Term | Definition |
Thomas Jefferson | Patriot; Writer of the Declaration of Independence |
Thomas Paine | writer of Common Sense and The American Crisis- encouraged people to become patriots |
General Cornwallis | commander of British Army, surrendered at Yorktown |
Loyalist | stayed loyal to Britain during the War |
Patriot | wanted independence from Britain |
Hessians | German mercenaries hired by the British |
George Washington | Commander in Chief of the Continental Army |
Benedict Arnold | American hero at Saratoga turned traitor |
Barron Von Stubben | trained American troops at Valley Forge |
Treaty of Paris | officially ended the American Revolution |
The Purpose of the Declaration of Independence | To announce to the world that the colonies were a new, independent nation
To explain and justify the reasons that the colonies had decided to become the United States of America |
Parts of the Declaration of Independence | People have a natural right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
If a government does not respect people natural rights, the people have the right to form a new government. |
Parts of the Declaration of Independence | The British government has repeatedly violated the American colonists’ natural rights.
The American Colonies are free and
independent states, no longer ruled by the British government. |
Common Sense | convinced American colonist to become independent from Britain |
Battle of Saratoga | turning point of the American Revolution; American victory encourage France to assist in American cause |
Battle of Lexington | First Battle of the American Revolution |
Battle of Yorktown | Final Battle of the American Revolution |
Valley Forge | scene of much hardship for General Washington’s troops |
Strengths & Weaknesses of British Army | Well trained army, ample resources, alliences with loyaists
Fighting in unfimiliar territory, fighting far from home |
Strengths & Weaknesses American Army | Strong military leadership, figting on home territory, alliences with France
Small untrained military, shortage of rescources, weak centrel government |