Unit Overview Sheet: American Revolution

French and Indian War

a war that took place from 1754 to 1763 that led to the end of French power in North America

Albany Plan of Union

a proposal by Benjamin Franklin to create a unified government for the British colonies

Treaty of Paris of 1763

a 1763 agreement between Britain & France that ended the French and Indian War and transferred much of North America from French to British control

Proclamation of 1763

The border that banned settlers from expanding westward

Mercantile System

The same people who sell/make it buy it as well. Reduces trade with other places.

Petition

A formal written request to someone in authority that is signed by a group of people

Boycott

To refuse to buy, use, or support certain good or services

Committee of Correspondence

a letter writing campaign that became a major tool of protest in the colonies

Civil Disobedience

the refusal to obey unjust laws using non-violent means

Quebec Act

an official document that says Britain owns Canada

militia

an army of citizens who serve as soldiers during an emergency

minutemen

colonial militia volunteers who were prepared to fight at a minute’s notice

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battle that were America vs. Britain; started the Revolutionary War

Olive Branch Petition

A peace treaty to King George which he refused to read

First Continental Congress

a big meeting with 12/13 colonies (bye Georgia), where they drafted a Declaration of Rights, which King George refused to consider

Second Continental Congress

a meeting with the same 12 colonies dicussing the Continental Army (with Washington as the commander) and the Olive Branch Petition

Green Mountain Boys

Vermont militia men led by Ethan Allen

Patriot

a colonist who favored war against Britain.

Loyalist

a colonist who remained loyal to Britain.

Blockade

a group of soldiers blocking a certain area

Mercenary

a hired soldier

Preamble

a short intro before a big speech

Natural rights

rights that belong to huans due to their nature

Unalienable rights

The rights to be free & live

Battle of Bunker Hill

June 17, 1775: The British attack the Americans and “won“ because the Americans retreated due to being out of bullets

Common Sense

a pamphlet Thomas Paine wrote that argued against Britain

Declaration of Independence

the ultimate breakup letter from Britain; written July 4th, 1776 by Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and some other guys

Battle of Trenton

a surprise attack on the British (guerilla warfare), where Washington and his crew crossed the Delaware Rive and overtook the Hessians. FRENCH & OTHER PEOPLE ACQUIRED.

Valley Forge

where Washington parked the Continental Army for the winter of 1777-78, 2,000 died due to a supply shortage.

Guerilla warfare

unruly fighting; chaotic fighting style; literally jumping your enemy

Battle of Yorktown

The final large battle of the revolution

Siege

when an army surrounds and blockades an enemy position in attempt to capture it

Treaty of Paris 1783

the document that makes America’s independence official.