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John Locke
According to Locke the natural rights to people are life, liberty, and property. His social contract theory says that the only right people give up in order to enter into civil society and its benefits is to punish other people for violating rights. Not only did he influence the writers of the Declaration and his ideas were involved, but he was also a spy for America. -
George Washington
George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army and he also served two years of presidency. He was very important because he lead the troops to victory, and because of his good character he was able to keep his troop united together. -
Lexington & Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord was the first battle in the Revolutionary war. It was important because even though the colonists lost a lot it was a victory. The battle showed the British that the colonists were not taking anything off of them because they wanted their freedom and they can stand up to them. -
Second Continental Congress
The Congress met in Philadelphia to plot the course of war and independence. The Congress was significant because it was the first real attempt to self government with a governing body. -
Bunker Hill
The battle was fought because the patriots were trying to delay the attack but actually provoked it instead. The British won the battle and most of the battle was fought on Breeds hill. The Battle of Bunker Hill was really significant because even though the colonists didn't win they had many casualties. The amount of casualties gave them the confidence through the Siege of Boston. -
Olive Branch Petition
This was the final attempt from the colonists to the British to avoid war. The petition was denied. Since it was denied it lead to radicals liking independence for the people. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was an officer for the militia in Virginia then because the governor. He was also responsible for actually writing the Declaration of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration was created by the Second Continental Congress and it says what the motivations of independence from the colonists. It was important because it represented the beginning of the United States being separated and out own country. -
Trenton
This was a small battle that took place in Trenton New Jersey. It was a pivotal moment because the Hessian army was going down after George Washington's raid across the Delaware river. The Americans were super confident after because they defeated the Hessian force easily. -
Princeton
This was a battle that the colonial people won against the British in New Jersey. This is important because after they won this meant the British no longer had control and went to New York. After they had won both Trenton and Princeton the Americans thought they could win the war. -
Valley Forge
Washington's troops camped in Valley Forge for six months and even though no battles were fought there it was another turning point because it tested the nation as a whole. -
Saratoga
It was a series of two battles fought within 18 days of each other and was a victory for the Continental Army. It was a turning point in the American Revolution because it convinced the French of Americas strength. -
France (treaty of alliance/ treaty of Amity)
The treaty was a treaty of defensive alliance between France and the United States. This was significance because it was diplomatic success and it formed a critical connection between America and France. -
Spain
Spain fought with the Americans against Britain because they wanted to regain land. They also wanted to gain against Britain possessions in other parts of the world. The Spaniards provided supplies and munitions to the Americans. -
Cowpens
This was a battle between General Daniel Morgan and the British under Lieutenant Colonel Sir Banastre Tarleton. This battle was In South Carolina. The battle is significant because the British could not replace the casualties. It led to the surrender by Cornwallis in York Town. -
Yorktown
The battle of York Town was the last battle fought in the Revolutionary War. It was between 17,000 French with the Continental army against 9,000 British Troops. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
The treaty of Paris was signed in Paris by the representatives of King George III and the representatives of the United States. The treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolution. The treaty said that the U.S was independent and gave them the western territory. -
French and English Enlightenment
The Enlightenment period was a time when in France and in Europe when they questioned tradition and lead with a different kind of idea on life. The most impactful enlightenment thinkers was John Locke.