-
John Locke
John Locke was an English Philosopher born in 1632. Locke had many theories that focused primarily on human rights. In Locke's Social Contract Theory, he states that people are born with right like life, liberty, and property, and it is a governments job to protect these rights. He also believed that if a government fails to protect these natural rights, then the people should create a new government. These ideas inspired the colonists during the Revolution and when they made the constitution. -
French and English Enlightenment
The French and English Enlightenment were periods of intellectual movement during the 17th and 18th centuries that went over topics like human rights, humanity, God, and nature. When creating a new government, Americans drew from many ideas from the Enlightenment. The new constitutions reflected republicanism, which was an idea applauded by Enlightenment philosophers. The new constitutions also included other Enlightenment ideas like establishing measures to protect people's unalienable rights. -
George Washington
George Washington was born on February 2nd, 1732. Washington served as a delegate in the First Continental Congress, and when the Second Continental Congress was made, they declared George Washington as the commander in chief of the Continental Army. Washington's role in the Revolutionary War was significant because he kept the army together when they were at their lowest points. Washington inspired the soldiers, and eventually led them to victory of the Revolutionary War. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13th, 1743. During the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson served in the Second Continental Congress and was governor of Virginia. Jefferson played a significant role in the Revolution because he wrote the Declaration of Independence which separated the colonies from England. Jefferson later went on to be the third president of the United States. -
Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were significant because they were the first battles between the Minutemen and the British, and it signaled the beginning of the Revolutionary War. In Lexington, the Minutemen fought the British, leaving eight Minutemen dead and ten wounded. At Concord, they were trying to destroy the Colonist's weapon supply. The Minutemen defeated the British at the North Bridge, and showed the British that they were not to be underestimated. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a gathering in Philadelphia of delegates from the 13 colonies to discuss Great Britain. Congress eventually decided to go to war. The Second Continental Congress was significant because they took the role of a government during the war. They also appointed George Washington as their Commander in Chief. -
Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill happened soon after the Battles of Lexington and Concord when American troops heard that the British were sending troops to occupy the hills surrounding Boston. This battle was significant because even though the Americans lost, they still caused a lot of British casualties, and the colonist's confidence was boosted. The Patriots felt that their passion for America would help them overcome the powerful British military and win the war. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by the Second Continental Congress and it was significant because it was a last attempt by the colonists to avoid anymore violence. In the document, the colonists declared their rights as British citizens and vowed their loyalty to the king. This document was rejected by England, which strengthened the colonists motivation to separate from Great Britain and start the Revolutionary war. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence also stated that people are born with unalienable rights, all men are created equal, and people have a duty to establish new government when their current one is corrupt. The Declaration of Independence was significant because it officially stated the colonies intent to separate from England, and why they wanted to separate. Also, anyone who signed it could have been charged with treason. -
The Battle of Trenton
During December 1776, Washington's forces were about to collapse. On Christmas day, they crossed the Delaware River and surprised the British Army the following morning, taking over 900 prisoners. This was important because it was a turning point for the American army because the easy defeat of the British at this battle encouraged the troops. -
The Battle of Princeton
A week after the Battle at Trenton, Washington attacked the English at Princeton. This was significant because it was another turning point for the colonists since they got back a lot of the land that they had lost and raised the colonists spirits. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was 2 battles during the months of September and October. At the first battle, the Battle of Freeman's Farm, the Germans backed up the faltering British like, and the Americans had to retreat. However, the British still had twice the casualties that the Americans did. At the second battle, the British had to surrender. Overall, the Battle of Saratoga was a victory for the Americans and a confidence boost for them as well. -
Valley Forge
When they arrived at Valley Forge, Washington's men were hungry, weak, and discouraged from losing many battles that resulted in the capture of Philadelphia. George Washington chose to set camp in Valley Forge because it was close to Philadelphia, but far enough to prevent surprise attacks. At the camp, Washington and Prussian officer Steuben transformed the army into unified, strong men. The 6 month period at Valley Forge allowed the army to regain their strength to win upcoming battles. -
France
On February 6th, 1778 the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance were signed. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce claimed that France saw America as an independent nation, and trade between the two would be motivated. The Treaty of Alliance declared that France and America would be allies, and France would provide military assistance against Great Britain. These treaties were significant because the French played a big role in helping the Americans win the Revolutionary war. -
Spain
Spain joined the war in 1779 on the side of the French, but not necessarily as an ally to the Americans. Spain joined the war because they wanted to regain land that they had lost to the English during the Seven Years War. This was significant because with both the French and Spain fighting against the English, the odds of winning the Revolutionary War turned in favor of the Americans. -
Battle of Cowpens
When the British increased their efforts in the South, they still thought that most of the South was still loyal. However when the British got to South Carolina, many South Carolinian's began attacking British supply lines which helped weaken the British. So, when Cornwallis fought the Americans at Cowpens, the Americans won, and caused more casualties then the British could replace. This was significant because it caused Cornwallis to go to Virginia which led to the Battle of Yorktown. -
The Battle of Yorktown
With the help of the French and some Native Americans, George Washington was able to lead American troops to trap Cornwallis and his army in Yorktown, and eventually the British surrendered. This was not the immediate end of the war, but it was significant because it was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. -
The Treaty of Paris
In 1782, England decided to try to negotiate peace in Paris with American representatives Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. In 1783, Congress approved a final treaty, the Treaty of Paris, and it was signed on September 3rd. The treaty was important because it declared America completely independent from Great Britain, and officially ended the war. America began to expand, and Florida was returned to Spain.