GA's Role in the American Revolution

Loyalist

An American colonist who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War.

Battle of Kettle Creek

A 1779 American Revolutionary War battle in Georgia where Patriot militia defeated a larger Loyalist force, disrupting British efforts to recruit Loyalists in the southern backcountry.

Siege of Savannah

A 1779 Revolutionary War battle where a combined French and American force unsuccessfully attempted to recapture Savannah, Georgia, from British occupation.

Austin Dabney

An enslaved African American who served as a Patriot soldier during the American Revolutionary War, fought bravely at the Battle of Kettle Creek, and became one of the few Black veterans to receive a state land grant for his military service.

Casimir Pulaski

He is best known as the "Father of the American Cavalry" because he taught the early American army how to fight excellently on horseback.

Articles of Confederation

The first written constitution of the United States of America.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

They established a national government that was too weak to enforce its own laws, collect taxes, or regulate commerce.

Why was the national government intentionally weak?

The American colonists deeply feared central tyranny and the abuse of power after suffering under Great Britain's monarchy and parliamentary rule.

Why did the Articles lead to the constitution?

The first system of government created a central administration that was too weak to manage the country's debts, enforce laws, or keep states from fighting.

French and Indian War

A North American conflict fought from 1754 to 1763 between Great Britain and France, along with their respective Indigenous allies.

Proclamation of 1763

It banned American colonists from settling on lands west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Stamp Act

A 1765 law passed by the British Parliament that placed a direct tax on printed paper in the American colonies.

Declaration of Independence

The historic founding document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, through which the 13 American colonies announced their freedom from British rule.

Why was Georgia slower to resist Great Britain?

It was the youngest and smallest of the original 13 colonies, and it relied heavily on British troops for defense and trade.