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John Locke
He presented the idea of checks and balances, and said that revolution is not only a right but an obligation. He said that if the government fails to protect rights, citizens have the right to overthrow the government. -
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French and English Enlightenment
This was known as the Age of Reason. It changed the old ways of thinking and gave a range of ideas centered on reason and evidence. -
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George Washington
He led the colonies to victory over the British and became a national hero. He played a big role in the war and soon became the first president. -
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Thomas Jefferson
He played a big role in writing the Declaration of Independence, which declares that the colonies were free from the British. He was elected to the Continental Congress, which was made of the 13 colonies. -
Lexington and Concord
This started the American Revolutionary War, so this started everything between the colonies and Britain. -
Second Continental Congress
This was America's first real try at a self-government. This would be for the colonies from 1775-1781. -
Bunker Hill
This was the first major battle, it was a victory for Britain, but took them 3 tries to get up the hill. it only worked the 3rd because the Americans ran out of ammo. -
Olive Branch Petition
This was to get King George III out of ruling and prevent problems between colonies and Britain before escalating into a war. -
Declaration of Independence
It was an act from the 13 American colonies declaring freedom from the British. It contains ideas and goals of the nation, and it was used to create something new and better. -
Trenton
It was won by the Americans, and Washington defeated the Hessian army. This gave the Americans a big boost in confidence and restored their morale. -
Saratoga
This was a victory from the American colonies that was needed. This gave the American colonies and ally which was France. -
Valley Forge
This was a major turning point because the defeats led to some members wanting to replace Washington. They were held together due to loyalty for the colonies, and Washington stayed. -
France
They provided supplies for the American colonies like gunpowder, canons, and clothing. They became an ally through the Treaty of Alliance, which helped the American colonies win. -
Spain
They played a role in helping the Americans with the supplies they needed. Spain also brought victories against the British, which helped the Americans defeat the British. -
Cowpens
This was another turning point in the war, which led the British army to retreat. This gave the Americans confidence in winning the war. -
Yorktown
This battle was the end of the Revolutionary War. The British surrendered to Washington and his allies because the British were trapped. The British army lacked resources, so they couldn't fight much longer, which led to the Treaty of Paris. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
It ended the American Revolution, and gave the U.S. independence and granted the U.S. western territory.