Key Events and Figures of the American Revolution: Battles, Acts, and Treaties

Battle of Yorktown

Last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Cornwallis and his troops were trapped in the Chesapeake Bay by the French fleet. He was sandwiched between the French navy and the American army. He surrendered October 19, 1781.

Boston Massacre

The first bloodshed of the American Revolution (1770), as British guards at the Boston Customs House opened fire on a crowd killing five Americans

Loyalist

American colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed the war for independence

Tea Act

1773 act which eliminated import tariffs on tea entering England and allowed the British East India Company to sell directly to consumers rather than through merchants. Led to the Boston Tea Party.

Stamp Act

1765; law that taxed printed goods, including: playing cards, documents, newspapers, etc.

Natural Rights

life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Second Continental Congress

Political authority that directed the struggle for independence beginning in 1775.

First Continental Congress

Delagates from all colonies except georgia met to discuss problems with britain and to promote independence

Continental Army

the American army during the American Revolution

Declaration of Independence

1776 statement, issued by the Second Continental Congress, explaining why the colonies wanted independence from Britain.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that claimed the colonies had a right to be an independent nation

Concord and Lexington

Shot heard around the world

Battle of Trenton

On Christmas day at night, Washington's soldiers began crossing the Deleware River. The next morning, they suprise attacked the British mercenaries which were Hessians.

Treaty of Paris 1763 and 1783

1763 - Ended French and Indian war. 1783 - Ended the American Revolution anf forced Britain to recognize the United States as an independent nation.

Saratoga

The turning point of the American Revolution. France decided to help the Americans.

Valley forge

Place where Washington's army spent the winter of 1777-1778, a 4th of troops died here from disease and malnutriton, Steuben comes and trains troops