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White Settlers
The colony of Jamestown was the first lasting settlement within the New World. Without this settlement the search for freedom would not exist. The settlers of Jamestown paved the way for America to blossom and become the nation we know today. Many settlers were involved in the war, serving in the Continental Army or local militias. They played crucial roles in battles and contributed to the resilience of the American cause. -
The Samp Act
The Stamp Acts were a set of taxation policies imposed on the American colonies by the British government. The goal of the acts were to generate revenue which would cover the costs of the stationed British troops within the colonies after the French and Indian War. It stated that legal and commercial documents, newspapers, and even playing cards carry a stamp, which could only be bought by paying a tax. -
Samuel Adams Organized the Sons of Liberty to Revolt Against the Stamp Act
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Free and Enslaved African Americans
Notable individuals like Crispus Attucks were among the first casualties in the Boston Massacre, symbolizing the quest for freedom. Enslaved individuals faced a impossible choice but with hopes of the same outcome. Some sought freedom by aligning with the British, who promised emancipation to those who joined their ranks. Others sided with the Patriots, hoping that the revolutionary ideals of liberty might extend to them. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a confrontation between a group of colonists and British soldiers arose when British soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five civilians and injuring several others.The event is often portrayed as an example of British oppression and contributed to the growing desire for independence among the American colonists in the years leading up to the American Revolution. -
Crispus Attucks Died at the Boston Massacre
Attucks, was a former slave and sailor, and he was the first casualty during the fight for independence. His death, along with that of four other colonists, fueled the hate towards the British and added fuel to the already burning fire against the British. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was where a group of colonists who were disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded three British ships docked in Boston Harbor. The colonists were led by the Sons of Liberty and dumped 342 chests of tea into the harbor, symbolizing their opposition to the oppressive taxation policies imposed by the British government. -
Passage of the Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts, were a series of measures imposed by the British Parliament. These acts were a result of the Boston Tea Party in 1774, and intended to input British control over the colonies. This act closed the port of Boston until the East India Company was reimbursed by the colonist for the destroyed tea. The Quartering Act, requiring colonists to house and feed British troops also arose from these acts as well. -
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia in 1774 as a response to the tensions rising between the American colonies and the British. Delegates from twelve colonies (excluding Georgia) gathered to address their issues and create a response to the Intolerable Acts, imposed by the British Parliament. While the First Continental Congress fell short of acquiring complete independence, it created the stepping stones for colonial unity. -
American Indians
Different tribes aligned themselves with either the British or American colonists. Tribes such as the Mohawk, Cherokee, and Seneca allied with the British, contributing warriors to their cause. In contrast, tribes like the Oneida and Stockbridge Mohicans sided with the Patriots, motivated by grievances against British encroachments on their lands. Native American involvement often took the form of guerrilla warfare and raids, disrupting both American and British forces. -
Men Within the War
Throughout this period, many men played influential roles in the war, both on the American and British sides. Some notable figures include George Washington, who served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and other Founding Fathers who contributed to the development of the United States. -
Patrick Henry uttered his famous words, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"
These words created massive support for the revolutionary cause. While not a military commander, Henry's influence extended to his service as the first post-colonial Governor of Virginia, a position he assumed in 1776. During his role as Governor, he worked to mobilize Virginia's militia and resources for the war effort. -
Paul Revere had his Famous Ride, "The British Are Coming!"
On the eve of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, he received intelligence that British forces were planning to arrest rebel leaders and seize weapons. Revere warned fellow patriots, including John Hancock and Samuel Adams, of the British attacks. His warning allowed them to avoid the seizers and allow the colonists to prepare for what lies ahead of them. Revere continued his ride, alerting local militias and communities. His ride ended when he was captured by the British. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775. The conflict began in the town of Lexington, Massachusetts, where British troops encountered a group of colonial militia. The first shot, known as the "shot heard 'round the world," was fired. The British then advanced to Concord, where they faced further resistance. The battles resulted in casualties on both sides, signaling the start of armed hostilities. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, to continue the groundwork laid by the First Continental Congress. It played a role in organizing the Continental Army, with George Washington appointed as its commander-in-chief. The Congress also drafted the Olive Branch Petition, a final attempt at an agreement with Britain. The Second Continental Congress functioned as the government of the United Colonies. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Despite its name, most of the fighting actually took place on Breed's Hill, near Bunker Hill, in the vicinity of Boston. American forces, led by Colonel William Prescott, fortified the hill, and when British troops, under General William Howe, launched an assault, the Americans fiercely resisted. The initial British assaults faced determined opposition, resulting in heavy casualties. The battle showcased the colonists' ability to stand against professional British forces. -
George Washington is Appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
Washington's post-war contributions included presiding over the Constitutional Convention and serving two terms as President, setting crucial precedents. His voluntary relinquishment of power after two terms and retirement to Mount Vernon established important norms. George Washington, often called the "Father of His Country." -
Common Sense
"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine, was a pamphlet that influenced the people in support for American independence. Paine argued passionately for the colonies' separation from British rule. He critiqued monarchy and hereditary succession, advocating for a republican form of government. Paine's compelling arguments and persuasive writing style had a profound impact on the American consciousness, inspiring many colonists to embrace the idea of independence. -
Declaration of Independence
It was drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The declaration advocated reasons for the thirteen American colonies to break away from British rule. It begins with the famous preamble asserting the God given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The concluding section officially declares the thirteen colonies as independent states, no longer subject to British rule. The signing of the Declaration of Independence marked the birth of the United States. -
Thomas Jefferson Drafted the Declaration of Independence
His influential writing captured the spirit of the American cause, asserting the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While serving as the Governor of Virginia during the war, Jefferson faced the challenges of British invasion, eventually leading to the fall of Richmond. His tenure was marked by the drafting of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, reflecting his commitment to individual freedoms. -
Battle of Trenton
The Battle of Trenton was a plan to cross the ice-filled Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on the Hessian forces. On Christmas night, Washington's troops executed a successful crossing. They surprised the Hessian's, achieving a decisive victory. The victory at Trenton was significant not only for its military impact but also for its psychological effect, boosting morale among American troops and supporters during a critical time in the war. -
Women Within the War
While women were not typically on the front lines as soldiers, many women played crucial roles in supporting the war effort in various ways. Women were involved in activities such as nursing, tending to wounded soldiers, managing households and farms in the absence of men, and contributing to the overall morale of the revolutionary cause. Betty Ross, is famous for stitching the legendary American Flag, giving the colonist a flag to fight for. -
Battle of Saratoga
British General John Burgoyne led an ambitious campaign to divide and conquer the American colonies by advancing from Canada. However, he faced staunch resistance from American forces led by General Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. American forces decisively repelled the British, forcing Burgoyne's surrender on October 17, 1777. The surrender of Burgoyne's army to the Americans was a significant victory. -
Marquis de Lafayette Helped Block the British Escape Routes in the Battle of Yorktown
Lafayette's pivotal contribution showed during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, where he played a key role in blocking British escape routes and contributed significantly to the success of the siege, leading to the surrender of British forces. His advocacy for increased French support, both during and after the war, was instrumental in securing additional troops and resources. -
Battle of Yorktown
American and French forces, led by General Washington, headed the operation against the British forces led by General Cornwallis. A surprise assault on British forces, with American and French forces overwhelmed the British defenders. Cornwallis's position became untenable, leading to a failed counterattack. British troops signaled surrender where it occurred outside Yorktown. News of Cornwallis's surrender signaled the impending end of the war. -
John Adams Negotiated the Terms for the Treaty of Paris
Recognizing the need for international support, Adams undertook diplomatic missions in Europe. He served as a commissioner to France, playing a vital role in securing French aid and negotiating the Treaty of Alliance in 1778. Adams later contributed to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, formally ending the war. His diplomatic service extended to the Netherlands, where he sought recognition and financial assistance for the American cause.