Unit 5: American Revolution

American colonists who rejected British rule during the American Revolution.

• Monarchists
• Tories
• Loyalists
• Patriots

Colonists who were loyal to the King of England

• Patriots
• Loyalists
• Tories
• Rebels

An important writer and thinker during the American Revolution. His powerful works moved many American colonists to join the fight against British rule.

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that inspired people in the 13 Colonies to declare and fight for independence from Great Britain in the summer of 1776

• Uncommon Logic
• Rational Thinking
• Senseless
• Common Sense

Patriotism (pride in their country)

• Countries such as France and Spain aided Americans from abroad

• George Washington

• American Strengths

• British Strengths

Shortage of men, supplies, food, uniforms

• American Weaknesses

• British Weaknesses

• Well-trained; excelled in large battles

• More experience

• Plenty of resources (food, weapons, uniforms, gunpowder)

• Had hired help (mercenaries)

• British Strengths

• American Weaknesses

• More experience

Distance between British and America presented  a problem for timely shipments

• King George was never able to convince the British public to support the war

• Unknown land presented a problem 

• British Weaknesses

• American Weaknesses

The battle became known as the 'Shot Heard 'Round the World.' The first military action/battle of the Revolutionary War

• Battle of Saratoga
• Lexington and Concord
• Battle of Bunker Hill
• Battle of Yorktown

This battle proved that Americans could fight bravely. Although they were defeated by the British, the Americans surprised themselves at how well they could fight.

• Battle of Long Island

• Battle of Saratoga

• Battle of Bunker Hill

• Battle of Trenton