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French & English Enlightenment
The philosophers during this time had a big impact on the ideas for human independence. A major philosopher was John Locke, whos works influenced the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. -
John Locke
He was a philosopher during the Enlightenment and his works had a big influence on the development on human rights and independence. -
France Involvement
The french were allies of the Continental Army, and helped by providing them with supplies and whatever funds they needed to win against Britain. The colonists won the war due to this help. -
George Washington
He was a general during the Revolutionary War and he lead the colonists in the battle of Yorktown, which lead the colonists to win the war. Once the war was over, he served two terms as president and helped shape the country we have today. -
Thomas Jefferson
He was a delegate during the Revolutionary War and he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Although he never actually fought in the war, he still helped shaped our government from the ground up. -
Lexington & Concord
This battle was the first one between the colonists and the British Army. It also marked the start of the Revolutionary War. The British Army won this battle and the it was a horrible defeat for the colonists. -
Second Contential Congress
This Congress was created on the verge of the Revolutionary War. They made treaties, discussed war bonds, moved supplies, and decided army strategies. It was a way for the colonists to feel like they had some sort of control over the situation. -
Bunker Hill
This battle started when the British tried to invade Boston and seize it. The British army won due to the amount of resources that they had available to them. -
Olive Branch Petition
This was a last ditch effort to keep the peace between Great Britain and the colonies. In the petition, the colonists pledged their loyalty to the King and and reasserted their rights as citizens of Great Britain. -
Declaration of Independence
This was the official document that was written by delegates from the colonies, it declared that they would no longer be under British rule and that they were going to fight for their rights. -
Battle of Trenton
This battle was a surprise attack on the British Army on Christmas. George Washington had organized the attack and they had rowed across the Delaware. The British were drunk from the festivity and so it was a win for the colonists after they surrendered. -
Saratoga
There were many battles that took place here that started in September and ended in October. The Battle of Quebec was also fought here between the Canadian Army and the Continental Army. The Continental Army won and it put them at a big advantage. -
Battle of Princeton
The battle took place in New Jersey shortly after the battle of Trenton. This battle was also led by George Washington. -
Valley Forge
This was a place for Washington's army after they failed to take back Philadelphia from the British. They stayed here to plan their next move until the next July. -
Spain Involvement
During the war, France and Spain were also allies, so Spain also ended up helping America. Even though they came to help later on in the war, they helped much the same as France with funds and supplies. -
Battle of Cowpens
This battle was lead by General Morgan. During this battle, more than 800 soldiers were either killed or captured. This victory for the colonists boosted their morale and they found courage to keep fighting. -
Battle of Yorktown
This was the last battle in the Revolutionary War, and having won it, the colonists were able to claim their independence. It caused Britain to lose a lot of their own soldiers, which caused Parliament to call upon Britain to end the war. After these tragedy, Britain lost their inspiration to fight. -
Treaty of Paris
The treaty was signed by American colonists and Great Britain, and it was used to end the Revolutionary War. It lead to the United States to be recognized as an independent country and all of Great Britain's lands east up to Mississippi were given to America.