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John Locke
Locke was an English Philosopher that believed that the government should be controlled by the governed.
He believed the government should also protect the citizens’ natural rights, if not, the people have the power to overthrow the government. He also believed all people were good and equal. His ideals would be used in the creation of the Constitution and the reasoning for independence. -
French and English Enlightenment
The age of Enlightenment that took place around the world in the 17th and 18th centuries was a period of Philosophical and Intellectual movement. This period emphasized facts over faith and superstitions. This period would lead to many ideas that caused the revolutions in France and England. For example: freedom of religion, speech, equality, etc. -
George Washington
George Washington was the General of the Continental Army that would defeat the British. He was born in Virginia and became a notable figure in the colonies. After the war, Washington would be unanimously be elected the first President of the United States. He would run the country for 8 years before leaving office to retire in Virginia. He would die in 1799. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson played key roles in the independence and government of the colonies. Jefferson would write the Declaration of Independence that was sent to Britain. During the war, he was the ambassador to France to help keep good relations and help start the French Revolution. He was also the first US Secretary of State during the Washington Administration. He was also the Vice President in the Adams Administration. Finally, he was the Third US President and expanded the country's land. -
France (Treaty of Alliance)
France began helping the colonies at the begining of the ware. This included sending more guns, ships, etc. to help defeat the British. In 1778 though, France officially became an ally to the US. They began sending more soldiers and supplies to the States. Without the help of the French, there is a very small chance that we would've won the war. -
Lexington and Concord
The first two battles of the Revolutionary War were in the towns of Lexington and Concord. On the night of April 18, 1775, the British began a sneak attack on the colonists. However, many minutemen would arrive as backup for the colonists. The British technically won the battles, but the colonists were able to prove their might against the British. -
The Second Continental Congress
Unlike the first Continental Congress, the second was formed to help with the newly started war with Britain. In order to create some form of government, the congress made the first attempt at a representative self-governance. They also issued currency, created an army, and appointed Generals. -
Bunker Hill
Thee battle of Bunker Hill was an early battle in the war that took place during the siege of Boston. The battle took place in a hilly landscape that created barriers for both sides. The British won the battle, though both sides lost many men, and more were wounded. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a last attempt by the colonies to avoid war with England. It was a letter written to King George the third swearing their allegiance to the crown, while also asserting their rights as British citizens. The document was rejected by the King. -
The Declaration of Indepence
The Declaration of Independence officially declared the independence of the colonies from Britain. It gave the reasoning for independence including the right of all people to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It would still be years before the colonies would be free from the British and the war. -
Trenton
After crossing the Delaware river, General Washington led his army to Trenton, New Jersey. In the battle of Trenton, Washington and his troops fought against British soldiers, and some Hessians who were recruited by the British. The colonial army would win this battle, which would reassure Washington of their win in the war. -
Princeton
The battle of Princeton took place days after the battle of Trenton. Washington once again led his troops into Princeton to fight. The colonials won this battle too, which increasingly raised the morale and confidence of colonists and soldiers alike. -
Saratoga
In Saratoga, New York, between September and October of 1777, two battles took place. The battles took place 18 days apart and both were won by the colonists in a decisive victory. -
Valley Forge
Valley Forge was where Washington and the army remained for 6 months during the Winter of 1777. They would leave in June of 1778 with stronger morale, and better training than when they entered. This new training and experience the army was given created a bigger threat for the British. -
Spain
While not being an official ally to the US, Spain declared war on Britain in 1779, which meant they had a de facto alliance with France and the US. Spain declared war in order to regain land it had lost to Britain in the past. Spain did help supply the colonies until the war was over in 1781 -
Cowpens
Near the end of the war, the Battle of Cowpens (South Carolina) forced British troops to retreat from the southern colonies. The British's plan to invade North Carolina was slowed down by this battle. This retreat gave Americans even more confidence of their inevitable win. -
Yorktown
Over the course of three months, the continental Army surrounded Yorktown, which had been taken over by Britain years ago. The General of the British army surrendered Yorktown on October 19, and the US took back their territory. This was the final battle in the war. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was a document signed by British and US representatives that officially ended the Revolutionary war. It was signed in Paris France.
