Vocabulary
A colonist who wanted independence from Great Britain.
Patriot
The law-making government of Great Britain.
Parliament
Rights people are born with that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Natural Rights
Which event involved colonists dumping tea into the Boston Harbor to protest British taxes?
Boston Tea Party
Why did the British choose to fight in the Revolutionary War?
To deny independence and maintain order in the colonies.
To refuse to buy or use something as a form of protest.
Boycott
A partnership between groups or countries to help each other.
Alliance
A colonist who stayed loyal to Great Britain.
Loyalist
What does the phrase no taxation without representation mean?
Colonists wanted a voice in the British government before being taxed.
Why did the colonists choose to fight in the Revolutionary War?
To gain independence from Britain and preserve rights.
The act of the government taking money from people to pay for public needs.
Taxation
A formal agreement between countries
Treaty
Having someone speak or make decisions for you in government.
Representation
Why were colonists upset with the Stamp Act?
It placed a tax on paper goods without colonial representaion.
Who was the Commander of the Continental Army?
George Washignton
To officially cancel a law.
Repeal
A group of ordinary citizens trained to fight in emergencies.
Militia
Fighting or acting against a government or ruler.
Rebellion
Which meeting brought colonial leaders together to discuss problems with Britian before the war began?
The First Continental Congress
How did the Revolutionary War begin for the colonists?
They were losing major battles and struggling.
A formal statement that announces an important decision or belief.
Declaration
A person chosen to represent a group and speak or make decisions for them.
Delegate
A group of leaders who meet to make laws or decisions.
Congress
Who held the advantage at the start of the war and why?
Great Britain. Consistent funding, best navy in the world, experienced soldiers, plenty of supplies strong decision making body (Parliament), experienced generals, and many cannons.
United States of America. Familiar territory, guerilla warfare, same commander in chief throughout the war (Washington), and French and Spanish Allies.
He lead the charge against the British at the Battle of Bemis Heights and lead the colonists to victory.
He switched sides and began fighting for the British. He became a traitor.