Documents and Dates
This document declared the American colonies' independence from Britain, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson.
Declaration of Independence
Led by Daniel Morgan, this battle was a significant victory in the South.
Battle of Cowpens
Surrendered his army at Yorktown, ending major combat in the war
Charles Cornwallis
British general forced to surrender after the Battle of Saratoga
John Burgoyne
Man who led American victories in the western territories
George Rogers Clark
The year the Declaration of Independence was signed.
1776
An early and symbolic battle showing American resolve, led by British General William Howe
Battle of Bunker Hill
The author of Common Sense, which inspired colonists to pursue independence.
Thomas Paine
British general who led the attack on Bunker Hill.
William Howe
Helped in the Battle of Ticonderoga; became a traitor to the United States.
Benedict Arnold
A final attempt by the Second Continental Congress to avoid war by asking King George III to restore colonial rights.
The Olive Branch Petition
What was the Siege of Yorktown?
The final major battle where Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war.
Selected by the Second Continental Congress to lead the Continental Army
George Washington
Leader of the Green Mountain Boys, captured Fort Ticonderoga early in the war.
Ethan Allen
Patriot general in the South
Nathaneal Greene
The year the Treaty of Paris was signed
1783
What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?
The turning point of the war that led to France joining the war on America's side.
French volunteer commander at the Battle of Yorktown
The Marquis de Lafayette
America's most famous naval officer, known for his victory against the British in the North Sea.
John Paul Jones
He transported cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to aid the Siege of Boston.
Henry Knox
This document officially ended the American Revolutionary War, with Britain recognizing American independence.
Treaty of Paris
At this battle, Washington crossed the Delaware River and launched a surprise attack on Hessian troops.
The Battle of Trenton
Primary writer of the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson
He trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge
Baron von Steuben
Hessians: Mercenary soldiers from Germany who fought for the British. Privateers: Merchant ships outfitted for war to attack British supply lines. Loyalists: American colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the war.