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Martha Custis Washington
Martha Custis Washington was the wife of President George Washington and the first ever first lady. She married a wealthy plantation owner, which led to her wealth when her husband died. She later wed George Washington on January 6, 1759, who gained her immense wealth, and with it, power. -
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.Revolutionary War Events
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Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was a royal decree that prevented the North American colonists from establishing settlements west of an imaginary line located in the Appalachian Mountains. -
Abigail Adams
Abigail Smith Adams was the first lady of President John Adams (president after George Washington). She often wrote him letters reminding him to "Remember the Ladies". Abigail Adams was also involved in political matters. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was the first direct British tax placed on the colonists. It placed a British seal, or stamp on many products. The stamp cost money, of course, and the colonists weren't too happy about paying for that. This was one of the events that sparked conflict between the colonists and the British. -
Quartering Act
Parliament passed the Quartering Act to ensure that the British troops were well cared for at all times. Colonists were expected to provide shelter and food for the British troops. This some trouble with the colonist-British relationship. -
Sons of Liberty
The Sons of Liberty started out as a simple group of nine men. The men were mainly shopkeepers, tradesmen, and workers. The Sons of Liberty was strongly agains the Stamp Act, and existed as a rebel force against it. The Sons of Liberty's influence spread very quickly. Soon there were some two thousand men involved (as opposed to the nine men who started it all), and the Sons of Liberty existed in every colony. -
The Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts placed taxes on common trade products, such as white glass, crown, plate, flint, and paper. The colonists were very angered by this, which later sparked the flame leading to the Revolutionary War. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was caused by "patriot" mobs throwing snowballs and sticks at British soldiers. The British soldiers fired back in retaliation, killing some colonists. This caused a lot of tension that would eventually lead to the Revolutionary War. -
Boston Tea Party
The colonists were very upset by the tax placed on the tea by the British. On December 16, 1773, they intercepted three tea-carrying ships that were allowed to enter the harbor. The colonists dressed up as Indians (to cover up their identities), stormed the ships, and dumped 342 crates of tea overboard. -
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Intolerable Acts
Mar 31- Boston Port Act
May 20- Administration of Justice Act
-Massachusetts Government Act
June 2- Quartering Act of 1774
June 22- Quebec Act -
1st Continental Congress
Continental Congress met in Carpenter's Hall (Philadelphia) for the first time from Sept 5 to Oct 26. All colonies with the exception of Georgia sent their delegates as representatives of their respective colonies. There was much debate among the delegates, as the colonies had lived independently until now. On Oct. 14, the delegates came to a conclusion and the Declaration of Resolves was published. -
Lexington and Concord
Lexington: The British troops (240 men) rode towards Lexington. However, Paul Revere had already warned the colonists. 70 "minutemen" (people who were ready to fight in a minute's notice) intercepted the British troops. Then a shot was fired. Fighting broke out on both sides. -
Paul Revere
Paul Revere was one of the riders who alerted the towns (his being Lexington) of the British's arrival. He did not utter the famous cry "The British are coming!", because most of the colonists still considered themselves British. -
Loyalists
The Loyalists were the colonists who did not support the revolution and were still loyal to Great Britain. They fought for the British and against the Patriots. -
Common Sense
"Common Sense", written by Thomas Paine, is a pamphlet encouraging the colonists to get up and fight for freedom. He began writing it in the year of 1775, and it was published (anonymously) on Jan 15, 1776. -
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine was the author of "Common Sense", the book that inspired many colonists to fight for independence from the British. He also wrote "The American Crisis" to further inspire fellow Americans to fight for their freedom. -
Common Sense
"Common Sense" was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that encouraged the colonists to rebel against Great Britain. He included many arguments against Britain, stating many reasons why America should fight against the British. His pamphlet was published on January 10, 1776, at the start of the Revolutionary War. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776. It sent a message to Great Britain that the colonies demanded independence from British rule. -
Sam Adams
Sam Adams was a leading advocate for American Independence and one of the signers of the U.S constitution. He was an excellent politician, and a representative of the Continental Congress. -
Patriots
The Patriots were members of the thirteen (British) colonies who supported the Continental Congress and were against Great Britain. They were openly against British rule, and supported the idea of America becoming its own country. The Sons of Liberty were some of the earliest Patriots. -
Hessians
The Hessians were Germans who fought on the side of the British. They were hired "mercenaries", people who fight for a paid price. They are known best for being defeated at Trenton by George Washington and his troops (who crossed the Delaware in the dead of night). -
President George Washington
George Washignton was the first president of the United States (and a Founding Father). He was known for leading the Patriots into battle with the British. He was also known for crossing the delaware on Christmas day, 1776. His election for president was held on January 7, 1789, and Washington won unanimously. George Washington later became opposed to slavery, stating in his will to free all his slaves when his wife has died. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point of the Revolutionary War. A British general (John Burgoyne) came up with a plan to take over New York. They were planning to attack New York from three sides. However, the plan failed when one of the three groups did not receive the message and marched to Philadelphia instead. This lead to the British's defeat. The Battle of Saratoga ultimately convinced the French that America did stand a chance, which prompted them to stand on America's side. -
Benedict Arnold's betrayal
Benedict Arnold was a Brigadier general (his highest rank), who deserted the colonists's side and joined the British. He was an angsty man who liked to quarrel, and was blamed for many things, including the liss of ten or fifteen American ships. He deserted the American revolutionists and went to fight for the British. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown began on Friday, September 28, 1781 and ended on Friday, October 19, 1781. It was fought between the British and the allied colonists and French. The French allied themselves with the colonists to cause trouble for their rival, Great Britain. The battle ended with Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown, VA. -
Cornwallis surrenders
Lord Cornwallis was a British army officer who was defeated by the French and the American Revolutionists at Yorktown, VA (Battle of Yorktown). This would be the last battle fought in the American Revolution. -
Treaty of Paris
The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war. -
John Adams
John Adams was the second president of the United States. During the Revolutionary War he served in France and Holland diplomatically. He also helped form the treaty of peace. John Adams served one term in office, from 1797-1801. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States as well as one of the Founding Fathers. He was also one of the men who signed the U.S. Constitution. Although Thomas Jefferson did not fight in the war himself, he used his powerful words to fight for indepencence. He served as a president 1801-1809 (two terms).
