America's War for Independence (1775-1783)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to America's War for Independence, focusing on events, legislation, and figures prominent in the American Revolution.

Boston Tea Party

An event in 1773 where American colonists protested British taxation by destroying an entire shipment of tea.

Militia

Local military forces made up of ordinary citizens in the colonies who were prepared to fight.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party.

Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.

Second Continental Congress

The assembly of delegates from the American colonies that acted as the national government during the American Revolution.

Olive Branch Petition

An attempt by the Continental Congress in July 1775 to avoid a full-scale war with Britain.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 that advocated for independence from Britain and criticized monarchy.

Patriot

An American colonist who opposed British rule during the American Revolution.

Redcoats

A term used to describe British soldiers, especially during the American Revolutionary War.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, that established a weak federal government.