met in Philadelphia as a response to the violence at Lexington and Concord. All of the thirteen colonies were represented. the delegates still wished...
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Ethan Allen
led a small American force to capture British strongholds at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, obtaining stores of gunpowder and weapons. these supplies pr...
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Benedict Arnold
won many key battles for the American cause during the Revolution. Shockingly turned traitor in 1780 and sold out West Point to the British
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Olive Branch Petition
written by the Continental Congress after some initial military action between Britain and America. Proclaimed American loyalty to Britain and attempt...
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General Richard Montgomery
led the unsuccessful American attempt to capture Quebec, and was killed in the battle
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Common Sense
Argument for the importance of liberty and republicanism. Rallied the Americans together against the British Crown
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Richard Henry Lee
member of the Philadelphia Congress from Virginia. Passionately believed that the American colonies should be free states independent from Britain. Hi...
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natural rights
rights all humankind deserve, according to the Continental Congress. The colonies believed they deserved to revolt because the King went against these...
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Declaration of Independence
compiled by the Continental Congress to formally declare America as a nation independent from Britain, and to explain why this was fair and necessary....
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Loyalists, Tories
American colonists loyal to England and the British Crown. Most common among the older generations and in areas where the Anglican Church was still th...
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Patriots, Whigs
American colonists who were pro-revolution and independence. They were extremely passionate and zealous and were always trying to win over those colon...
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William Franklin
Supporter of the loyalist cause who was the last royal governor of New Jersey.
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Patrick Henry
Famous for saying "Give me liberty or give me death!"
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General William Howe
British general in the American Revolution. Was not a great military leader, and was captured by surprise by George Washington on Christmas morning.
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General John Burgoyne
British general in the American Revolution. His failure was important to the American capture of the Hudson River Valley. Surrendered his entire comma...
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Battle of Saratoga
a decisive battle in the American Revolution. The American victory helped rally the colonists to the American cause. Was a turning point in the war as...