War of Independence

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the American War of Independence, focusing on military strategies, political ideologies, and significant events.

Guerilla Warfare

A form of irregular warfare that uses small groups of combatants to fight larger, traditional military forces.

Total War

The concept of involving the civilian population in the war effort, impacting all aspects of society.

War of Attrition

A strategy aimed at wearing down the enemy by causing continuous losses in personnel and material.

Fabian Strategy

A military strategy of avoiding decisive engagements and instead wearing down an enemy over time.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the superiority and interests of one's nation as a unifying force.

Patriotism

A sense of love for one's country, often includes a willingness to critique and improve it.

Pyrrhic Victory

A victory that comes at such a significant cost to the victor that it is almost tantamount to defeat.

Franco-American Alliance

The alliance formed between France and the United States during the American Revolutionary War.

Mutiny

An open rebellion against authorities by soldiers demanding better treatment and compensation.

(ex. Pennsylvania, NJ, and Connecticut Line Mutinies)

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The agreement signed after the American Revolutionary War that recognized American independence.

Siege of Charleston

A significant battle during the American Revolutionary War where British forces besieged and captured Charleston.

Battle of Saratoga

A turning point in the Revolutionary War, leading to French support for the American cause.

Dunmore Proclamation

A 1775 proclamation by Lord Dunmore that offered freedom to slaves who joined the British army.

Continental Congress

The governing body of the American colonies during the revolution, which coordinated the war effort.

Militia

A group of ordinary citizens trained for military service, often used alongside a regular army.

Hessians

German mercenaries hired by the British army during the American Revolutionary War.

Hearts and Minds

A strategy aimed at winning the support of the civilian population during wartime.

Logistical Supremacy

The advantage held by a military with superior supply and support systems.

Marquis de Lafayette

A French military officer who played a key role in the American Revolutionary War — helped secure French support for the American cause and became a close ally of George Washington.

IOUs

A form of informal debt acknowledgment, promising to repay borrowed money, used during the American Revolutionary War for funding efforts.

Siege of Charleston

A major battle in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War where British forces captured the city of Charleston, South Carolina, leading to significant American losses.