APUSH Chapter 8 - American Pageant Flashcards

Second Continental Congress

• Convened from 1775 to 1781, this assembly was pivotal in drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Bunker Hill

• Occurred in 1775; British forces suffered significant casualties despite compelling colonial militia to retreat.

Olive Branch Petition

• A 1775 petition expressing colonial loyalty and a desire for peace, which was outright rejected by King George III, escalating tensions.

Hessians

• German mercenaries employed by King George III to combat the colonists during the Revolutionary War.

Common Sense

• A 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for complete independence and the establishment of a republic, significantly influencing public opinion.

Declaration of Independence

• Formulated by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776, it enabled Americans to seek foreign assistance in their revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

• Introduced in 1789, this document mirrored the American Declaration, detailing civil rights during the French Revolution.

Loyalists

• Known as "Tories," they were individuals who opposed the American Revolution, often remaining loyal to British rule.

Patriots

• Referred to as "Whigs," these were colonists who actively supported the revolution and independence from Britain.

Battle of Long Island

• Fought in 1776, marked a crucial loss for colonial forces, hindering their control of New York.

Battle of Trenton

• A surprise attack led by Washington in 1776 resulted in a significant morale boost for the Continental Army by capturing Hessian troops.

Battle of Saratoga

• A decisive 1777 victory that proved instrumental in securing French military support for the American cause.

Model Treaty

• Drafted in 1776, this document was a guideline for American diplomats emphasizing a commercial partnership with France, avoiding military entanglements.

Armed Neutrality

• Formed in 1780, this alliance of neutral naval powers aimed to safeguard their trading rights amidst the Revolutionary War conflict.

Treaty of Fort Stanwix

• Signed in 1784, this treaty resulted in the ceding of the Ohio Territory to the U.S. from pro-British Iroquois factions.

Privateers

• Privately-owned vessels authorized by Congress to engage in combat against enemy ships during the Revolutionary War.

Battle of Yorktown

• In 1781, Washington led a combined American and French force to defeat British General Cornwallis, marking a turning point in the war.

Treaty of Paris

• Concluded the Revolutionary War in 1783, with Britain conceding land east of the Mississippi River while the U.S. agreed to respect Loyalist property and repay debts.

Ethan Allen

• An American general noted for capturing British forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga alongside Benedict Arnold.

Benedict Arnold

• Initially a key American general known for his successful defense of Fort Ticonderoga, he later became infamous for his betrayal by colluding with the British.

Richard Montgomery

• An American general who seized Montreal but was killed during the unsuccessful assault on Quebec.

Thomas Paine

• Author of Common Sense, passionately argued in favor of American independence and a republican form of government.

Richard Henry Lee

• Asserted the necessity for colonies to become free and independent, which Thomas Jefferson later articulated in the Declaration of Independence.

Lord Charles Cornwallis

• A British general who surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown, effectively leading to the end of significant hostilities in the war.

William Howe

• British commander who faced heavy losses at Bunker Hill and later decided against pursuing American forces following the Battle of Long Island.

John Burgoyne

• Dubbed "Gentleman Johnny," he was a British general who surrendered his forces after the defeat at Saratoga.

Benjamin Franklin

• An influential American envoy who successfully negotiated French support for the American revolutionary effort.

Comte de Rochambeau

• French general who provided key ground support to Washington's forces during the decisive Battle of Yorktown.

Nathanael Greene

• Known as the "Fighting Quaker," he led a strategic campaign of retreats to wear down Cornwallis's troops.

Joseph Brant

• A Mohawk chief advocating for British support among several Native tribes, anticipating that victory would prevent American expansion westward.

George Rogers Clark

• An American general credited with capturing crucial forts in the Northwest, securing territories north of the Ohio River for the United States.

Admiral de Grasse

• French admiral who successfully blocked British naval resources during the Battle of Yorktown, contributing to their defeat.

Test your knowledge on key events and terms from APUSH Chapter 8 of the American Pageant. This quiz covers significant topics such as the Second Continental Congress and Bunker Hill, providing a comprehensive review for students. Perfect for exam preparation and reinforcement of important historical concepts.