American Revolution Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key military battles, political figures, strategies, and weaknesses/strengths during the American Revolutionary War from the lecture notes.

Lord North

Prime Minister for Britain who instructed General William Howe to capture NYC.

Battle of Long Island

First major action for the new Continental Army against British troops; Washington lost and had to retreat to Manhattan Island after General Howe placed troops outside NYC and captured the Hudson River.

General William Howe

British general ordered to capture NYC, who isolated Patriots by stationing troops outside NYC and taking control of the Hudson River.

Attack on Trenton, NJ

Surprise attack launched by George Washington on Christmas by crossing the Delaware River following his defeat at Long Island.

Whig Patriots

Patriots who viewed a standing army as a threat to liberty.

Continental Army Enlistment Incentives

An offer of $20 plus 100 acres aimed at recruiting soldiers (many of whom were ex-convicts) because yeomen preferred local militias to remain near family and farms.

Plan for the Battle of Saratoga

Strategy created by Lord North and Lord Germain to isolate New England via a 3-pronged attack on Albany, NY involving Burgoyne from Quebec, St. Leger/Iroquois from the west, and Howe from NY.

Lord Germain

British official who planned a 3-pronged attack on Albany, NY (featuring Burgoyne from Quebec, St. Leger/Iroquois from the west, and Howe from NY) to isolate New England.

British Strengths (Revolutionary War)

Financial wealth from the South Atlantic system, the most powerful navy ever, and alliances with the Cherokees, 4 out of 6 Iroquois nations, and the Shawnees.

American Weaknesses (Revolutionary War)

Absence of a strong government, lack of reliable tax revenue, and a weak Continental Army led by George Washington.