Timeline
1774
Intolerable Acts passed, colonies unite in response
The Americans won a quick victory and captured over 900 enemies in the Battle of ___________. This surprise attack gave the colonists hope and proved that Washington was a smart military leader
Battle of Trenton
George Washington made a daring plan to save the American Revolution. His army was losing badly, and many soldiers were ready to quit. Washington decided to cross the icy ____________ in the middle of winter to surprise attack the enemy.
Delaware River
A confrontation on March 5, 1770, in which British soldiers killed five colonial civilians, used as propaganda by Patriots to fuel anti-British sentiment
Boston Massacre
Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and first President of the United States
George Washington
1765
Stamp Act passed First direct tax on colonists; leads to protests
After Britain won the_______________they needed money and started taxing the colonists without letting them have a say in government.
The French and Indian War
British General ____________decided to move his army to __________in 1781. He believed that by capturing ____________, he could cut off supplies and support to the Southern Patriots and finally win the war.
First constitution of the United States, creating a weak central government
Articles of Confederation
Official army of the thirteen colonies during the Revolutionary War, commanded by George Washington
Continental Army
1781
Battle of Yorktown (October) British surrender; last major battle of the war
Site of the final major battle of the Revolutionary War where Cornwallis surrendered in 1781
Yorktown
the site where George Washington and the Continental Army spent one of the most difficult winters of the Revolutionary War
Valley Forge
Fighting style using hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and knowledge of local terrain
Guerrilla Warfare
American general who became a traitor by attempting to surrender West Point to the British
Benedict Arnold
1776
Declaration of Independence signed (July 4) Colonies officially break from Britain
This battle showed that ordinary American farmers and workers could fight against the world's best army.
______________officially signed the Treaty of Alliance with the United States, making them formal allies in the war against Britain.
France
Information designed to influence public opinion, often biased or misleading
Propaganda
Young French volunteer who served as an aide to George Washington
Marquis de Lafayette
1783
Treaty of Paris signed War officially ends; America gained independence
This victory was a major turning point because it significantly boosted American morale and convinced France to form a military alliance with the United States
The Battle of Saratoga
King George III and the monarchy were criticized by _______________, that said that all men were created equal and should govern themselves, not be ruled by a king.
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" pamphlet
Supreme power or authority; the right to govern
Sovereignty
British monarch during the American Revolution who refused to grant colonial independence
King George III