Key Events and Figures of the American Revolution

Primary Source

Original documents from the American Revolution era.

Boston Tea Party

Colonists dumped tea to protest British taxes.

Battle of Bunker Hill

First significant battle, marked colonial resolve.

Battle of Saratoga

Turning point that secured French alliance.

Yorktown

Last major battle leading to British defeat.

Ben Franklin

Negotiated French support and created propaganda.

Paul Revere

Famous for midnight ride warning of British.

Thomas Jefferson

Main author of the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Paine

Wrote 'Common Sense' advocating for independence.

Baron Von Steuben

Trained Continental Army at Valley Forge.

French and Indian War

Conflict that increased British debt, leading to taxes.

Sugar Act

1764 tax on imported sugar and molasses.

Stamp Act

1765 tax on printed materials like newspapers.

Townshend Act

1767 tax on glass, paint, and tea.

Boston Massacre

1770 incident where British troops killed civilians.

Intolerable Acts

1774 laws punishing Massachusetts after Boston Tea Party.

Continental Congress

Gathering of colonial representatives to address grievances.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring American colonies' independence.

Common Sense

Pamphlet advocating for American independence.

Molly Pitcher

Woman who fought and supported soldiers.

Guerilla Tactics

Unconventional warfare strategy used by colonists.

Daughters of Liberty

Women who boycotted British goods and made clothes.

Sons of Liberty

Group opposing British taxation and policies.

Treaty of Paris

1783 agreement ending the Revolutionary War.

Enlightenment Ideas

Philosophical concepts influencing revolutionary thought.

Average Soldier Age

Most soldiers were between 18-24 years old.

British Strategy

Organized lines and traditional tactics in battle.

Colonial Casualties

25k troops died, many from disease.

African Americans in War

Fought for both sides, seeking freedom.

Native Americans in War

Served as scouts and guides for British.