GA's Role in the American Revolution

Loyalist

An American colonist who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War.

Battle of Kettle Creek

A 1779 Revolutionary War battle in Georgia where Patriot militia defeated a Loyalist force, boosting morale and securing needed supplies.

Siege of Savannah

A 1779 battle in which combined French and American forces unsuccessfully attempted to retake Savannah from British control.

Austin Dabney

An enslaved African American who fought for the Patriots at the Battle of Kettle Creek and was rewarded with land and freedom for his bravery.

Casimir Pulaski

A Polish nobleman and cavalry commander who fought for the Continental Army, known as the 'Father of the American Cavalry,' and was mortally wounded at the Siege of Savannah.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak national government with strong state sovereignty.

Weaneses of the Articles of Confederation

The national government lacked the power to tax, enforce laws, regulate trade, establish a national court system, or maintain a standing army.

Why was the national government intentionally weak?

American leaders feared a strong central government could turn into a tyranny like the British monarchy.

Why did the Articles lead to the Constitution?

Economic instability and events like Shays' Rebellion demonstrated that the national government was too weak to maintain order or manage national affairs.

French and indian war

A conflict between Great Britain and France (1754–1763) over North American territory that left Britain with massive war debt, leading to colonial taxes.

Proclamation of 1763

An order issued by King George III prohibiting American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Stamp Act

A 1765 British law imposing the first direct tax on American colonists for paper goods, sparking colonial resistance.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document in which the thirteen American colonies formally announced their independence from Great Britain.

Why was Georgia slower to resist Great Britain?

As the youngest colony, Georgia depended heavily on British financial support and military protection, and had a popular royal governor.