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George Washington
First Commander in chief and President of the United States. Was also a general in the Seven Years War. A Virginia native that owned a plantation called Mount Vernon -
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Paul Revere
An American painter who rode to Lexington and Concord to warn local Minute men that the British were approaching to seize their arms -
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Patrick Henry
A fiery orator that gave the "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech. Was one of the many founding fathers that shaped our country -
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Lord Cornwallis
The British general who surrendered at the battle of Yorktown and officially marked the end of the war -
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Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration Of Independance. He was a president of the United States and a Founding Father. Owned a plantation called Monticello. -
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French and Indian War
A war between the French and the British that was a kay factor to the start of the revolutionary war -
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The Seven Years' War
Was a global conflict involving most of the major European powers and many smaller European states. -
The Sugar Act
A tax the British levied on the colonies. It taxed any and all imports and exports of sugar and products made of sugar -
Stamp Act
Britain passes the Stamp Act, imposing a tax on legal documents, newspapers, etc. An American campaign to have the act repealed will give Americans confidence that they can avoid future taxes as well. -
The Boston Massacre
An incident involving colonials and British soldiers where 5 colonies were shot and killed in a giant confusing event. The colonies use it as anti-British propaganda before the war. -
Boston Tea Party
An incident where an anti-British colonial group called the suns of liberty snuck on to a British supply ship and threw crates of tea into the Boston harbor -
First Continental Congress convene
The first meeting of the continental congress. Many of the founding fathers were included -
Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech
A speech that highlighted the importance of liberty and freedom from Britain -
Paul Revere's Ride
Paul Revere rode to Lexington and concord to warn local militias about the impending attack from the British -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The first two battles of the American revolutionary war. Nobody knows who shot off the first shot of the battles -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Inexperienced colonial soldiers hold off British veterans for more than two hours at Breed's Hill. Although eventually forced to abandon their position, including the high ground of Bunker Hill overlooking Boston, the patriots show that they are not intimidated by the long lines of red-coated infantrymen. Of the 2,200 British seeing action, more than 1,000 end up dead or wounded. -
Thomas Jefferson writes Declaration of Independence
The document that states the colonies separation from Great Britain. -
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George Washington Crosses the Delaware River
Washington moves his troops into New Jersey on December 25. The patriots then surprise a force of German troops fighting for Britain at Trenton on December 26. -
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Battle of Saratoga
marked the climax of the Saratoga campaign, giving a victory to the Americans over the British in the American Revolutionary War -
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Washington winters at Valley Forge
Very cold and very desolate with very little food or recourses -
Treaty of Alliance
As a result of the patriot victory at Saratoga and American diplomatic efforts, France allies itself with the new American government. French financial and military aid will prove critical in winning the war. The Continental Army will learn of the French Alliance in May. -
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Battle of Yorktown/Cornwallis Surrenders
A joint French and American force traps a large British army on Virginia's Yorktown peninsula. Unable to evacuate or receive reinforcements because a French fleet has driven off a British fleet, General Cornwallis is forced to surrender. Although New York City and Charleston, S.C., will remain in British hands until a peace treaty is signed two years later, the war for American independence is essentially over. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ratifies the independence of the 13 North American states. Canada remains a British province, beginning its separate development as a U.S. neighbor. -
Ratification of US Constitution
The changing and revision of the constitution -
Ratification of Bill of Rights
The revision of the bill of rights.