Apush Id's #5

Olive Branch Petition

Final attempt by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to reconcile with Britain by affirming loyalty to the crown and asking for peace. Rejected by King George III, which pushed the colonies toward full independence.

Common Sense (1776)

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine that sold over 120,000 copies and argued separation from Britain was 'common sense.' Used Enlightenment and republican ideals. Shifted public opinion strongly in favor of independence.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, it formally declared independence from Britain, listed grievances against King George III, and used Enlightenment ideals. Inspired future revolutions worldwide and unified the colonies under one cause.

Battle of Saratoga (1777)

Turning point of the Revolution. American victory led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold forced British General Burgoyne to surrender. Convinced France to ally with the Americans, making independence possible.

Battle of Yorktown (1781)

Final major battle of the Revolution. Washington, with French troops and Admiral de Grasse's navy, cornered Cornwallis at Yorktown. Cornwallis surrendered, leading Parliament to end fighting in America and paving the way for peace.

General Charles Cornwallis

Leading British general who fought in major battles including Yorktown, where he ultimately surrendered to American and French forces. His defeat signaled the end of major fighting in the Revolution.

Second Continental Congress (1775-1781)

Convened in Philadelphia after Lexington & Concord. Organized the Continental Army under George Washington, issued the Olive Branch Petition, managed the war effort, and eventually declared independence in 1776.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Officially ended the Revolutionary War. Britain recognized U.S. independence, set boundaries to the Mississippi River, and granted fishing rights. Marked the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation.