Chapter 8: America Secedes from the Empire (1775-1783) - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on the American Revolution (1775-1783).

Second Continental Congress

Philadelphia, PA – May 10, 1775; convention that coordinated the colonial war effort.

George Washington (Commander-in-Chief)

Appointed by Congress to lead the Continental Army; emphasized moral force and unity.

Olive Branch Petition

July 1775 petition seeking peace with Britain while asserting loyalty and rights.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Early 1775 battle (Breed's Hill) showing colonial resolve; heavy losses for both sides.

Quebec Campaign (Failed Conquest of Quebec)

1775 two-pronged offensive to invade Canada led by Montgomery and Arnold; defensive Hessian/Montreal forces hindered.

Common Sense

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine (Jan 1776) arguing for independence and republican government.

Idea of Republicanism

Philosophy that government should serve the collective good; Paine’s views were more democratic than some Founders'.

Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution

June 1776 proposal that the colonies were and should be independent states.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence (at age 33, in 1776).

Declaration of Independence

Adopted July 4, 1776; proclaimed independence from Britain.

Patriots and Loyalists

Whigs vs Tories; Patriots supported independence, Loyalists remained loyal to the Crown (about 16–20%).

Loyalist Exodus

Mass departure of Loyalists; about 80,000 fled with confiscation of their lands.

Crossing of the Delaware

Washington’s December 26, 1776 crossing to surprise the Hessians at Trenton.

Battle of Saratoga

1777 turning point; American victory leading to French ally involvement; Burgoyne’s surrender.

Valley Forge

Winter encampment (1777–78) with harsh conditions; Baron von Steuben trained the troops.

Model Treaty

Diplomatic framework (Feb 6, 1778) for Franco-American alliance emphasizing anti-mercantilism.

Marquis de Lafayette

French noble who aided Washington; important ally and commander in the 1778–1781 period.

Benedict Arnold

American general who defected to the British; infamous act of treason.

Cornwallis vs. Nathanael Greene

Greene’s Southern campaign against Cornwallis; part of the strategy that led to Yorktown.

Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox)

American guerilla leader in the South known for hit-and-run tactics.

Light-Horse Harry Lee

Cavalry commander under Washington; notable Southern campaign leader.

Treaty of Ft. Stanwix

1784 treaty with Iroquois confederacy settled frontier land disputes.

Yorktown

1781 siege where American and French forces trapped Cornwallis; decisive victory.

Peace at Paris (Treaty of Paris 1783)

Ended the Revolutionary War; negotiators included John Adams, Ben Franklin, and John Jay.