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Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, the founder of the Democratic Republicans and creator of the more stern form of the constitution. Jefferson was a helper in aiding the colonists declare independence from the British during the Revolutionary War. Jefferson was also the author of the Declaration of Independence and eventually became the third president of the United States in 1801. -
Second Continental Congress
According to the book, the Second Continental Congress first met in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775. George Washington was selected to be the commander shortly after in June 1775. As commander George Washington arranged for them to begin on the draft of the Declaration of Independence. The Second Continental Congress attempted to get the country through the war using loans of money, relying on supplies and soldiers from different states. -
Lexington and Concord
The British were outnumbered by the Americans which led to them being conquered and wounded at Concord. Upon the retreat to Lexington, the minutemen surrounded British from all angles, and shot them. This is the first victory for the colonists during the Revolutionary War, and the first battle marking the Revolutionary War. -
George Washington
George Washington was named the commander in chief on June, 14, 1775 shortly after the Second Continental Congress had met in Philadelphia. Washington stood as the leader of the Constitutional Convention and was the first president of the United States. Leading the colonists to victory over the British during the war, Washington became a hero nationally. -
Bunker Hill
Cannons on the tops of hills in Boston, led to an easy target for the colonist giving them a wide range of the city of Boston. The British had planned the attack on the colonists knowing they were low on ammo, but before they could fire the Americans fired first causing the British to retreat. Reforming the lines and trying again only to get the same results. This battle at Bunker Hill gave the colonists a boost in their confidence and made the British realize this war would not be easy. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was sent to King George III by the Second Continental Congress which was a request that their differences be settled peacefully without the threat or fear of going to war. This was the final resolution and attempt to avoid going to war with Great Britain during this time. -
John Locke
John Locke, an English philosopher, believed that natural rights were inalienable, and could not be taken with government authority. Locke also believed we have rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke also believed the most basic right was the preservation of mankind, unless it be to justice. Locke is one of many signatures on the Declaration of Independence. -
Trenton
On December 25, 1776, George Washington's soldiers started crossing the Delaware River for a surprise attack on the British. The day after Christmas, they surprised the British troops taking more than nine hundred of them as prisoners. The following week they attacked in Princeton, New Jersey and gained territory. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence also known as the birth certificate of America, Freedom for All Americans (except slaves). The Declaration of Independence is a document created for Americans, to give the Americans what they had been fighting for and what they deserved. The document was the beginning of the end of being connected to Britain. The Declaration of Independence was a way to break off any bonds and declare independence from Great Britain. -
Valley Forge
Beginning in December 1777, Valley Forge was the turning point of the war because many died as a result of starvation, and disease, which killed over two thousand Americans by the end of February the following year. Washington feared if there was not help soon the army would begin to break up. -
Princeton
On January 3, 1777, shortly after the Battle at Trenton, Washington planned another surprise attack on the British in Trenton, New Jersey. After this victory the Americans now had spirit and faith. The Battles at Trenton and Princeton marked a boost in the American spirit which led many men to join the force in the following spring. -
Saratoga
General John Burgoyne sent for the capture of American supplies but were met and defeated by a militia. Since they were surrounded near Saratoga he had no choice but to fall back and surrender his whole army. Surrendering a total of almost six thousand men. -
France
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce was a treaty that promotes trade and gives commercial ties between two countries. France offered the United States trade concession, also signing the Treaty of Alliance. The Treaty of Alliance states that if France entered war they would do nothing until either of the countries gained their independence. -
Spain
On June 21, 1779, Spain declared war on Great Britain and created an alliance with the US. Spain was there during the Revolutionary War to help the Americans by keeping the British Navy constantly working. Spain had also provided funds and supplies during the war to aid the Americans in the battlefield. -
Cowpens
The British followed the plan that they had no idea about. Two mean were supposed to act as if getting out of line; retreating (rout as they call it) so the British came into the open. The Continental Army then came out of hiding and surrounded the British. This led to the British abandoning the backcountry and surrendering. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris (1783) was a peace treaty between the United States and Great Britain ending the Revolutionary War and acknowledging the independence of the thirteen states. The Treaty of Paris was created because the Revolutionary War had not ended with the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. It took the king nearly a year before finally agreeing to sign the treaty.
