American Revolution Key Concepts

Flashcards covering key concepts, events, and figures from the American Revolution.

British morale at Lexington & Concord

British soldiers were nervous and lacked confidence because the colonists fought back hard.

Minutemen

Colonists who were ready to fight very quickly, often within a minute.

John Hancock

A leader who signed the Declaration of Independence and was warned that the British wanted to arrest him.

Paul Revere's role

He rode on horseback to warn the colonists that the British were coming.

Shot Heard Round the World

The first gunfire at Lexington that initiated the American Revolution.

John Adams' position on independence

He advocated for the colonies to be free from Britain.

George Washington

The leader of the American army during the Revolutionary War.

Bunker Hill

A battle where the colonists fought hard but lost, demonstrating their ability to stand up to the British.

Olive Branch Petition

A letter sent by the colonists to the king asking for peace, which was ultimately ignored.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for the colonies' independence.

Thomas Paine

The author of the pamphlet 'Common Sense,' advocating for independence.

Richard Henry Lee

He urged the colonies to declare independence from Britain.

Thomas Jefferson

The principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

John Locke's key ideas

The belief that people have natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, and that governments should protect these rights.

Patriots

Colonists who wanted independence and believed in fighting for freedom.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed independence.

British control at Valley Forge

The British controlled the area, but the American army maintained strength despite harsh conditions.

William Howe

A British general who led troops during the Revolutionary War.

Richard Howe

Brother of William Howe, he was also a British naval leader.

Hessians

German soldiers hired by Britain to fight against the colonists.

Battle of Trenton

A surprise attack by George Washington's army that resulted in a significant American victory.