The American Revolution Key People & Events

Key People King George III- British King Lord Cornwallis- British general- surrendered at Yorktown John Adams- Championed cause of independence George Washington- Commander of the Continental Army Thomas Jefferson- Major author of the Declaration of Independence

Key People Patrick Henry- Outspoken member of House of Burgesses; VA politician “Give me liberty, or give me death” Thomas Paine- journalist- wrote Common Sense Benjamin Franklin- Member of the Continental Congress- helped with the Declaration of Independence Phyllis Wheatley- former slave- wrote poems and plays about independence Paul Revere- Patriot who rode to warn colonists of British arrival

Key Events Boston Massacre- colonists in Boston shot for taunting British soldiers Boston Tea Party- led by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere protested the Tea Tax- threw tea into the Boston Harbor

Battle of Lexington & Concord- Site of first armed conflict Key Events First Continental Congress- Delegates from all colonies (except Georgia) met to discuss problems and promote independence Battle of Lexington & Concord- Site of first armed conflict

When was the Declaration of Independence Approved: Key Events POP QUIZ: When was the Declaration of Independence Approved: JULY 4, 1776 Independence Day!

Key Events Battle of Saratoga- American victory- turning point of War- French decided to help colonists Surrender at Yorktown- marked end of War- surrender by Lord Cornwallis and British forces Treaty of Paris- By signing this the British recognized American independence

Reasons for Colonial victory over the British in the Revolutionary War Defense of their own land, principles, and beliefs Support from France & Spain Strong leadership