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John Locke
John Locke, a prominent English scholar and medical doctor, was a great leading figure among Enlightenment intellectuals and is often hailed as the "pioneer of liberalism." His impact on political philosophy and empirical thinking has helped his legacy as a contributor to modern philosophical thought. His ideas laid the foundation for the concept of natural rights and the social contract theory, which significantly influenced the development of democratic governance and individual freedoms. -
Charles Montesquieu
Montesquieu was a prominent French figure known for developing the theory of the separation of powers, which has greatly influenced the formation of many constitutions globally. This principle involves dividing government responsibilities into different branches to prevent any one person or group from holding too much power. His ideas have had a lasting impact on the systems and functioning of governments worldwide. -
Sam Adams
Samuel Adams was a key figure in American history, serving as a statesman, political thinker, and one of the United States' Founding Fathers. His contributions played a significant role in shaping the nation's early development and its political philosophy. -
Paul Revere
Paul Revere, who was born on January 1, 1735, was an American silversmith, military officer, and industrialist. He became famous for his midnight ride in 1775 to warn the minutemen of the approaching British troops before the battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolutionary War in Massachusetts. -
Benedict Arnold
During the American Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold, an American-born British military officer, initially fought valiantly for the American Continental Army as a major general. However, in 1780, he defected to the British after achieving prominence in the American military. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father and the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809, was responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence. He was a versatile figure, being an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, and philosopher. -
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War, which occurred within the broader Seven Years' War, saw the North American colonies of the British Empire and their Native American allies engage in conflict against the North American colonies of the French, who were also supported by various Native American tribes. -
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father, served as the initial U.S. secretary of the treasury from 1789 to 1795 under President George Washington, in addition to being an American military officer and statesman. Hamilton was born in Charlestown, Nevis, out of wedlock and became an orphan as a child, after which he was raised by a wealthy merchant. -
Proclamation of 1763
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III on 7 October 1763. It followed the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the Seven Years' War and transferred French territory in North America to Great Britain. After the Seven Years' War, King George III issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763 on 7 October. This proclamation came after the Treaty of Paris, which marked the transfer of French territory in North America to Great Britain. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred in Boston on March 5, 1770. During the confrontation, nine British soldiers fired upon a crowd of three or four hundred people who were verbally harassing them and throwing different objects. -
The Boston Tea Party
On December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty, a group of American colonists, staged a significant political and mercantile demonstration known as the Boston Tea Party in colonial Massachusetts. This historic event was a protest against the Tea Act imposed by the British government, which resulted in the dumping of an entire shipment of tea into Boston Harbor as a defiant act against unjust taxation and colonial oppression. -
First Continental Congress
Encouraged by local advocacy groups, colonial assemblies authorized representatives to participate in a Continental Congress tasked with establishing guidelines for a boycott. Connecticut led the way by being the first colony to take action. The Congress convened in Philadelphia on September 5, 1774, and was attended by delegates from all 13 colonies, except for Georgia. -
Minutemen
During the American Revolutionary War, the Minutemen were part of the New England colonial militia and were trained in weaponry and military tactics. They were renowned for their readiness to spring into action at a moment's notice, which is how they earned their name. -
"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech
The phrase "Give me liberty or give me death!" is credited to Patrick Henry, an American politician and orator, during a speech at the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. In this powerful statement, Henry expressed his willingness to sacrifice his life in order to secure freedom and independence. -
The Second Continental Congress
In the late 18th centuries a meeting of delegates from all of the Thirteen Colonies united, supporting the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War. This meeting was called the Second Continental Congress. The Second Continental Congress recognized American independence from the British Empire. -
Hessians
During the 18th century, German soldiers known as Hessians supported the British Army in various conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War. The term "Hessians" refers to all German soldiers who fought alongside the British, with the majority hailing from the German states of Hesse-Kassel and Hesse-Hanau. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union constituted the initial governing framework for the 13 states, originally the Thirteen Colonies, in the United States. It functioned as the primary form of government for the nation at that time. -
French Alliance
The most significant diplomatic achievement for the colonists during the War for Independence was establishing a crucial alliance with France. This alliance was formalized through the signing of the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce by representatives of the American and French governments on February 6, 1778. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, marked the conclusion of the American Revolution War between the U.S. and Britain. This historic agreement acknowledged U.S. independence and awarded significant western lands to the United States, building upon the preliminary treaty of 1782. -
US Constitution signed
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 39 delegates from 12 states, who were representing the Constitutional Convention, endorsed the Constitution that was formed during the four-month-long convention.