
Valley Forge
This is where Washington and his troops endured a hard winter without adequate supplies. It was the lowest point for the Continental Army. -
Treaty of Amity & Commerce, Treaty of Alliance
Treaty of Amity & Commerce-
This treaty with France was to recognize the United States and offered trade opportunities.
Treaty of Alliance-
This treaty with France was to say that if France entered the war, they wouldn't stop until the colonies were independent, that neither country would declare peace with Britain without consent from the other, and that they guaranteed their possessions in America. -
Spain
Spain joined the battle, allied with France, in order to gain back the land they lost to England. Although they allied with France, who was allied with America, Spain and America were not allies. -
Cowpens
This battle ended in an American victory and the British army retreating. It gave the Americans confidence they could win the war. -
Yorktown
This is where Lord Cornwallis and the British Army surrendered. It led to the end of the war and American independence. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
This treaty acknowledged the "independence, freedom, and sovereignty" of the United States.