American Revolution

Cause an event or an action that makes something else happen

Effect the result of an event or action

American Revolution the war between Great Britain and its American colonies, 1775– 83, by which the colonies won their independence.

Stamp Act the payment of a tax to Britain on a great variety of papers and documents, including newspapers, that were produced in the American colonies.

French and Indian War the war in America in which France and its Indian allies opposed England 1754–1760: ended by Treaty of Paris in 1763.

“No Taxation with out Representation ” A slogan that the colonist began to use to boycott the taxes placed on them. They said they would not pay unless they had representation in the British Parliament.

Sons of Liberty any of several patriotic societies, originally secret, that opposed the Stamp Act and thereafter supported moves for American independence

Daughters of Liberty The Daughters of Liberty were a successful group that proved women's involvement in politics could be beneficial for the country.

Boston Tea Party a raid on three British ships in Boston Harbor in which Boston colonists, disguised as Indians, threw the contents of several hundred chests of tea into the harbor as a protest against British taxes on tea

Battle of Lexington and Concord Is the first battle of the American Revolution. Known as the Shots heard around the world

Saratoga A battle on the Hudson river. The first major battle the American won.

Yorktown in 1781 the British, under Cornwallis, surrendered after a siege of three weeks by American and French troops; the surrender ended the American Revolution

King George III Britain's king who fought to keep control over the colonist.

George Washington Commander of forces for the Colonist during the American Revolution

Ben Franklin Franklin wrote many pamphlets promoting union among the colonies; he was a Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress, then spent much of the war in France as a diplomat, charming America's French allies.

Thomas Jefferson A member of the second Continental Congress, he drafted the Declaration of Independence (1776). His presidency was marked by the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France

Benedict Arnold American Revolutionary general and traitor whose plan to surrender West Point to the British for 20,000 pounds

Patrick Henry American Revolutionary leader and orator. A member of the House of Burgesses (1765) and the Continental Congress ( ), he spurred the creation of the Virginia militia with his words "Give me liberty, or give me death"

John Adams He was a major figure during the American Revolution, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and the shaping of the Constitution.