American Revolution and Colonial America

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King George III

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King of Britain during the American Revolution; insisted on taxing the colonies. His policies and refusal to compromise pushed colonists toward independence.

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Thomas Jefferson

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Main author of the Declaration of Independence. He gave voice to colonial grievances and Enlightenment ideals of liberty.

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Thomas Paine

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Author of Common Sense. His pamphlet convinced many colonists to support independence.

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Sons of Liberty

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Secret group that protested British taxes (like the Stamp Act). Used boycotts and sometimes violence to resist British rule.

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Loyalists

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Colonists who stayed loyal to Britain. They reveal that not all Americans wanted independence, showing deep division.

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Patriots

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Colonists who fought for independence. They formed the backbone of the Revolution.

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John Adams

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Lawyer and Patriot leader; later became 2nd U.S. president. Helped push independence and defended it legally and diplomatically.

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George Grenville

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British prime minister who pushed the Stamp Act. His taxes angered colonists and fueled protest.

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13 Colonies

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British settlements along the Atlantic coast of North America. They became the foundation of the United States. The colonies varied based on their geography, which greatly impacted their economies.

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French and Indian War

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War between Britain and France (with Native allies) in North America. Britain’s debt from this war led to taxing the colonies.