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John Locke
Although John Locke was alive during the Revolutionary War, he was a significant cause of the war. He planted the seed of independence from Britain because he believed that people should not have to live under the rule of a monarch. Rather, people have the right to live a life of life, liberty, and property and have a government that is by the people for the people. He influenced the movements of those who were patriotic and lived from 1632-1704. -
Benjamin Franklin
During the Revolution, Franklin played one of the most crucial roles in fighting for America's indepenence. For instance, in 1776, he served in the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Indepedence. Also, he negotiated the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that ended the revolution. His final contribution was to help produce the U.S Constitution. He was a patriot. -
George Washington
Geroge Washington was the heart and soul of the Americans' fight for independence. Elected at the Second Continental Congress to lead the Continental Army, George Washington courageously led the American troops to victory over the British. He was involved in many wars, such as The Battle at Bunker Hill, Germantown, and the Battle at Yorktown-where the British surrendered. He was a patriot and lived from 1732-1799 -
Paul Revere
Like Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere wasn't involved in any wars but still played a major role in the revolution. He is most known for his midnight ride where he warned colonists in Massachussettes that the British troops were coming their way. He did this because he was on the Committe of Correspondence. He was a patriot and lived from 1734-1818. -
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold lived from 1741-1801 and was originally a soldier of the Continental Army-a good soldier. He played a big role in the army's success by leading an attack to capture the British garrison at Fort Ticonderoga as well as leading his troops at the crucial Battle of Saratoga. However, Arnold is most famous, or infamous, for his betrayal of America to the British. His name was synonymous with the word "traitor", so he was neither partiot nor loyalist. -
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The American Revolution
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Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was an illustration by Paul Revere that depicted British soldiers massacring American colonists in Boston Massachusetts. The significance of this illustration was to stir up the colonist's emotions so that they would finally decide to declare war on Britain. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston colonists went out to the Boston harbor and dumped an immense amount of British tea in it. This was an act against the ridiculous taxations that Britain had been enforcing at the time. This was an example to show fellow colonists that they need to stand up against the British who are making them pay unfair taxes. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Battle Lexington and Concord occurred in Massachusetts and can be considered a half and half for both sides because the British won the Battle at Lexington but they were surpressed at Concord. This battle sparked the beginning of the Revolutionary War and surprised both the Americans and British because the Americans were able to stand their ground against the global military force of the British. This led America to feel as if they might have a chance to win their independence. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Although the battle is called the Battle of Bunker Hill, moat of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed's Hill in Massachusettes. The British won this battle but had a very positive effect of the Americans. The Americans felt a great sense of confidence because they felt that they could overpower the British if they remained patriotic and positive. This led the British to realize that their war with the Americans would be a long and tiring one. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document written by Thomas Jefferson that declared America to be free from British rule and was signed in Philadelphia. The significance of this event was that it finally declared freedom to the colonists who had fought so hard to obtain it. -
Common Sense
Common Sense was a book written by Thomas Paine to the colonists. The purpose of these writings were to appeal to all people-the smart and and not smart-and get them worked up about going to war with Britain. He challenged the idea that colonists should continue to depend on Britain. -
Crossing the Deleware
Led by General George Washington, the Continental Army crossed the Delware river on Christmas in hopes to surprise the Hessian army while they were weak and vulnerable in Trenton, New Jersey. The significance of this event was that Colonel Washington showed initiative that boosted the colonist's spirits and morale. -
Battle of Trenton
The war occurred in 1776 and took place in Trenton, Deleware. George Washington and his forces surrounded the Hessian army and forced them to surrender quickly. The victory asserted American control of New Jersey and greatly improved morale and unity of the colonial army and militias. This made the colonists more confident in themselves. -
Battle of Saratoga
Fought in the Hudson River in New York, the American Colonists secured a very decisive victory that would give them the confidence to carry on with the war. The significances of this battle were that Benedict Arnold was found out to be a traitor and convinced the French to aid the Americans in the war. -
Battle of Yorktown
Occurring in Yorktown, Virginia, the American and French forces surrounded and surprised the British forces and forced them to surrender. The significance of this battle is that it ended the war because the British forces had nowhere to run. This led to the Americans being given their freedom and independence from Britain.
