American Revolution Final exam

Battle of Long Island

A significant battle fought in August 1776 during the American Revolutionary War, where British forces, led by General Howe, defeated the Continental Army, resulting in the British capture of New York City. The battle highlighted the Continental Army's struggles and marked the beginning of British dominance in the region.

“War of Posts”

A strategy used during the American Revolutionary War where forces occupied various locations to control territory and disrupt enemy supply lines. This approach aimed to weaken the opponent by stretching their resources and maintaining a presence across key areas.

Battle of Trenton

A pivotal battle occurring on December 26, 1776, in which George Washington's army achieved a surprise victory over Hessian forces, boosting morale for the Continental Army. This battle marked a turning point for the Continental Army, as it followed a series of defeats and reinvigorated the troops' commitment to the cause, showcasing Washington's leadership and strategy.

William Howe

A British general who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, leading forces during battles such as the Battle of Long Island and the capture of Philadelphia. He was the commander-in-chief of British forces in America and is often criticized for his cautious tactics, which allowed George Washington to regroup and secure victories.

John Burgoyne

A British general known for his defeat at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, which marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War. He was also involved in the planning of the ill-fated Saratoga campaign. Burgoyne's defeat signaled a shift in momentum, leading to increased support for the American cause and the eventual French alliance.

Battle(s) of Saratoga

A series of engagements in September and October 1777 that resulted in a significant American victory, leading to the surrender of British General John Burgoyne and persuading France to support the American cause. The Battles of Saratoga were crucial in turning the tide of the American Revolutionary War, showcasing the effectiveness of the Continental Army and leading to France's military alliance with the colonies.

Brandywine Creek

Was fought between the American Continental Army of General George Washington and the British Army of General Sir William Howe on September 11, 1777, as part of the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). The forces met near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. More troops fought at Brandywine than at any other battle of the American Revolution. It was also the second longest single-day battle of the war, after the Battle of Monmouth, with continuous fighting for 11 hours.

Battle of Germantown

A major battle fought on October 4, 1777, where British forces defeated the American Continental Army under General George Washington. Despite the loss, the battle demonstrated the resilience and tactical capabilities of the Continental troops. The battle was part of the Philadelphia campaign and involved complex maneuvers during foggy conditions, which led to confusion among the American forces.

French Alliance

A military agreement between France and the American colonies established in 1778 that provided crucial support to the Continental Army in their fight against British forces during the American Revolutionary War. The alliance was instrumental in securing French military aid, funding, and naval support, which greatly enhanced the American war effort and contributed to their eventual victory.

Valley Forge

A winter encampment for the Continental Army from 1777 to 1778, where troops endured harsh conditions while receiving training and support from foreign officers. This period became a pivotal moment for the army's development and resilience. Valley Forge was marked by severe cold, supply shortages.

Monmouth Courthouse

A significant battle fought on June 28, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, where American forces under General George Washington engaged British troops. This battle showcased improved training and tactics of the Continental Army, resulting in a tactical stalemate but boosting American morale. The battle was one of the largest of the war and highlighted the growing proficiency of American forces.

Joseph Brant

A Mohawk leader who played a crucial role as a military strategist and ally to the British during the American Revolutionary War. He fought to protect Native American lands and interests against colonial expansion.

George Rogers Clark

An American military officer known for his successful campaigns in the Northwest Territory during the American Revolutionary War. He led expeditions that captured key British forts and strengthened American claims to the region. Clark is often regarded as a pivotal figure in the expansion of the United States into the western frontier.

Battle of Valcour Island

A naval engagement fought on October 11, 1776, on Lake Champlain between American forces led by Benedict Arnold and the British fleet. This battle was significant in delaying British advances and demonstrating American naval capabilities.

John Paul Jones

A naval commander in the American Revolutionary War, known for his bold tactics and victory over British ships, often hailed as the "Father of the American Navy." He famously declared, "I have not yet begun to fight!"

Battle of the Saints

A naval engagement fought between the French and British fleets in April 1782 during the American Revolutionary War, resulting in a decisive French victory and enhancing French support for the American cause.

King’s Mountain

A pivotal battle fought on October 7, 1780, in South Carolina between American militiamen and Loyalist forces, resulting in a significant American victory that boosted morale and support for the Revolutionary cause. This battle is notable for showcasing the effectiveness of partisan warfare.

Battle of Camden

A significant battle fought on August 16, 1780, in South Carolina, where British forces achieved a decisive victory over American troops, leading to the temporary setback of the American Southern campaign. The battle highlighted the challenges faced by the Continental Army, resulting in the loss of support in the region.

Nathanael Greene

Was an American military officer and planter who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was a friend of George Washington and is considered a brilliant military strategist. Led the southern American army during the final years of the war.

Guilford Courthouse

Was fought during the American Revolutionary War near Greensboro, North Carolina. A British force under the command of Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis defeated Major General Nathanael Greene's Americans. Although the Americans suffered a battlefield loss, they gained strategic control over the Carolinas, leading to the British abandoning their control

Battle of Yorktown

Was the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War in North America. It took place from September 28 to October 19, 1781, in and around Yorktown, Virginia. The combined Franco-American army trapped Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis' British army against the York River, leading to Cornwallis' surrender and securing American independence.

Benedict Arnold

Was an officer who served the American Revolution until 1779, when he switched his allegiance to the British. In 1780, he offered to surrender West Point to the British and led a British attack on New London, Connecticut, in 1781. He won a victory at Fort Stanwix in August and commanded advance battalions at the Battle of Saratoga.

Newburgh Conspiracy

Was a failed apparent threat by leaders of the Continental Army in March 1783, at the end of the American Revolutionary War. The Army's commander, George Washington, successfully calmed the soldiers and helped secure back pay. The conspiracy may have been instigated by members in the Congress of the Confederation, which circulated an anonymous letter in the army camp at Newburgh, New York, on March 10, 1783. Soldiers were unhappy that they had not been paid for some time and that pensions that had been promised remained unfunded.

State Constitutions

Aimed to protect natural rights and promote the common good. Incorporated ideas from political philosophers and experiences under colonial government. Based on the concept of a social contract between the government and the people. Unlike charters, written constitutions explicitly limited the powers of government.

Articles of Confederation

Were the first national frame of government for the United States. They were in force between 1781 and 1789 during the American War for Independence. They established a weak federal government to protect the sovereignty of the states. However, they had limitations and disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade threatened the young country.

Shay’s Rebellion

Was an armed uprising in Western Massachusetts and Worcester in response to a debt crisis among the citizenry and in opposition to the state government's increased efforts to collect taxes on both individuals and their trades. The fighting took place in the areas around Springfield during 1786 and 1787.

James Madison

His contributions during the American Revolutionary War were primarily political and legislative, focusing on the governance and logistical challenges faced by the fledgling nation. His work in the Virginia Convention, the Continental Congress, and his advocacy for a stronger federal government laid the foundation for his later achievements as the "Father of the Constitution." His dedication to the Patriot cause and his vision for a unified, democratic nation were crucial to the success of the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States.

Constitutional convention

Took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787. While the convention was initially intended to revise the league of states and devise the first system of federal government under the Articles of Confederation, leading proponents of the Constitutional Convention, including James Madison of Virginia and Alexander Hamilton of New York, sought to create a new frame of government rather than revise the existing one. Delegates elected George Washington of Virginia, former commanding general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and a proponent of a stronger national government, to serve as President of the convention. The convention ultimately debated and ratified the Constitution of the United States, making the convention one of the most significant events in American history.

The VA & NJ Plans

were two major proposals for the framework of the United States government presented at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The Virginia Plan was proposed by James Madison and Edmund Randolph of Virginia, while the New Jersey Plan was proposed by William Paterson of New Jersey. The Virginia Plan called for bicameralism and proportional apportionment of Congress by population, while the New Jersey Plan was a response to the Virginia Plan and aimed to protect the interests of smaller states.

Anti-federalists

Were a group of politicians in early U.S. history who opposed the new constitution that was adopted in 1787. They believed it gave too much power to the central, or federal, government, and feared the authority of a single national government. Anti-Federalists were a loose political coalition of popular politicians, such as Patrick Henry. Their agitations led to the addition of a Bill of Rights

Federalists Papers

Are a series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay between 1787 and 1788. They were published in newspapers to persuade New York state voters to support ratification of the proposed new Constitution of the United States. These essays argued for a strong central government, outlined the principles of federalism, and addressed concerns about potential tyranny and the need for a balanced system of governance.

Bill of rights

The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. It spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. It guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual

“Republican Mother”

is a 20th-century term for an 18th-century attitude toward women's roles present in the emerging United States before, during, and after the American Revolution. It centered on the belief that the patriots' daughters should be raised to uphold the ideals of republicanism, in order to pass on republican values to the next generation.

Dunmore’s Proclamation

dated November 7, 1775 and issued from on board a British warship lying off Norfolk, Virginia, by royal governor and Scottish aristocrat John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, offered the first large-scale emancipation of slave and servant labor in the history of colonial British America.

Gradual Emancipation

refers to a legal mechanism used by some U.S. states to abolish slavery over time. Instead of immediate abolition, these states enacted laws that set deadlines for freeing enslaved individuals as they reached certain ages or work periods.

The leveling spirit

Refers to the idea that a well-designed government should control the influence of agrarian laborers. James Madison proposed a bicameral legislature as a "elitist counterweight to popular pressure from below

Essay Candidate 2: Some historians believe that the American Revolution was a radical event. Others disagree, finding it simply “adequate” (if that). Where do you come down in this debate and why? Explore both sides, but please don’t be wishy-washy. I want you to make an argument.