American Revolution Lecture Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards keying in on prominent figures, battles, concepts, and documents from the introductory lecture on the American Revolution.

Battle of Lexington and Concord

The very first battle of the Revolutionary War, which took place on 04/19/1775.

Paul Revere

One of the individuals who alerted militia men that the British were coming so they could prepare their weapons.

Minute Men

Militia men who trained on weekends by learning to shoot and drill in preparation for potential military conflict under martial law.

George Washington

A man in his early forties from Mount Vernon who was appointed commanding officer of the Continental Army.

Continental Army

The army organized by George Washington consisting of colonial volunteers.

Patriots

Colonists, estimated to represent about 40% of the population, who supported fighting for their natural rights against British authority.

Loyalists

Colonists who feared disorder and remained loyal to the British monarchy and crown.

Neutrals

Colonists, making up roughly 40% of the population, who had no strong loyalty to either side and typically had never traveled beyond their own county or colony.

Thomas Paine

A former London editor who moved to America two or three years prior and authored the pamphlet Common Sense in January 1776.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in January 1776 arguing that a small island like Britain should not govern America and framing the revolution as the last best hope of mankind.

Townsend Acts

A monopoly economic system mentioned in the lecture that limited colonial trade options strictly to Britain.

Olive Branch Petition

A petition sent by colonial leaders in an effort to talk to King George, which was repeatedly turned down.

Jefferson

A 33-year-old eloquent colonial leader who drafted the Declaration of Independence based on Enlightenment principles.

Declaration of Independence

A document officially declaring independence from Britain that outlined natural rights and listed 27 specific complaints against the king.

Magna Carta

A historical document from 1215 that served as the first document in the British constitution to place limitations on the power of the king.