History Vocab- Chapter 8

Second Continental Congress

A meeting of all 13 colonies in Philadelphia in 1775 that organized the war effort, created a continental army, and eventually moved toward declaring independence.

George Washington (as commander)

Chosen by the Congress to lead the Continental Army for his leadership skills, integrity, and ability to unite the colonies.

Bunker Hill / Breed's Hill

A 1775 battle near Boston, technically fought on Breed's Hill, where the colonists lost but proved they could fight effectively against British troops.

Olive Branch Petition

A final attempt by the colonists to avoid full war with Britain, pledging loyalty to the king, which was rejected by King George III.

Invasion of Canada (1775)

An American attempt to seize Canada and make it the 14th colony, which failed, ending hopes of bringing Canadians into the rebellion.

"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine

A powerful pamphlet published in 1776 calling for independence from Britain, written by English-born writer Thomas Paine.

Lee's Resolution

Proposed by Richard Henry Lee in June 1776, declaring that the colonies 'are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states,' paving the way for the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson

A young Virginia lawyer chosen to write the Declaration of Independence and later became the third president.

Declaration of Independence

Approved July 4, 1776, stating that the colonies were breaking away from Britain and listing the king's abuses.

Natural rights

Rights that belong to all people simply because they are human, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; a key idea in the Declaration.

Loyalists / Tories

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution, often older, wealthier, or connected to government.

Patriots / Whigs

Colonists who supported independence from Britain, often younger, politically active, and willing to fight.

Saratoga (1777)

A major American victory in New York, considered the turning point of the war because it convinced France to ally with the Americans.

Benjamin Franklin (in Paris)

American diplomat who negotiated with France, securing French support through his charm and skill.

French Alliance (1778)

Formal military alliance between the United States and France, where France supplied troops, money, and a navy—crucial for American victory.

Battle of Yorktown

The last major battle of the war in 1781, where American and French forces trapped British General Cornwallis, forcing his surrender.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The peace agreement ending the Revolutionary War, where Britain recognized American independence and granted generous land borders.

Privateers

Privately owned ships authorized by the American government to attack British merchant ships, helping to disrupt British trade.

Marquis de Lafayette

Young French nobleman who volunteered to help the American cause, becoming a trusted general and close friend of Washington.

Valley Forge

Winter camp of the Continental Army (1777-1778) where soldiers suffered from cold, hunger, and disease, but the army became more disciplined.

Baron von Steuben

Prussian military officer who trained American troops at Valley Forge, bringing order, discipline, and effective drills to the army.