Unit #3 – The American Revolution Notecards

What was the 2nd Continental Congress?

Created the Continental Army, chose Washington as General, ran the war, and negotiated peace.

Who was Thomas Paine? How did he inspire the rebels?

Wrote essays urging colonists to fight for freedom; inspired soldiers and rebels.

What was the Declaration of Independence? Who wrote it?

Declared the U.S. independent from Britain; written by Thomas Jefferson with other editors.

How was the American Revolution a World War and a Civil War?

World War: involved multiple countries/continents; Civil War: colonists fought other British people (loyalists).

American vs. British advantages

Americans: patriotism, knowledge of land, volunteer soldiers; British: experienced army & navy, loyalist support.

What was the Olive Branch Petition? How did Britain respond?

Colonists’ last attempt at peace (July 1775); King George III rejected it and declared rebellion.

Which 3 foreign countries helped America?

Spain, France, Holland.

Pyrrhic Victory

Win but with heavy losses (ex: Bunker Hill).

War of attrition

Wear down the enemy over time.

Hubris

Excessive pride that leads to mistakes.

Lexington & Concord

British tried to seize Sam Adams, John Hancock, and weapons; war begins.

Bunker Hill

British won but with major losses (a Pyrrhic victory).

Trenton

Americans surprised Hessians after Christmas; boosted morale.

Saratoga

American victory forced British surrender; prevented colonies from being split.

Yorktown

Last major battle; Americans & French defeated Cornwallis; independence gained.

Treaty that ended the war (Treaty of Paris, 1783)

Recognized 13 colonies as free states; set boundaries with British North America; gave U.S. access to the Mississippi River.