Unit 2 - Chapter 2: The American Revolution

George Washington

Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and later the first President of the United States; he provided strong leadership, boosted troop morale, and helped lead the colonies to victory against Britain.

Continental Army

The army formed by the American colonies to fight Britain in the Revolutionary War; led by George Washington, it faced shortages and training challenges but was key to achieving American independence.

Patriots

Colonists who supported independence from Britain and fought against British rule; they organized militias, joined the Continental Army, and took part in protests and revolutionary activities.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution; many faced harassment, property loss, or exile after the war, with some fleeing to Canada or back to Britain.

General Nathaniel Greene

A major general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War who led successful campaigns in the Southern colonies, using strategy to tire out British forces; his leadership was crucial in weakening the British and securing American victories.

Thomas Paine – American Crisis

A series of pamphlets written during the Revolutionary War to inspire and motivate American troops and citizens; its famous opening line, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” encouraged perseverance despite hardships.

Battle of Trenton

A surprise attack by George Washington’s Continental Army on Hessian forces (German soldiers hired by Britain) in New Jersey after crossing the Delaware River; the victory boosted American morale and encouraged re-enlistments in the army.

Battle of Saratoga

A major American victory in upstate New York where the Continental Army defeated British forces under General John Burgoyne; it convinced France to join the war as an American ally, turning the tide of the Revolution.

General John Burgoyne

A British general who led the failed invasion from Canada during the Revolutionary War and surrendered at Saratoga; his defeat helped secure French support for the American cause.

Alliance with France

A formal agreement in which France recognized the United States and provided military and financial support during the Revolutionary War (Battle of Saratoga); French aid was crucial in helping the Americans win independence.

Valley Forge

The winter camp of the Continental Army in Pennsylvania where soldiers faced extreme cold, hunger, and disease; despite these hardships, training under Baron von Steuben improved the army’s discipline and effectiveness.

General Benedict Arnold

An American general in the Revolutionary War who helped secure early victories, including at Saratoga, but later betrayed the colonies by plotting to surrender West Point to the British; his name became synonymous with treason.

General Charles Cornwallis

A British general who led campaigns in the Southern colonies during the Revolutionary War; his surrender to George Washington and French forces at Yorktown in 1781 effectively ended major fighting and led to American independence.

Battle of Kings Mountain

A Patriot victory in South Carolina where frontier militia led by local leaders defeated Loyalist forces under Major Patrick Ferguson; it was a fight mainly between Americans on both sides, which weakened British influence in the South.

Battle of Cowpens

An American victory in South Carolina where General Daniel Morgan led Continental Army troops against British forces; Morgan used planned tactics like a double line and feigned retreat, dealing a major blow to British forces in the Southern campaign.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution creating a weak national government with most power held by the states; it helped guide the new nation during and after the Revolution but proved too weak to handle issues like trade, taxes, and national defense.

Battle of Yorktown

The final major battle of the American Revolution where George Washington and French forces trapped British General Charles Cornwallis in Virginia; Cornwallis’s surrender effectively ended the war and secured American independence.

Treaty of Paris

The agreement that officially ended the American Revolution, recognizing the United States as independent and setting its borders; it also required Britain to withdraw troops and granted Americans fishing rights off Canada.

Republican Ideology

A political belief that government should be based on the consent of the people, with elected representatives making decisions; it emphasizes civic virtue, individual rights, and opposition to monarchy or concentrated power.

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom

A law written by Thomas Jefferson declaring that people have the right to practice any religion or none at all; it separated church and state and influenced the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.