American Revolution: Key Terms to Know

Vocabulary review flashcards covering key battles, locations, figures, events, and concepts from the lecture notes.

Battle of Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, fought on April 19, 1775, between British troops and colonial militia. This battle marked the outbreak of armed conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies.

Battle of Bunker Hill

A significant early battle in the American Revolution fought on June 17, 1775, where colonial forces demonstrated their ability to stand up to the British army despite ultimately losing the battle.

Shot Heard Around The World

The phrase "Shot Heard Around The World" refers to the first gunfire which sparked the American Revolutionary War, occurring at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. Helped inspire revolutions around the world

Philadelphia

Philadelphia was the largest city in the colonies and served as a major center for political, cultural, and economic activity. It was the site of the First and Second Continental Congress, where leaders gathered to coordinate colonial resistance against British rule. Declaration of Independence was signed here.

Battle of New York

A significant battle during the American Revolution in 1776 where British forces defeated the Continental Army, leading to American retreat from New York City.

Battle of Trenton

A surprise attack on Hessian troops during the American Revolutionary War that took place on December 26, 1776. This battle was a crucial victory for General George Washington and boosted the morale of the Continental Army.

Battle of Saratoga

A pivotal battle in 1777 that marked a turning point in the American Revolution, leading to French support for the Colonists.

Battle of Yorktown

The final major battle of the American Revolutionary War, where British General Cornwallis surrendered to American and French forces in 1781, effectively ending the conflict.

John Adams

was a prominent leader in the American Revolution, serving as a diplomat in Europe and a member of the Continental Congress. He played a crucial role in advocating for independence and later became the second President of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson

served as a key diplomat, drafting the Declaration of Independence and representing American interests in France.

Paul Revere

A patriot known for his midnight ride in April 1775 to warn the American colonists of the approaching British forces. Revere was also a silversmith and played a significant role in the American Revolution.

John Paul Jones

A naval commander during the American Revolution, known for his role in the naval battles against the British. He is best remembered for his victory over the HMS Serapis.

Benedict Arnold

American military officer who defected to the British during the Revolutionary War, notorious for his betrayal.

Marquis de Lafayette

French general who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War by supporting the colonial forces and securing further aid from France.

Second Continental Congress

A convention of delegates from the 13 colonies that met in 1775, which managed the colonial war effort and moved incrementally towards independence, eventually adopting the Declaration of Independence.

July 4th , 1776

The date when the United States declared its independence from Great Britain, marked by the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Issue of Independence after Lexington and Concord

The series of events following the battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, which intensified calls for American independence from British rule. This escalation led to the formation of the Continental Congress and ultimately the Declaration of Independence.

No Olive Branch or Common Sense

were pamphlets that represented opposing views on reconciliation with Britain during the American Revolution. "Common Sense," written by Thomas Paine, argued for independence, while the "Olive Branch Petition" sought peace.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the British and Colonial Army during the Revolutionary War

The strengths of the British Army included superior numbers, established military training, and a strong navy, while weaknesses comprised long supply lines and underestimating colonial resolve. In contrast, the Colonial Army's strengths were familiarity with the terrain and motivation for independence, but they faced challenges like lack of training and resources.

Treaty of Paris 1783

The agreement that officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence from Britain and establishing borders for the new nation.