Important People
leader of the continental army that suffered at Valley Forge
George Washington
Washington surprises the British by attacking on Christmas day.
Trenton
This naval battle proved that the British navy could be defeated.
This naval battle proved that the British navy could be defeated.BonHomme Richard vs. Serapis
What was the Declaration of Independence?
A letter where the Colonies stated they were no longer part of the British Empire
What advantages did the British have in the American Revolution?
42,000 British troops, 30,000 Hessian mercenaries, more supplies and money, the greatest navy in the world, better training and more experience
American hero of Fort Stanwix who later turns traitor and joined the British
Benedict Arnold
Washington's army is defeated at Long Island in the first major battle after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
New York
These battles secure the area West (Frontier) of the Appalachian mountains for America - demonstrated how brutal this war would be.
Kaskaskia and Vincennes
What concerns did George Washington have about his army before the Battle of Trenton?
The army would break up because they only signed one year contracts
What advantages did the Colonists have during the American Revolution?
Motivation to defend their home, fighting a defensive war
guerrilla fighter known as the "swamp fox"
Francis Marion
General St. Leger is stopped; this ruins the British strategy of dividing the colonies.
Fort Stanwix
Washington's army spends a horrible winter in this location where a quarter to half of the soldiers die of disease.
Valley Forge
What treaty ended the American Revolution?
Treaty of Paris 1783
What were George Washington's greatest skills as a general and why was this important?
Washington knew when to cut his losses and retreat from a battle, he also knew how to keep his army from disbanding. By keeping his army together, he prolonged the war which allowed the Americans to win.
naval hero that defeated the British ship Serapis in 1779
John Paul Jones
This battle is the turning point in the Revolutionary War for the colonists. As a result of this victory, France decides to help join the American forces.
Saratoga
William Howe abandons the plan to take New York and instead captures America's capital city.
Philadelphia
After what battle did the French and the Spanish decide to officially become allies with the United States and join in the war with the British?
Saratoga
What tactic did the Americans use against the British during the Revolution that was taken from how the Native Americans fought? Why was this so effective against the British?
The Americans used guerilla warfare to fight the British just like the Native Americans had. This was effective against the British because they often moved in open areas and fought without using cover.
wealthy Frenchman who volunteered to serve Washington's Army
Marquis de Lafayette
Starving and poorly supplied, American forces are crushed by Cornwallis. American General Gates and the militia flee in panic.
Camden
This victory for the American army with help from the French navy is the final battle of the American Revolutionary War.
Yorktown
What modern day country did the Hessians come from?
Germany
How did population distribution, climate, and distance help the colonists win the war?
Population Distribution: The colonists lived so spread out that when the British captured a city, it did not force a surrender.
Climate: The long, harsh winters gave the colonists time to train and get better at fighting.
Distance: The British army was so far from England that getting supplies and reinforcements became a disadvantage.