American Revolution Overview

The First Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from the 13 American colonies in 1774. It was held in response to the Intolerable Acts, a series of measures imposed by the British government after the colonies resisted new taxes.

The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 to punish the colonists for their resistance to British rule.

The Declaration of Rights was a document issued by the First Continental Congress in 1774. It affirmed the colonists' loyalty to the British Crown, but disputed the British Parliament's right to tax them without representation.

The Articles of Association were a set of agreements adopted by the First Continental Congress in 1774. They called on the colonies to stop importing goods from the British Isles beginning on December 1, 1774, if the Intolerable Acts were not repealed.

The Battle of Lexington was the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. It took place on April 19, 1775, in Lexington, Massachusetts.

The Battle of Concord was a battle fought on April 19, 1775, in Concord, Massachusetts, as part of the American Revolutionary War. It was a British attempt to seize colonial military supplies, but resulted in an American victory, leading to the Siege of Boston.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was a battle fought on June 17, 1775, on Breed's Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts, between British regulars and colonial militia forces during the Siege of Boston in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.

The Siege of Boston was a military standoff between British troops and colonial militia forces in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, lasting from April 19, 1775, to March 17, 1776.

The Second Continental Congress was a gathering of representatives from the thirteen American colonies that met in 1775. It was a crucial step towards American independence, as it took on many duties that were previously handled by the British government, including conducting the war effort, raising an army, and issuing paper money.

In 1776, the Second Continental Congress made the historic decision to declare independence from Great Britain. This document, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, outlined the reasons why the colonies were separating from British rule and stated their belief in the right to self-government.

General Gage was the British military commander in Boston at the start of the Revolutionary War. He was responsible for attempting to seize colonial military supplies in Lexington and Concord, which triggered the first battles of the war.

Paul Revere was a silversmith and a member of the Sons of Liberty. He became famous for his midnight ride to warn colonists in Lexington and Concord that British troops were approaching. His ride helped to start the American resistance.

The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. The conflict began when British troops attempted to seize colonial military supplies in Lexington and Concord, but were met with resistance by colonial militia.

The Continental Army was the army that was formed by the newly independent American colonies during the Revolutionary War. It was led by General George Washington and consisted of soldiers from all thirteen colonies.

George Washington was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He played a crucial role in winning the war for American independence and is considered a founding father of the United States.

The Continental Army, though lacking formal training and equipment, had strengths that helped them overcome the superior British forces. These strengths included local knowledge of the terrain, a strong will to fight for their own freedom, and the willingness to fight Guerilla warfare.

The British Army had significant strengths, including a large, well-trained and equipped force, a powerful navy for supplies, and a professional full-time soldier structure.

Despite their strengths, the British Army faced challenges fighting in an unfamiliar land, treating all Americans as enemies (increasing rebel support), and being thousands of miles from home.

The Continental Army's victory at the Battle of Boston was a turning point, giving them crucial supplies for the war by capturing cannons and rifles.

This battle was a significant setback for the Continental Army as they were defeated by General Howe and lost Philadelphia, a symbolic center of American power.

The Battle of Saratoga marked a major turning point in the war, giving the Americans a crucial victory that reassured the American public and attracted foreign allies.

Valley Forge was a harsh winter encampment for the Continental Army, marked by harsh conditions, disease, and desertions. However, it also led to a period of transformation and increased resilience for the army.

France's involvement was crucial to the American victory. They provided troops, weapons, and naval support, putting significant pressure on British resources.