The Second Continental Congress

A gathering of colonial delegates in 1775, where decisions were made about the growing tension with Britain. It formed the Continental Army and took financial steps to support the war effort, but was divided on independence.

Appointed commander of the Continental Army due to his military experience in the French and Indian War and high regard among the colonists.

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed independence, fearing loss of property and social status.

Colonists who supported independence from Britain and establishing a new government free from British rule.

A final attempt by the colonists to avoid war by affirming their loyalty to King George III and seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The King rejected the Olive Branch Petition, declaring the colonies to be in rebellion.

One of the early significant battles of the Revolutionary War, fought in 1775. Despite being a British victory, it showed the Patriots' determination and inflicted heavy losses on the British.

The battle boosted Patriots' morale and illustrated their determination. It also highlighted the potential for colonial resistance and the cost of war for both sides.

The treaty that ended the French and Indian War, giving Britain control over vast territories in North America. It also increased tensions with Native Americans and colonists, setting the stage for the American Revolution.

A tax imposed by Britain on molasses imported to the colonies. It aimed to raise revenue and curb smuggling, but it angered colonists who saw it as unfair and oppressive.

A tax requiring colonists to purchase special stamps for various documents. The act sparked widespread boycotts and protests, marking a turning point in colonial resistance against British rule.

A series of harsh laws passed by Parliament in response to colonial protests. They included the closure of Boston Harbor, increased power for royal governors, and the quartering of British troops in colonial homes. These acts united colonists in opposition to British rule.

A confrontation between British soldiers and colonists that resulted in the deaths of five colonists. The event escalated anti-British sentiment and fueled the revolutionary movement.

A protest by colonists against the Tea Act, where they dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. It was a symbolic act of defiance against British control and sparked further conflict.

The first battles of the American Revolution, where colonial militia confronted British troops. These engagements marked the beginning of armed conflict and had a significant impact on the course of the war.

A major battle where American forces, despite ultimately losing the ground, showed their determination against British troops. It demonstrated the potential for colonial resistance and highlighted the cost of war.

A conflict between Great Britain and France in North America (1754-1763) for control of territory and resources, particularly in the Ohio River Valley. Involved both European powers and various Native American tribes.

A strategically important region in North America coveted by both France and Britain during the 1700s due to its fertile land and access to resources.

A meeting of colonial representatives in 1754 aiming to unite the colonies and forge alliances with Native Americans against the French. However, it failed to achieve its objectives.

A French fort built in the Ohio River Valley that sparked conflict with British settlers and eventually became the site of a major battle in the French and Indian War.

A British fort in the Hudson Valley that was captured by the French in 1757, highlighting the challenges faced by the British early in the French and Indian War.

British Prime Minister who played a crucial role in turning the tide of the French and Indian War in favor of the British by prioritizing military resources and implementing strategic changes.

British commander who led a disastrous expedition to capture Fort Duquesne in 1755, resulting in heavy casualties and his own death.

British general who led key victories in the French and Indian War, including the capture of Quebec, marking a turning point in the conflict.

A prominent lawyer and Founding Father who defended British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre, advocating for legal representation for all.

A Founding Father who played a significant role in colonial resistance against British policies, organizing the Committee of Correspondence and participating in the Boston Tea Party.

The British monarch during the American Revolution, known for his strict policies and enforcement of British laws in the colonies, ultimately contributing to the loss of American colonies.

A Founding Father who advocated for colonial unity and played a key role in securing French support during the Revolution.

A significant act of colonial resistance against British taxation in which colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped British tea into Boston Harbor.

A set of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party, which further angered colonists and escalated tensions between Britain and the colonies.