Revolution Era - Pink Word Wall

Boston Massacre

Event in 1770 where British soldiers fired on a crowd in Boston, resulting in the deaths of 5 colonists. Sparked more tension between colonists and British, leading to increased support for American independence.

Lord Cornwallis

British general during the American Revolutionary War. Surrendered to American forces at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781

George Washington

American Commander during the Revolutionary War.

John Adams

Founding Father, and advocate for American independence. Played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. Known for his defense of British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre.

Yorktown

site of the decisive Battle of the American Revolution in 1781, which marked the end of the War.

Olive Branch Petition

aimed to prevent a war between American colonists and Great Britain. It expressed loyalty to the British Crown and sought a peaceful resolution. King George III rejected the petition, worsening tensions between the colonies and Britain.

boycott

A form of protest where individuals or groups refuse to buy or support a particular product, service, or organization, usually to bring attention to an issue or demand change.

Redcoats

Nickname for British soldiers who fought against the American colonists during the Revolutionary War.

Lexington & Concord

two towns in Massachusetts. Significant for being the sites of the first military engagements of the American Revolution. “Shot heard ‘round the world”.

Bernardo de Galvez

governor of Spanish Louisiana and Cuba. He played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War by supporting the American colonists against the British.

writs of assistance

legal documents issued in colonial America that allowed British customs officials to search any location for smuggled goods without a specific warrant.

quartering

act of providing lodging or housing for soldiers in private residences.

Common Sense

pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776. It argued for American independence from Britain.

minutemen

militia group formed during the American Revolutionary War. They were known for their ability to be ready for battle at a minute's notice. They played a crucial role in the early stages of the war, particularly in the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Wentworth Cheswell

Black Patriot known for his role in the American Revolutionary War, where he served as a messenger (midnight rider) and fought in the Battle of Saratoga.

Declaration of Independence

document that was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It declared the thirteen American colonies as independent states and outlined their grievances against the British monarchy.

Benjamin Franklin

leading figure in the American Enlightenment and made significant contributions in various fields such as science, writing, printing, and politics. Is best known for his experiments with electricity, his invention of the lightning rod, and his role in drafting the U.S. Constitution. He also founded the first public library in America, helped establish the University of Pennsylvania, and served as a diplomat in France during the American Revolution.

Paul Revere

American patriot and silversmith who played a crucial role in the American Revolution. He is best known for his "midnight ride" on April 18, 1775, warning the colonial militia of the approaching British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. Revere's ride helped to mobilize the colonial resistance and is considered a significant event in American history.

Thomas Paine

influential political activist, philosopher, and writer during the American Revolution. He is best known for his pamphlet "Common Sense," which advocated for American independence from Britain; played a significant role in shaping public opinion and rallying support for the Revolutionary cause. He also wrote "The American Crisis" series, which inspired and motivated American soldiers during the war.

Patriots

those who worked or fought for American independence from Britain.

Mercy Otis Warren

American writer and playwright during the Revolutionary War era. She is known for her political writings and plays that supported the American Revolution and criticized British rule.

Crispus Attucks

Former slave who was killed during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. He is considered the first casualty of the American Revolution.

Treaty of Paris 1783

officially ended the American Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States of America. It recognized the independence of the United States and established the boundaries of the new nation.

Loyalists

American colonists who remained opposed to the idea of American independence.

Samuel Adams

American revolutionary leader and politician; played a crucial role in organizing protests against British taxation policies.

guerilla warfare

small groups of combatants use tactics such as ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks to fight against a larger, more conventional military force.

Marquis de Lafayette

French aristocrat and military officer who played a key role in the American Revolution. He served as a major general in the Continental Army and became a close ally of George Washington. Lafayette's support and leadership were instrumental in securing French assistance for the American cause.

Thomas Jefferson

principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was also known for his support of individual rights and limited government.

James Armistead

slave who served as a spy during the American Revolutionary War; volunteered to serve as a spy for the Continental Army under the Marquis de Lafayette. He posed as a runaway slave and infiltrated British camps, gathering valuable intelligence. His efforts were instrumental in the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown.

Valley Forge

site of the winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The harsh conditions including lack of food, clothing, and shelter, tested the resolve of the soldiers. However, it also provided an opportunity for training and discipline under the leadership of General George Washington. Despite the hardships, the soldiers emerged from Valley Forge stronger and better prepared for future battles.

Saratoga

major victory for the American Patriots. It is often referred to as the "Turning Point of the Revolution"; it ultimately led to France's decision to openly support the American cause.

militia

citizens who are not part of the regular military but are trained and organized for military purposes. They are typically composed of individuals who are willing to defend their community or country in times of emergency or conflict.

John Paul Jones

known for his victories against the British Navy, including the famous battle between his ship, the USS Bonhomme Richard, and the HMS Serapis. Jones is often referred to as the "Father of the American Navy" and his bravery and strategic skills greatly contributed to the success of the American cause during the war. “I have not yet begun to fight”.

propaganda

a tool to manipulate or persuade people by presenting information in a biased or misleading manner. Can be found in various forms such as advertisements, political campaigns, and media outlets. Its purpose is to shape public perception and behavior towards a specific agenda or ideology.

grievances

complaints that individuals or groups have against a person, organization, or government.

King George III

monarch of Great Britain during the American Revolution. He is often associated with the grievances of the American colonists, as they believed he violated their rights and imposed unfair taxes. His actions, such as the Stamp Act and the Intolerable Acts, fueled the colonists' desire for independence.

Patrick Henry

best known for his speech in 1775, in which he famously declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He was a prominent figure during the American Revolution and played a key role in advocating for independence from Great Britain.

Haym Salomon

Polish-born Jewish immigrant who played a significant role in financing the American Revolution. He was a successful businessman and broker in Philadelphia. Salomon used his financial expertise to help fund the Continental Army and provide loans to the American government.

Abigail Adams

Letters exchanged between she and her husband reveal that she played a significant role in shaping early American politics and was a strong advocate for the rights and education of women. She is remembered as one of the most remarkable women of her time.

unalienable

inherent to all individuals and cannot be taken away or transferred. These rights are often considered to be natural or God-given and include fundamental freedoms such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Crisis

collection of essays written by Thomas Paine during the American Revolution; aimed to inspire and motivate the American colonists to continue their fight for independence from Britain. The essays were widely read and had a significant impact on the Revolutionary War effort.

James Madison

often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Civil disobedience

the deliberate and nonviolent refusal to obey certain laws or commands as a form of protest against perceived injustice or unfairness.