 Revolutionary War Unit Key Terms and Events

Social Mobility  The ability to move from one social class to another

Nonimportation Agreements  An agreement by the colonists not to import items that were taxable by the British

Stamp Act  First direct tax on the colonists…Tax on all printed papers

French and Indian War  Fight between Great Britain and France over control of the Ohio River Valley

Common Sense  Controversial pamphlet written by Thomas Paine to try and convince the colonists to declare independence

Proclamation of 1763  Act passed by parliament after the French and Indian War that forbid colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains

Why Did The Townshend and Tea Acts Fail?  These acts were taxes on British imports and the colonists boycotted these goods refusing to use them

Boston Massacre  Deadly riot between the colonists and British soldiers in the streets of Boston

Intolerable Acts  Acts that were meant to punish Boston…Ultimately united the colonists

Lexington and Concord  These were the first battles of the Revolutionary War…These battles proved the colonists were willing to fight for liberty…Shot Heard Around the World

Olive Branch Petition  Issued as a final attempt to establish peace with the King

Battle of Long Island  Washington’s troops try to protect New York, but ultimately fail and have to retreat to New Jersey.

Battle of Trenton  George Washington leads his troops across the Delaware River to attack Hessian Mercenaries. Take 868 Hessian prisoners without losing a single man.

Battle of Saratoga  Turning point in the war.. America’s first major victory...convinced France and Spain to join the war as American allies

Battle at Yorktown  Final battle…Surrounded by Continental Army and the French navy Great Britain was forced to surrender.

Siege of Boston  After Fort Ticonderoga the Continentals used artillery to force the British out of Boston

Bunker Hill  After 3 attempts the British were able to take the hill overlooking Boston Harbor…Moral victory for the Continentals

Treaty of Paris  Agreement that Ended the Revolutionary War

Mercenaries  Professional soldiers who will fight for anyone that pays them

Allies  Nations that work together in a common effort

Guerillas  Soldiers who operates on their own using unconventional tactics