Chapter 4 Content Vocabulary

Redcoats Soldiers in the British army / sometimes called “Lobsterbacks”

Common Sense A pamphlet that argued against British rule over the Americas – made a case for political & economic freedom and the right to military self-defense.

Mercenary Paid soldier who serves in the army of a foreign country

Second Continental Congress Meeting of delegates from the 13 colonies in 1775 to discuss colonial defense, petition the King for redress and eventually plan for independence.

Privateer Privately owned merchant ships equipped with weapons

Patriots Colonists determined to fight against Britain for American independence

Ratify To give official approval

Loyalists Those colonists who decided to support Britain, sometimes called Tories.

Desert To leave without permission

Olive Branch Petition Assured the colonists’ desire for peace & asked the King to protect colonists’ rights

Inflation A continuous rise in the price of goods and services

Minutemen Civilian militia companies, or citizen soldiers, ready to fight at a moment’s notice

Neutral Taking no side in a conflict

Guerilla Warfare Style of fighting by small bands of soldiers that appears suddenly, attacks, and then disappears quickly

Blockade To cut off an area by means of troops or warships to stop supplies or people from coming in or going out; close off cities and ports with ships

First Continental Congress Initial gathering of colonial leaders who were troubled by the treatment of Great Britain toward her American Colonies

Continental Army Created by the 2nd CC to carry out the fight against the British

Ambush A surprise attack

Recruit To enlist soldiers in the army

Treaty of Paris, 1783 Peace agreement in which Britain recognized the independence of the United States

Declaration of Independence Formally announced the colonists’ break from Great Britain