-
Period: to
French & English Enlightenment
This period brought many new ideas to the table, challenging the current authority. It gave the Americans & French new perspectives on how they were being treated by their ruling power. According to these teachings, the only to make a difference would be to start a rebellion. They believed in things like separation of church & state and freedom to say and do as you please. Since the American Revolution lead to the independent, self-rule of America, this allowed for logical order to be in place. -
Thomas Jefferson
He is part of the Second Continental Congress, being a delegate from Virginia. He is also one of the people that wrote the Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution, using John Locke as an influencer. The D.O.I. declared that America was finally free from the rule of Britain. -
Lexington & Concord
These were the VERY FIRST battles during the time of the Revolutionary War. It was Britain who started them, in the attempt to try and steal/destroy the supplies of the Colonial Army, and to try and arrest people involved in political rebellion, like Samuel Adams and John Hancock. -
Second Continental Congress
This showed America the first try at a representative self-rule. Although they had limited power, they still nominated ambassadors and generals, drafted people into the Continental Army, regulating money, and other basic functions.
George Washington: This was the Congress that nominated him to the Colonial Army as commander-in-chief. He lead this army into the American Revolution. -
Bunker Hill
Britain was trying to keep control in Boston, so they took over two hills, Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill. After the colonists heard of Britain's tactics, they decided to go and defend said hills. The colonists were able to kill/injury many of the British soldiers, and since they were new to fighting, this boosted their ego and helped them develop tactics in the battles to come. -
Olive Branch Petition
It was adopted by the Continental Congress. Although it was rejected by the King, it's purpose was to try and prove to the King that they were loyal to him and they are optimistic in trying to restore a relationship between Great Britain and the colonists. The colonists were against the government ruling over them, not the King himself. With the rejection, the King said that the war could not be stopped and it was coming soon. -
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson during the Revolutionary War, this stated the America was not longer going to be ruled by Britain; they declared independence from Britain. It also enforced that the people are allowed to fight against the government if the government does not abide by the people's natural rights. -
John Locke (date refers to Natural Rights)
These include the rights of "life, liberty, and property." They are given to us at birth & no one/nothing can remove them. John Locke's ideas were used in the Declaration of Independence, as well, in the line "that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." He was a major philosopher during the Enlightenment Era, & believed that the people could throw out the government if they did not respect the people. -
Battle at Trenton
Washington and his Army were able to beat a small group of British Hessian troops. But, even thought it was a small defeat, it tremendously boosted their egos, helping their confidence during the duration of the Revolutionary War. -
Battle at Princeton
After winning both the Battle at Princeton and Trenton, the American troops believed that they might actually win the Revolutionary War, after all. This battle resulted in the fleeing to Britain to New York after they lost reign over New Jersey. -
Saratoga
This was the beginning of France wanting to join forces with America as allies. They later signed two treaties that enforced their alliance and partnership. This was a turning point during the American Revolution, and it helped American win against the British in the end. -
Valley Forge
This was one of the locations that George Washington lead his army to camp out. During this time, Washington helped strengthen his army and be prepared to fight against Britain for the rest of the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Amity & Commerce
This magnified the idea that America was an independent country from now on. It also motivated the want for France and America to being trading together. France helped reinforce the American colonies in the Revolutionary War, and it help them in the fight, as well. -
Treaty of Alliance
This was an agreement between America and France. They formed an alliance just in case Britain tried to attack France, in which America will combat them alongside France. This agreement was arranged and signed in the middle of the American Revolution. France was allowed to take over British land and it brought the idea of American Independence, yet again. -
Spain
They supplied military materials and other things to the American Troops while they were fighting in the American Revolution. They also fought in the war, against the British. After winning important battles against them, Spain lead the end of the American Revolution when the British surrendered. -
Cowpens
Being another battle during the American Revolution, it was fought in Cowpens, South Carolina. It lead to the delay in Britain fighting in North Carolina, which is a win for the southern colonies. The Colonial Army won this battle, and Britain retreated, making this a huge milestone in the American Revolution. -
Yorktown
Britain surrendered to the French and Americans, resulting in this being the last battle during the American Revolution. It also showed how George Washington was a respectable and honorable leader, and it initiated America's newfound independence from Britain. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
This confirmed the end of the Revolutionary War. It was signed by both Britain and the United States. It also officially separated the 13 colonies from Britain, declaring their independence.
