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French and English Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a period of time where philosophers from England, France, and Britain began to think differently using logic and reason. This era of time produced many books, inventions, and discoveries that had a huge impact on government and leadership. Important philosophers from this time period included John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Voltaire. -
John Locke - Social Contract and Natural Rights
John Locke was one of the most famous English philosophers during the American Revolution. Locke contributed 2 main theories to the movement: the Social Contract and natural rights. He believed that natural rights such as liberty and property that were God-given and could not be taken away. He also believed that the social contract allowed people to overthrow it if it filed to protected their rights, which would later be used as a principle in the first constitution. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress, which was made up of delegates from the 13 colonies, took over after the Redcoats started storming Boston.This congress made several decisions advancing American independence, such as creating a continental army, granting the power to print money, and appointing George Washington as supreme commander. This congress served as one of the first main governing bodies for the colonies in the fight for independence. -
George Washington - Revolutionary War
George Washington played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, seeing as he was chief commander for the continental/colonial army. He led his armies to many victories, and eventually become the first president of the U.S. Washington paved the way fr future leaders, generals, presidents, and officials in the newfound land. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson played a huge role in the American Revolution, seeing as he was a delegate int he Second Continental Congress, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and the Third president of the U.S. He believed that the government should only have a small role in the lives of the citizens, which was reflected in the first and later constitutions. -
Lexington and Concord
These were the first 2 battles in the Revolutionary War. Paul Revere and William Dawes alerted the colonists that the British were bringing their troops to Concord. Fighting that lasted only a day ended with a victory, the first victory, for the colonies in the war. This battle proved that the war was on, and that it was just the beginning. -
Bunker Hill
This battle, although lost by the colonies, resulted in many casualties within the British army. Despite the loss, this battle was significant because it proved to be a confidence booster for the inexperienced colonial army. This battle also showed the British that the war would be long, hard, and expensive, which foreshadowed later events. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition, which was written by John Dickinson, was a message to the king as a last hope to avoid war between the colonies and Britain. In the letter, Dickinson made sure to only address the grievances of the colonists, making sure not to offend the king. However, the king turned down the letter, because thanks to a letter published by John Adams, he found out the colonies were still planning a war. George then declared that the colonies were in a full-scale rebellion. -
Valley Forge
Valley Forge served as a 6 month encampment for George Washington and his soldiers. The soldiers were cold, exhausted, low on supplies, and beginning to doubt their ability to win the fight for independence.The troops suffered harsh living conditions, but by the end of the 6 months they had found new hope and confidence to keep on fighting. Valley Forge symbolized a turning point in the war. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was a document that declared the colonies freedom from Great Britain, and expressed the importance of individuality. This document was voted on by 12/13 colonies, and it served as an epitome for future revolutionary wars and treaties. It also inspired it's on holiday- Independence Day, which is celebrated on the same day that it was signed. -
Trenton
This battle in the war was tedious yet important. George Washington led his army to victory on the morning of the 26th against the German Hessian, which resulted in the surrendering of the soldiers. It was significant because it resulted in American control over New Jersey, which showed just how well the colonies could work as a team. -
Saratoga
This battle, which was split in 2 separate fights, was also a turning point in the war. The first battle was fought on an abandoned farm, and although the Americans lost, Britain suffered a large amount of casualties. The second battle took place in Bemis Heights, and the colonists pulled out a decisive victory, cutting off supplies and routes for the Soviet Union. This battle was significant because it gave the colonists a boost to convince the Dutch, French, and Spanish to join their side. -
Princeton
This battle took place a week after the battle of Trenton. The colonial army marched to Princeton in order to destroy a bridge, cutting off General Hugh Mercer's defenses. George Washington and his soldiers won, which proved that he could effectively unite and lead the colonies to multiple victories. -
France - Treaty of Amity & Commerce, Treaty of Alliance
The Treaty of Amity & Commerce encouraged trade between France and America, while the treaty of Alliance established France as in ally to the Americans as a form of peace to help fight the British. Although the France wanted to help the colonies and supported their democratic beliefs, they wanted to get revenge on Britain for taking most of their American territory in the French and Indian war. These agreements were significant because it foreshadowed future reinforcements for the Americans. -
Spain
Spain played a role in the revolution by serving as an ally to the French, who were allies with the Americans, not only to help the colonies but to get revenge on Britain. Although they did not directly support the revolt, Spain helped send supplies and reinforcements to the Americans from a distance. Spain's military forces helped bring in many victories for the Americans and helped draw to the conclusion of the war. -
Cowpens
This battle proved as a turning point for American forces in the south. The Patriots, led by General Morgan, decimated Colonel Tarleton's British troops and caused many casualties, more than 8 times the casualties inflicted on themselves. Tarleton himself escaped, but that did nit matter, because the battle gave the Patriots a confidence boost knowing they could win without a crutch (such as geographical advancements or reinforcements). -
Yorktown
This battle was the last major battle in the war, and it marked the start of the United States of America, away from Great Britain. It also symbolized the British's will being diminished due to the tough loss. The American and French troops were outnumbered- 6,500 to 8,000- but that did not stop the from pulling out a win. General Cornwallis surrendered to Washington, and soon after Parliament passed a resolution, ending the war. -
Treaty of Paris
This agreement officially marked the end of the war, and the American's freedom from Great Britain. Britain finally recognized the colonies' independence and gave up most of its territory east of the Mississippi River. The treaty also defined the U.S. border, resolved debt issues between the Americans and Britain, and established fair treatment to those who stayed loyal to Britain during the war.