American Revolution Flashcards
(25 cards)
Patriot
American colonists who fought against the British
Unalienable Rights
Rights that are so basic they can’t be taken away; rights you are born with
Loyalist
American colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed the war for independence. They did so for religious, or economic reasons.
Turning Point
Change in how the war is going
Continental Army
American army during the revolution
Alliance
Friendship between two countries
Revolution
Drastic change in the political, social, and economic structure
What was the importance of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
it convinced a large portion of the population who did not want to fight for independence to change their minds & support the war
What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To send a message to the world about why colonists wanted to fight for their independence
What are natural rights? Where do we get them from?
- Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
- They come from god
What was the Enlightenment?
- Period of European history which influenced rational thought & logic
- Influenced politics, literature, scientific discoveries, and revolutions
How did the Enlightenment thinkers influence the creation of the Declaration of Independence and common sense?
-Writers of Dec of Ind & Common Sense included ideas about natural rights, self-government, and questioning authority which were all the major themes of the Enlightenment period
What were the advantages of the British at the beginning of the war?
-Size & training of the army and navy, population size, higher levels of manufacturing, richest country in the world, well-trained officers
What were the advantages of the American colonists at the beginning of the war?
-Home-field advantage (knowing the terrain/geography), grit - they have something to fight for
What was Washinton’s military strategy?
Avoid huge military losses
fight a defensive war
guerilla warfare/hit and run tactics
gain European Allies
What was the British military strategy?
Blockade the coast
capture New York - dividing New England Colonies from the Southern Colonies
take advantage of help from the Loyalists
What challenges did the second continental congress/patriots face during the American Revolution?
Managing the needs of the continental army, shortages of food, weapons, uniforms, paying for the war
What was the role of New York in the American Revolution?
The British plan was to capture New York and divide the New England colonies from Southern colonies
What was the impact of the Battle of Saratoga during the war?
Americans were able to win this battle. As a result, started receiving the support of allies and started winning battles.
How were the Americans able to win the American Revolution?
Alliance with France and Spain provided money, equipment, troops navy guerrilla warfare fierce spirit and determination support of allies started winning battles
Valley forge [Winter of 1777-1778]
Winter encampment in Pennsylvania for Washington’s troops. They were cold with little money for supplies. Lacked proper clothing, food and shelter.
What was the role of African Americans during the American Revolution?
They became involved in fighting in the American Revolution because they believed they would gain freedom. 5,000 joined the patriot cause.
What was the role of Native Americans in the American revolution?
Most tribes did not choose sides, but the tribes that did sided with the British.
Why were the British willing to enter into peace talks with the colonists after the Battle of Yorktown?
The colonists’ victory at Yorktown convinced the British that the war with the colonists would be too costly to pursue.
