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John Locke
John Locke was a British philosopher. His Social Contract theory proposed that our natural rights are life, liberty, and property and these cannot be taken away. However, he also believes that governments exist to protect these rights, and people have to follow the laws they set in place. He supported the Revolution and believed that it was not a right to start one but an obligation. -
French and English Enlightenment
The French and English Enlightenment was important to the American Revolution because it brought up the ideas of natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) that were proposed during the revolution. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson aided the American Revolution by writing out the Declaration of Independence. He was also the governor of Virginia and served for Virginia in the Continental Congress. -
The Treaty of Alliance
The Treaty of Alliance was an agreement between King Louis XVI of France and the Second Continental Congress. They stood as alliances in the battle, and as a result of this Spain decided to ally with France but not America. -
Lexington & Concord
These wars were the beginning of the Revolutionary War. It marked the first time that the colonists fought against Britain. The colonists won and this gave them confidence that they would win other wars in the future. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress (created during the American Revolutionary War) followed the First Continental Congress. This is considered the first attempt of America having a representative government. At their meeting, they appointed ambassadors, issued out paper currency, created a Continental Army, and appointed generals. This Congress also wrote out the Articles of Confederation which was the structure for a relatively weak national government. -
Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts led to a British victory. It also led to many American casualties. Even though the colonists had to retreat due to running out of ammunition, it gave the colonists the motivation and courage to continue to fight. -
Olive Branch Petition
This was adopted by the Continental Congress because the colonists wanted to keep friendly relations with Great Britain. However, the King would not read the petition and this led the colonists to learn that the King had a part in what Parliament was doing. This led to the Revolutionary War because the colonists were already strongly considering Independence and this document was a final attempt to unite the colonies with Britain. -
Declaration of Independence
This document was adopted by the Second Continental Congress and granted the colonists freedom from British rule. They became thirteen free states. It was written to put the American Revolution in motion. -
Trenton
This battle in the American Revolution was a success for the Americans. It was the first war that was a victory for Washington and motivated soldiers to keep fighting for their independence. -
Princeton
This battle in the American Revolution was also a success for the Americans. Washington outwitted Cornwallis by hiding his troops because had received the word that Cornwallis was coming so he led his troops into Princeton. -
Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was two battles. It was a victory for the Patriots and a turning point in the war. This is because it led France to join the war after noticing the Americans searching for independence. -
Valley Forge
George Washington’s army stayed at camp Valley Forge for six months. This is where the American troops trained to effectively fight in the Revolutionary War. It was also where George Washington proved he was a good leader to his soldiers. -
The Treaty of Amity & Commerce
The Treaty of Amity & Commerce initiated trade between France and America (which was now seen as its own independent country). -
Spain
Spain was an alliance of France and fought against Great Britain. Spain would not sign a Treaty of Alliance with the United States, but they did provide supplies like money and gunpowder to the Americans. -
Cowpens
This battle was another win for the Patriots thanks to General Daniel Morgan (American Commander). It was known as, “The Beginning of the End” and was another turning point in the war. There were many British casualties which was not good for the British this far in the war. -
Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown led to Cornwallis surrendering to Washington. This was the final battle in the war. This was also when Washington became highly respected, which led him to become the first president. -
George Washington
George Washington was relevant to the Revolutionary War because he served as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. He was a good leader and he carried his army to victory. He would also go on to become the first president of the United States. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
United States representatives as well as British representatives signed and this marked the end of the American Revolution. The United States was officially granted independence and more territory from France in mainland North America.