Resistance and Independence

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Treaty of Paris 1783

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Recognized the independence of the colonies; western boundary at the Mississippi River, Florida given to Spain

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Saratoga

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Turning point in the war; France decides to aid the colonies in their struggle against Great Britain

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Olive Branch Petition

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Last attempt at reconciliation; King George III responded by sending troops, including the hiring of German mercenaries (Hessians)

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Common Sense

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Written by Thomas Paine; encouraged colonists to break from Great Britain

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Social Contract

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Principle that states government exists because people give it the right to rule; if a government abuses the rights of its citizens, they have the right to overthrow the government

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Boston Massacre

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Killing of civilians by British troops; inflamed public opinion against Great Britain

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Declaratory Acts

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Passed by Parliament after it repealed the Stamp Act; affirmed Parliament's right to govern the colonies

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Patriots

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Term used to describe colonists who supported independence

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Loyalists

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Term used to describe colonists who supported Great Britain; also known as Tories

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Lexington

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Site where the Revolutionary war began; known as "the shot heard 'round the world"