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John Locke (Social Contract/Natural Rights)
John Locke was an English Philosopher who through his writings of The Social Contract served as inspiration for the leaders of the Revolution as he believed everyone had the basic rights of Life, Liberty and Property which governments should be made to protect. He also had a lot of ideas such as checks and balances and obligation of revolting being added to founding documents of the United States -
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French and English Enlightment
Enlightenment thinkers throughout Britain and France began to question traditional authority and supported the idea that humanity could be bettered through reasonable change. Leaders of the revolution followed the ideas of the Enlightenment which gave the rights of freedom, equality and toleration. -
Lexington and Concord
Lexington and Concord was the first battle of the Revolutionary War as British troops went to Concord to seize the arms of the colonists. It showed that the colonists were actually going to fight for their independence and the injustices they suffered. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was an acting legislating body for the colonies during the Revolutionary war. It was responsible for the army, currency and the declaring of independence at the war's end. -
George Washington
George Washington acted as commander in chief of the American troops during the Revolutionary War, leading and organizing the forces during battles -
Bunker Hill
The battle of Bunker Hill was a large victory for the British soldiers but included a large number of casualties for the British. This motivated the patriots and showed that despite many being inexperienced, they could still hold their own against the British. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a plea to the king to stop any hostilities so that they could come to an agreement to avoid war and separation. It was denied proving to the colonists that parliament had always been acting under the king's knowledge. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was part of the committee in charge of drafting the Declaration of Independence and was a member of the continental congress. He helped finally declare independence from Britain and made them a united nation at the end of the war -
Declaration of Indepedence
The Declaration of Independence was a document that served to explain and declare the separation from Britain. It served as a reminder for why they were at war and encouraged the troops and colonists to back the leaders of the Revolution as they fought. -
Trenton
The battle of Trenton was a turning point for the Americans as troops lead by General Washington and defeated the Hessian forces. This when encouraged the troops to keep fighting and strengthened the support of Washington. -
Princeton
The Battle of Princeton an important win for the Americans as it gave them back New Jersey and caused the British Troops to retreat to New York and served as proof that they had the ability to win. -
Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga led to an America victory as the British troops surrendered and gave up their arms after being surrounded by American troops. The proved to the French of the American's strength, leading to military assistance and an ally against the British -
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Valley Forge
Valley Forge was where the Continental Army set up camp for Winter, after multiple defeats that resulted in the lost of territory. It was a trying time, with cold temperature and short supplies but it served as a time where the Continental Army were trained and strengthened into a fighting force while allowing Washington to build his reputation back up. -
Treaty of Amity and Commerce and Treaty of Alliance
These two treaties were signed between France and America, creating a partnership between them. The Treat of Amity & Commerce, created a trade relationship between the two nations while the Treaty of Alliance created a military alliance between the two nations against Britain. These two treaties recognized America as complete independent nations and provided war supplies -
Spain
Spain declared war on Britain as a ally of France, and by relation helped the American's to gain back the land that they had lost to Britain. They provided supplies for the troops and helped finance the Continental Congress, helping the Americans in the War for independence. -
Cowpens
The Battle of Cowpens was fought in South Carolina and was a large win for the southern campaign for the Americans. It slowed the invasion of North Carolina and caused British causalities that were not replaceable. -
Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was considered the last battle of the Revolutionary War. General Cornwallis surrendered after being surrounded by French and American troops and because of the lack of finances had no way to create a new army, leading to an offer of peace, effectively ending the war. -
Treaty of Paris
The signing of the Treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolution between Britain and America. This made America be seen as a independent nation along with granting them western territory.
