Chapter 1-8: The Road to American Independence (Lecture Video)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, events, people, and terms from the lecture notes on the road to American independence.

William Howe

British general who led early campaigns against the Americans. He initially oversaw the British forces in major battles such as Bunker Hill and the capture of New York City. His strategic approach, however, often faced criticism, particularly his decision to abandon the campaign to link up with Burgoyne's forces from Canada, opting instead to focused on capturing Philadelphia, the American capital, and attempting to defeat George Washington's Continental Army.

St. Leger

was a British general who played a key role in the Saratoga campaign, leading troops towards Albany from the west. His forces were halted at the Battle of Oriskany, impacting the overall strategy of the British forces.

Patriots

American colonists who supported independence from Britain.

Loyalists

American colonists loyal to Britain who opposed independence; often a minority.

Battle of Trenton

1776 surprise attack led by George Washington on Hessian forces, boosting American morale. The battle occurred on December 26, following Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, and resulted in a decisive victory for the Continental Army. Surprise attack

Saratoga Campaign

Series of battles in 1777 culminating in a decisive American victory, convincing France to formally ally with the U.S. The Saratoga Campaign was a critical series of battles in 1777, showcasing significant American victories that ultimately persuaded France to formally ally with the United States, marking a pivotal turning point in the Revolutionary War.

John Burgoyne

British general whose forces were defeated at the Battle of Saratoga. He took too many books slowing him down, leading to the ultimate defeat of his campaign in 1777.

Treaty of Alliance

1778 agreement between France and the United States, formalizing French support in the American Revolution. Americans got vessels, weapons, training, and supplies.

Winter Quarters

Temporary encampments used by armies during winter months to rest and regroup. Americans had poor conditions, frostbite

Valley Forge

Winter encampment of the Continental Army (1777-1778), marked by severe hardship, but also intensive training under von Steuben. Conditions are intense.

Baron Frederick Wilhelm von Steuben

Prussian military officer who trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge, greatly improving their discipline and tactics. Got turned away from the Prussian army due to his homosexuality, he later became an invaluable asset to the American forces.

Charles Cornwallis

British general who surrendered at Yorktown, effectively ending major combat in the American Revolution. Chasing American forces, he was outmaneuvered and trapped by Washington's army and French allies, leading to his capitulation.

Southern Campaigns

British military strategy (1778-1781) to gain control of the southern colonies by rallying Loyalist support.

Nathaniel Greene

American general known for his successful command of the Southern Continental Army, using Fabian tactics against Cornwallis. Led the biggest goose chase eventually trapping Cornwallis.

Yorktown

1781 siege where the combined American-French forces compelled the surrender of British General Cornwallis, leading to peace negotiations. They shut down the harbor making sure no resources could get inand cut off Cornwallis's escape routes, leading to his decisive defeat.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Formal treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing U.S. independence and defining its new borders.