OS Ch 6: America's War for Independence, 1775-1783

Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts

The first battles of the Revolutionary War in April 1775, where colonial militias clashed with British troops leading to the start of the war.

Fort Ticonderoga

Captured by American soldiers in May 1775 under Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, securing valuable supplies for the siege of Boston.

Benedict Arnold

An American general who initially fought for the US but later attempted to help the British take West Point, leading to his declaration as a traitor.

Battle of Breed’s Hill

Fought in June 1775, where British forces suffered heavy casualties against American forces, leading to a British victory due to a lack of gunpowder for the colonists.

Second Continental Congress

Convened in 1775, it drafted the Declaration of Independence, appointed George Washington as commander of the Continental Army, and directed the war against Britain.

Olive Branch Petition

A final peace offer to King George in July 1775, rejected by the British government, leading to further escalation of hostilities.

Appointment of Washington

George Washington was appointed as the commander of the Continental Army, despite initial doubts, due to his leadership qualities and symbolic importance.

Common Sense

Published in 1776 by Thomas Paine, advocating for American independence and influencing many to support the revolutionary cause.

Declaration of Independence

Drafted in July 1776 by Thomas Jefferson, asserting natural rights, blaming King George for issues, and declaring the independence of the United States.

Hessians

German mercenaries hired by King George during the Revolutionary War, causing a rift between the colonists and Britain.

Victories in the West

George Rogers Clark led surprise attacks on British forts in the Illinois country, contributing to the eventual acquisition of the region by the United States.

Battle of Saratoga

A significant battle in October 1777 that halted British attempts to divide the colonies and led to French support for the American cause.

Lafayette

A young French general who supported the American cause with donations and efforts, aiding in securing further assistance from France.

Loyalists (Tories)

Americans who remained loyal to the British Crown, comprising a quarter to a third of the portion of the population.

Pennsylvania Gradual Emancipation Law

Passed in 1780, it aimed to end slavery gradually in the state, allowing for the freedom of children born to slaves at a certain age.

Battle of Yorktown

Fought in October 1781, where American and French forces forced British General Cornwallis to surrender, leading to serious peace negotiations.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

officially ended the Revolutionary War, granting independence to the American colonies and defining territorial boundaries.

Patrick Henry

A Founding Father and influential orator best known for his declaration, "Give me liberty, or give me death!". He was a strong advocate for colonial rights and played a crucial role in encouraging the American Revolution and opposing the Constitution without a Bill of Rights.

John Dickenson

Known as the "Penman of the Revolution," he authored the "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" opposing British taxation. He helped draft the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution, advocating for colonial rights and moderate approaches to independence.

John Jay

A Founding Father, diplomat, and the first Chief Justice of the United States. He co-authored the Federalist Papers, negotiated the Treaty of Paris (1783) ending the Revolutionary War, and brokered Jay's Treaty (1794) with Britain, which averted war and resolved outstanding issues.

Second Continental Congress (1775)

It managed the colonial war effort and moved incrementally towards independence. It created the Continental Army, appointed George Washington as its commander, and adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

William Dawes

A patriot who, along with Paul Revere, rode to warn colonial militias of British troop movements on April 18, 1775. While not as famous as Revere, Dawes made a significant contribution to alerting the Minutemen and aiding the American Revolution's early stages.

Bunker Hill (June 1775)

Fought near Boston, Massachusetts, it was a pivotal early battle in the American Revolution. Despite the colonial militia's eventual retreat, they inflicted significant casualties on the British, proving American resolve and military capability. The battle boosted colonial morale and demonstrated that the Revolution would not be easily quelled.

George Rogers Clark

An American military leader during the Revolutionary War known for his daring campaigns in the Northwest Territory. He led successful expeditions to capture British forts, securing crucial territory for the United States. His efforts weakened British influence in the region and helped pave the way for American expansion into the Northwest.

Paul Revere

A patriot and silversmith famous for his midnight ride on April 18, 1775, warning colonial militias of British troop movements towards Lexington and Concord. His warning helped to mobilize the Minutemen and played a crucial role in the early stages of the American Revolution.

Prohibitory Act (1775)

Enacted by the British Parliament, it declared the American colonies to be in a state of rebellion and authorized the British Navy to seize American ships and goods. It aimed to suppress the growing independence movement in the colonies but instead further fueled colonial resentment and strengthened the resolve for independence.

Valley Forge (1777-1778)

A winter encampment for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, located in Pennsylvania. Despite harsh conditions and suffering, the army, under General George Washington's leadership, persevered, underwent training, and emerged stronger and more disciplined. Valley Forge is emblematic of the sacrifices made by American forces for independence.

Continentals

A term used to refer to the currency issued by the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War to finance the war effort. These paper notes quickly depreciated due to inflation, leading to financial instability and economic hardships for the colonies.