-
French and English Enlightenment
Two periods in time when many philosophers and thinkers were embracing rational thinking and challenged the authorities of their countries. -
John Locke
John Locke was a British Enlightenment Philosopher. John Locke's beliefs on the social contract are that life, liberty, and property are given to us by nature and shouldn't be taken away. But in order to keep these rights, the people have to follow the laws of the government. This was later reflected in the Constitution. -
George Washington
Leader of the Colonial military during the Revolutionary War. He led the army into battle and won several times. Because of his achievements he later became the first President of the US. -
Treaty of Alliance
This treaty made France and the US allies in the War against Britain, and that the freedom of the states would be a priority. -
Lexington and Concord
As the first battles in the Revolutionary War, these battles played a pivotal role in the colonies' attempts to declare independence. There were many losses on both sides but in the end, the British won because of better firepower and more supplies. -
Second Continental Congress
The colonies' first main attempt at representative self-governing as the congress represented the colonies. George Washington was made general of the army. Olive branch Petition. -
Bunker Hill
This battle is known as an incredibly bloody battle. It was one of the larger fights in the Revolutionary War. The British won the fight but at a high cost of half of the over 2000 British men that entered the battle being injured or killed. Even though they lost, this battle allowed for a boost in the confidence of the colonists and it helped convince them they had a chance. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was sent to King George III asking to settle everything without going to war. This petition was openly refused by the king who said they were rebelling and would be killed as traitors if they continued. The king sent in more troops. -
Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson was the governor of Virginia and served in the Virginia legislature. He participated in the continental congress. He later became the US Secretary of State as well as the vice president of John Adams He also served in relations with France as he was the US minister to France. He also attended the second continental congress. He drafted the Declaration of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was the first formal statement of Independence from Britain. It allowed for the colonies to officially declare they have no more ties to Britain. -
Trenton
Christmas night Washington's soldiers crossed the Deleware river in preparation to surprise attack Hessian mercenaries. During this event, Washington led the army to victory in two small yet pivotal battles. -
Princeton
After the battle of Trenton Washington led his army into Princeton while leaving a few men behind to keep campfires in order to stall and distract the enemy. When Washington got to Princeton he won the fight making the British retreat from New Jersey into New York. After the back to back large wins the colonists began to truly believe that they could win. -
Saratoga
Saratoga was a very large win for the Americans as John Burgoyne and his troops surrendered and the colonists won. This made the French believe they should help the colonists revolution. This showed that even if the colonists were outmatched they could still win. -
Valley Forge
The Winter was incredibly cruel to the men at Valley Forge with hundreds of the 11.000 stationed dead from disease Washington was able to hold his troops together in order to survive the cruel environment. -
Treaty of Amity and Commerce
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce made France recognize the US as its own independent country, and encouraged trade between the two nations. -
Spain
Spain declared war on Britain as an ally to France and because at the time France was an ally of America Spain helped America in their fight for independence by giving them supplies and munitions. -
Cowpens
Cowpens was one of the decisive battles in the Revolutionary War as it boosted the morale of the patriots and gave the British casualties they were unable to recover from. This wounded Cornwalls' forces for the battle of Yorktown. -
Yorktown
After the battle of Cowpens, the British were unable to recover in time for the battle of Yorktown. This led to colonial victory which in turn ended the final main battle of the Revolutionary War. This also helped to show how good of a leader Washington was and helped him get elected the first president of the US. -
Treaty of Paris
Treaty signed by representatives of King George III and representatives of the US. Officially ended the Revolutionary War.