Chronicles: Chapter 9.1 - Pre-twentieth century revolution – The American Revolution | Quizlet

Baron von Steuben

Prussian officer who trained the American soldiers.

Battle of Saratoga 1777

A turning point in the revolution. It led to France, Spain and the Netherlands joining on the side of the Americans.

Bill of Rights

A legal document giving Americans a set of rights, including the right to free speech, to own property and to a fair trial. These rights were not extended to slaves or Native Americans.

Boston Massacre

The killing of five American colonists by soldiers during a brawl on the streets of Boston.

Boston Tea Party

An event in which American colonists boarded three ships in Boston Harbour and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water in protest at British taxes.

Continental Army

The army of American colonists that fought against the British Army in the American Revolution.

Continental Congress

An assembly of delegates from each of the thirteen American colonies. It set out complaints against British rule and acted as a temporary government during the American Revolution.

Declaration of Independence

A document that declared America to be independent of British rule. It was adopted on 4 July 1776.

George Washington

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

Jamestown

In 1607, the British built their first permanent settlement in North America.

King George III

British monarch.

Marquis de Lafayette

French general who joined Washington's army.

Minutemen

Boston militia who were prepared to fight the British with very short notice.

Navigation Acts

Laws that stated that some American goods, including tobacco, cotton and sugar, could only be sold to Britain.

Redcoats

British soldiers uniform

Siege of Yorktown

Washington forced British General Cornwallis to surrender. It was the decisive victory of the American Revolution.

Stamp Act

A tax on documents, including newspapers, playing cards and legal documents such as wills.

Star Spangled Banner

The flag of the USA. The original had thirteen alternate red and white stripes and thirteen stars.

The Enlightenment

A period when some 17th century European writers questioned traditional ideas, such as the divine right of kings.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence.

Townshend Acts

Laws imposing taxes on goods imported into America, including wine, glass, paint and tea, all of which had to be bought from the British.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

An agreement between Britain and the United States that ended the fighting in the American Revolution.

causes of the rebellion

The enlightenment
The French-Indian war
Navigation acts
Unfair taxes
Boston massacre
Boston tea party