The Maerican Revolution Flashcards
(19 cards)
What was the American Revolution? An insurrection (1775–83) in which 13 British colonies in North America gained independence and formed the United States.
What were the American colonies originally for? To trade and extract raw materials like sugar
cotton
What were the 13 original American colonies? Massachusetts
New Hampshire
What war led Britain to tax the American colonies? The Seven Years’ War (1756–1764)
which left Britain in massive debt.
Why did American colonists oppose British taxes? They were taxed without representation in the British government.
What were some taxes imposed on the colonies? Stamp tax
sugar tax
What happened at the Boston Massacre? In 1770
British soldiers killed five protesting colonists
What was the Boston Tea Party? In 1773
the Sons of Liberty dumped British tea into Boston Harbour in protest of the tea tax.
What was the Continental Congress? A 1775 meeting of delegates from all 13 colonies to plan independence and form an army.
What is the Declaration of Independence? A document declaring independence from Britain
signed July 4
Why is July 4th important in the U.S.? It is celebrated as Independence Day
marking the birth of the United States.
What was the Continental Army? The army formed by the Continental Congress
led by George Washington
What battles started the American Revolutionary War? The Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19
1775
What happened at the Battle of Lexington? The British defeated a small group of American soldiers; it was the war’s first battle.
What happened at the Battle of Concord? American soldiers regrouped and defeated the British — their first victory.
When did the Revolutionary War end? In 1783
with the signing of the Treaty of Paris after the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781.
Who helped the Americans win the war? France aided the Americans in defeating Britain.
What is the significance of the Stars and Stripes? It’s the U.S. national flag
representing American identity born from the revolution.
What is the Star-Spangled Banner? The U.S. national anthem
symbolizing American freedom and nationalism.
