Famous Figures
He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and later became the first U.S. President
George Washington
Adopted on July 4, 1776, this document announced the 13 colonies' formal separation from Great Britain
Declaration of Independence
The "shot heard 'round the world" was fired during these two opening battles of the war in 1775
Battles of Lexington and Concord
This midnight rider famously warned the Massachusetts countryside that "The British are coming!"
Paul Revere
This 1765 act sparked widespread protests by placing a tax on all paper goods, legal documents, and playing cards
Stamp Act
Washington led a surprise attack on Hessian forces on Christmas night in 1776 after crossing this icy river
Delaware River (Battle of Trenton)
He wrote the highly influential pamphlet Common Sense, which inspired colonists to fight for independence
Thomas Paine
Serving as the first constitution of the United States, this document created a weak central government
Articles of Confederation
This 1777 battle is widely considered the major turning point of the war because it convinced France to ally with the Americans
Battle of Saratoga
This American officer became the nation's most infamous traitor when he agreed to turn over West Point to the British
Benedict Arnold
Parliament passed these harsh measures in 1774 to punish Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party
Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)
The British surrendered to American and French forces at this final major battle of the war in 1781
Battle of Yorktown
Known as the "Swamp Fox," this South Carolina militia leader used guerrilla tactics to frustrate British forces
Francis Marion
Signed in 1783, this formal agreement officially ended the war and recognized American independence
Treaty of Paris
Though a British victory, this early 1775 battle proved the militia could stand their ground against regulars, famously fought on Breed's Hill
Battle of Bunker Hill