This opening section of the Declaration explains why the colonies are breaking away from Britain.
What is the Preamble?
This early battle showed that colonial militia could stand up to the British, even though they eventually lost.
What is the Battle of Bunker Hill?
To officially cancel or take back a law.
What does repeal mean?
He was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
Who is George Washington?
This treaty officially ended the American Revolution.
What is the Treaty of Paris (1783)?
These are rights that cannot be taken away, such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
What are unalienable rights or natural rights?
George Washington led a surprise attack across the Delaware River to win this battle on Christmas night, 1776.
What is the Battle of Trenton?
Complaints made against someone, often listed in the Declaration of Independence.
What are grievances?
The main author of the Declaration of Independence.
Who is Thomas Jefferson?
The Treaty of Paris recognized this as the western boundary of the United States.
What is the Mississippi River?
This section lists the complaints the colonists had against King George III.
What is the list of grievances?
This battle in New York was the turning point of the war, convincing France to help the Americans.
What is the Battle of Saratoga?
A major event or battle that changes the course of a war.
What is a turning point?
A young French nobleman who became a trusted ally of Washington and helped secure French support.
Who is the Marquis de Lafayette?
This major outcome of the treaty was that Great Britain recognized this country’s independence.
What is the United States of America?
According to the Declaration, this is where governments get their power.
What is the consent of the governed (or the people)?
Washington’s troops suffered through a harsh winter here, but emerged stronger due to new training.
What is Valley Forge?
Rights that cannot be taken away or denied.
What does unalienable mean?
The British general who surrendered to Washington at Yorktown.
Who is General Cornwallis?
The treaty required this group to withdraw all its troops from American territory.
Who are the British?
The Declaration says people have the right to do this when their government violates the social contract.
What is to alter or abolish (replace) the government?
The final major battle of the war, where British General Cornwallis surrendered in 1781.
What is the Battle of Yorktown?
A military operation where forces surround a place to cut off supplies and force a surrender.
What is a siege?
This Prussian military officer helped train American troops at Valley Forge.
Who is Baron von Steuben?
One provision of the treaty stated that Americans would pay debts owed to these people.
Who are British merchants (or loyalists)?