Key Figures of the American Revolution

Key Figures and Events of the American Revolution

• George Washington: Young British lieutenant colonel, sent to stop the French near the Ohio River.
• Edward Braddock: British general, ignored warnings about guerrilla warfare leading to significant losses.
• William Pitt: British Prime Minister who formulated a plan to win the French and Indian War.
• Samuel Adams: Leader of the Boston Sons of Liberty, instrumental in protests against the Stamp Act.
• Ethan Allen: Led a Vermont militia capturing Fort Ticonderoga.
• John Paul Jones: Revolutionary War naval officer, famous for attacking and defeating a British ship while severely damaged.
• General Charles Cornwallis: Prominent British general with several victories in the south.
• General Nathanael Greene: Led Continental Army to victory at Cowpens.
• James Madison: Key figure at the Constitutional Convention, often called the "Father of the Constitution."

Colonial Conflicts and Resistance

• French and Indian War (Seven Years' War): Conflict between France and Britain over territory and power.
• Proclamation of 1763: British decree forbidding colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Stamp Act Congress (1765): Colonial delegates protested the Stamp Act.
• Sons of Liberty: Growing group of American colonists who opposed British rule.
• Quartering Act: Colonists forced to provide housing and provisions for the British army.
• Boycotts: Colonists refused to purchase British goods.
• Albany Plan: Benjamin Franklin's proposal for a centralized colonial government, ultimately rejected.
• Albany Congress (1754): Colonial delegates met to consider unity but couldn't agree.
• Blockades: Actions restricting access to ports and trade.

Road to Revolution and War

• Olive Branch Petition: Document sent to the king by the American Congress, expressing loyalty and requesting an end to Parliament's abuses.
• Common Sense: Thomas Paine's pamphlet advocating for American independence.
• First Continental Congress: Colonial leaders met to discuss resistance and create a militia.
• Battle of Bunker Hill: First major battle of the American Revolution.
• Patriots: Colonists favoring the war for independence.
• Battle of Trenton: American victory in New Jersey that boosted morale.
• Battle of Princeton: American victory; British troops camped in Princeton, hoping for a quick recapture of Trenton.
• Battle of Saratoga: Crucial American victory in New York; convinced France to support America.
• Battle of Yorktown: Combined American and French forces surrounded and defeated the British, effectively ending the war.

Post-War Challenges and the Constitution

• Confederation: A close alliance of sovereign states.
• Articles of Confederation: Established a "league of friendship" among states, with each remaining independent.
• Newburgh Conspiracy: Army officers considered demanding a stronger central government.
• Shay's Rebellion: Farmers' uprising against the Massachusetts courts.
• Constitutional Convention: Meeting to create a new government.
• Limited Government: Government with restrictions on power.
• Separation of Powers: System of government where power is divided among branches.
• Popular Sovereignty: Rule by the consent of the people.
• Preamble: Introduction statement of the Constitution.
• Electoral College: Institution that elects the President of the United States.