Causes & Context
These were the two main sides fighting in the war: one was a professional European power and the other was a local colonial force.
The British and Continental Forces
On Christmas night, George Washington led his troops across this freezing river to launch a surprise attack on Trenton.
The Delaware River
He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and later became the first President of the United States.
George Washington
A person who supported the cause of freedom and independence.
Patriot
This 1765 act, which taxed printed materials, is listed as one of the major causes that led the colonies toward revolution.
The Stamp Act
This 1776 battle, occurring on August 27, resulted in a victory for the British forces in New York.
Battle of Long Island
This Founding Father is credited as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson
In this event, colonists protested by dumping 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor.
The Boston Tea Party
This social class in colonial America consisted of individuals who signed contracts to work for 5 to 7 years in exchange for passage to the New World.
Indentured Servants
This military plan involved the British focusing their troops in the South to gain help from local Loyalist colonists.
The Southern Strategy
He followed George Washington to become the second President of the United States.
John Adams
The British army surrendered to Washington here, ending the Revolutionary War.
Yorktown
While Native Americans and African Americans fought on both sides, this group of professional German soldiers fought exclusively for the British.
Hessian Mercenaries
During this campaign, British General Burgoyne attempted to move south toward Albany but was eventually forced to surrender his entire army.
Saratoga Campaign
This 1783 document officially ended the war and forced King George III to recognize the United States as an independent nation.
Treaty of Paris
This silversmith is famous for his "midnight ride" to warn colonists that the British were coming.
Paul Revere
In terms of military advantages, this side benefited from fighting in familiar territory despite having less consistent funding.
Contental Forces
This decisive siege served as a major event of the war and led to the eventual British defeat.
Siege of Yorktown
After the war, the U.S. faced economic instability because these specific types of bills were considered worthless.
Continental Bills
This original governing document set up a national government that many felt was too weak and ineffective to manage the thirteen states' war debts.
Articles of Confederation