1. Chapter 4
Content Vocabulary

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. Privateer
Privately owned merchant ships equipped with weapons

7. Patriots
Colonists determined to fight against Britain for American independence

8. Ratify
To give official approval

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

10. Desert
To leave without permission

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

12. Inflation
A continuous rise in the price of goods and services

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

14. Neutral
Taking no side in a conflict

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

16. 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

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

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

19. Ambush
A surprise attack

20. Recruit
To enlist soldiers in the army

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

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