American Revolutionary War Review

These vocabulary flashcards cover the key figures, battles, documents, and outcomes of the American Revolutionary War as detailed in the lecture transcript.

The Revolutionary War

A conflict occurring from $1775-1783$ referenced in the lecture notes.

George Washington's Command Limit

The largest command he had led prior to the Revolutionary War was only $20,000$ men.

George Washington's Expenses

He insisted on no pay for his service but kept a list of expenses totaling $100,000$.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine that simplified Enlightenment ideals and argued that lawful states derive power from the "consent of the governed."

Richard Henry Lee’s motion

A proposal adopted on July 2, $1776$, stating that the colonies should be free and independent states.

Declaration of Independence

A document drafted to gain colonial support and foreign assistance, emphasizing universal natural rights and the misdeeds of King George III.

Battle of Long Island

A battle resulting in a defeat for Washington, after which he had to seek a way to regain momentum.

Battle of Trenton

The engagement following Washington's Delaware River crossing on Christmas day where he defeated a small British fleet a week later.

Battle of Saratoga

A victory that reignited hope for the colonial cause, brought foreign aid from France, and changed British strategy.

French Intervention

France entered the war to get back at Britain and gain strategic advantage, forcing the British to leave Philadelphia for NYC.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The agreement where Britain recognized U.S. independence and granted land from the Mississippi to the Great Lakes and Spanish Florida.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain and, under the Treaty of Paris, were not to be persecuted by the United States.

Second Continental Congress

The governing body that weighed the pros and cons of choosing George Washington to lead the Continental Army.

Battle of Bunker Hill

A key battle listed in the lecture vocabulary for the Revolutionary War period.

Olive Branch Petition

A document listed in the lecture vocabulary regarding pre-war or early war colonial diplomacy.

Hessians

German mercenaries listed as a vocabulary term in the context of the American Revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A document included in the vocabulary list, typically associated with the influence of revolutionary ideals.

Patriots

Colonists who supported the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War.

Battle of Yorktown

The final major battle of the war listed in the lecture vocabulary notes.