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Theories of John Locke
John Locke's theory of natural rights argued that individuals possess god given rights to life, liberty, and property, which the government shall protect. This essay argues against absolute power of monarchy and instead supports the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed. -
Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams was one of the main organizers of the Boston Tea Party. He played a significant role in Americas independence by protesting taxation without representation. He served as the governor of Massachusetts and was part of the ratification of the United States Constitution. -
Crispus Attucks
Crispus Attucks was a man of African and Native descent who was one of the five people killed at the Boston Massacre. He's known as the first casualty of the revolutionary movement. Attucks killing led to the patriotic ideologies of the colonizers and started the anti-British movement that resulted in an independent America. -
George Washington
George Washington led America to victory over the British Army and was the first President of the United States of America. In office, he built the framework for the new republic and set important precedents for the executive branch. George Washington is remembered as the "Father of our country" and his patriotic legacy is engrained in the American culture. -
Paul Revere
Paul Revere was a silversmith, engraver, and patriot. He's known for the warning he gave to the colonial militia informing them that the British are coming. The following battles were the ones of Lexington and Concord, without Revere's alert, the outcome of the siege could've been catastrophic. -
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry was an important member of the American Revolution known for his stern view on colonial rights. His famous quote "Give me liberty, or give me death!" was said by him in a speech urging Virginia to join the revolution. He was also an anti-federalist and disapproved of centralized government. -
John Adams
John Adams was an influential member of the American Revolution and the second president of the United States. He was an important figure of the Continental Congress where he helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He also served as a diplomat for the United States where he negotiated with European powers. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was also a founding father and the third president of the United States. He lived for individual rights, religious freedom, and democratic ideologies. Jefferson's writing, including the Declaration of Independence, helped build America as a nation and influenced it's principles. As president, Jefferson purchased Louisiana doubling the size of the United States. -
Theories of Charles de Montesquieu
Charles de Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers advocated for separate branches to prevent tyranny and ensure the balance of power. This book was published in 1748 and discusses separation of powers and importance of laws that maintain liberty. His work influenced political thought and the idea of separation of powers. -
Gilbert du Montier, Marquis de Lafayette
Lafayette was a French aristocrat that volunteered to serve in the Continental Army under General George Washington. He continued to advocate for republican government even after the war and has gained respect from both the French and the Americans. Lafayette took on important roles in crucial battles, including the Battle of Yorktown. -
Theories of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau's theory of social contract influenced political thought during the American Revolution. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's book, The Social Contract, discusses the idea that individuals surrender some freedoms in exchange for protection from the government. Political authority comes from a hypothetical social contract that is agreed upon by the people. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act of 1975 was a law imposed on British Colonies in the Americas to pay a tax on goods such as paper, documents, and playing cards.These taxes were represented by a stamp on the goods. This act was an important event leading up to the American Revolution. -
The Boston Massacre
While protesting taxes, American colonist got in a skirmish with a British soldier, which ultimately led to British troops occupying the area to open fire on a crowd of civilians. The soldiers killed 5 and wounded 6. -
The Boston Tea Party
As a act of rebellion against the Tea Act, groups of colonizers dressed as American Indians, raided a ship importing tea, and dumped 342 chest of tea into the Boston harbor. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress met in 1775 after the start of the American Revolution where it appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and later adopted the Declaration of Independence. -
Passage of the Intolerable Acts
A series of 4 laws passed by the British in response to The Boston Tea Party. These laws included closing the port of Boston, The Massachusetts Government Act, which led to total control for the British government, and The Administration of Justice Act, which removed the ability for colonist to hold trial against British officials. Finally, the Quartering Act allowed British soldiers to be housed or quartered amongst American colonist. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress gathered in 1774 in response to the Intolerable Acts. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought on April 19, 1775. These battles marked the beginning of the American Revolution and represented the escalating tensions between America and the British. British troops were ordered to seize military supplies in Concord, MA, while Paul Revere alerted colonial militias. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775. It was another early engagement of the war, but America displayed confidence and the ability to challenge the British military, boosting patriotic morale. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine's Common Sense, was 47 page pamphlet that made a clear case for American independence and heavily motivated and educated the American people to continue their fight for independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776. The document claimed the thirteen colonies of America to be independent from British rule and asserted human right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of the United States as a Sovereign nation. -
Battle of Trenton
The Battle of Trenton was fought on December 26, 1776. It was an important victory for the Continental Army led by George Washington. Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night where the launched a surprise attack on British troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. This battle revived the war effort for the Americans and is one of the biggest victories for the Continental Army. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was fought in September and October of 1777. This victory for the Americans ultimately convinced the French to support the American cause. The American victory encouraged other powers to join conflict which significantly altered the course of the war. -
Battle of Yorktown
he Battle of Yorktown was fought between September 28th to October 19, 1781. This battle was the last major battle of the American Revolution. The combined efforts of the French and the Americans led to the surrender of General Cornwallis, ending the war. The Battle of Yorktown was the final victory that led to the recognition of the United States as a sovereign nation. -
White Settlers
White settlers accounted for a major portion of the American colonies. Motivated by the idea of self-governance and independence they organized themselves to oppose british rule. Settlers from a multitude of backgrounds joined the patriot cause to sacrifice themselves for the freedom of future civilians. The primary source on the left is a copy from the mayflower compact from 1669. -
African Americans
Both free and enslaved African Americans played important roles in the American Revolution. Many fought for the Americans, but many also fought for the British in exchange for freedom. Despite the racism they faced, their fight for independence of themselves and others will be remembered as a crucial effort that allowed the Americans to be independent. -
American Indians
While many of the tribes faced challenges as a result of the conflict, many also allied with the British hoping to protect their land. Other American Indians allied with the Americans in hope that they were their best hope against encroachment. The American Revolution disrupted the American Indians lives although they played a crucial role in the outcome of the war. -
Women
The role of women in the American Revolution is often overlooked. While most men physically fought for independence, women managed everything that could no longer be managed by the men. Women managed households, farms, businesses, and raised children. Some women even disguised themselves as men to join the army. Figures such as Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren advocated for political rights alongside men. -
Men
Men of all backgrounds participated in the American Revolution. Common civilians fought for their liberties against British rule and heavily supported militia units. Men risked their lives on the battle field as a sacrifice for the freedom for their families and nation. Their sacrifices shaped the nations future and we thank them for our freedom today.