American Revolution

Revolution

A sudden social or political change within a nation.

Declaration of Independence

The document adopted in 1776 declaring the American colonies' independence from British rule.

Patriots

Colonists who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution.

Battle of Saratoga

A pivotal American victory in 1777 that convinced France to support the American cause.

George Washington

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and a key figure in the American Revolution.

Valley Forge

The site where Washington's army endured a harsh winter in 1777-78, leading to retraining and resilience.

Nathan Hale

A Connecticut teacher and spy for the Americans who was executed by the British.

Friedrich Von Steuben

A Prussian military officer who trained American troops at Valley Forge.

John Paul Jones

Known as the Father of the American Navy; famous for raiding the British coast.

Treaty of Paris 1783

The agreement that officially ended the American Revolution and recognized American independence.

Civilian Roles in War

The impact of war on home front civilians, including property devastation and social changes.

Molly Pitcher

A woman who fought in the war and helped boost morale and support for the troops.

Spies

Individuals who gathered intelligence for military advantage during the American Revolution.

'Give me liberty or give me death!'

A famous quote by Patrick Henry expressing the desire for freedom over oppression.

War of Attrition

The strategy where the Americans aimed to outlast British forces rather than engage in direct confrontation.

Yorktown

The site of the final major battle of the American Revolution, where British General Cornwallis surrendered.

'I have not yet begun to fight!'

A famous quote by John Paul Jones indicating his determination to continue fighting.

Military Intelligence

Information gathering that played a crucial role in the strategies used during the American Revolution.

Southern Campaign

The phase of the American Revolution where significant battles took place in the southern colonies.

The Crossing

Refers to Washington's daring night-time crossing of the Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton.

recruit

to enlist soldiers in the army

desert

to leave without permission

guerrilla warfare

a hit-and-run technique used in fighting a war; fighting by small bands of warriors using tactics such as sudden ambushes

ratify

to give official approval to

ambush

a surprise attack

blockade

cut off an area by means of troops or warships to stop supplies or people from coming in or going out; to close off a country’s ports

inflation

a continuous rise in the price of goods and services

mercenary

paid soldier who serves in the army of a foreign country

privateer

Armed private ship licensed to attack merchant ships