American Revolutionary War Key Figures and Events

Common Sense

• Written by Thomas Paine, it gave colonists logical reasons for why they should support independence and separate from Great Britain.

• A pamphlet advocating for the continuation of British rule over the colonies.

• A collection of essays arguing against the American Revolution.

• A historical novel about the life of Thomas Paine.

George Washington

• Commander of the Continental Army during the war.

• First President of the United States

• Leader of the British Army

• Signatory of the Declaration of Independence

Mercenary

• Professional soldiers from the German state of Hesse hired to fight for Britain.

• Volunteers who join the military for adventure and excitement.

• Soldiers who are paid to fight in a foreign army without allegiance.

• Military personnel who serve in their own country's armed forces.

Valley Forge

• A military encampment where Washington’s troops spent a harsh winter with low supplies and morale.

• A famous battle site where Washington defeated the British forces.

• A location where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

• A training ground for soldiers before the Revolutionary War.

Difficulties of Washington’s army

• Turning volunteer fighters into well-trained soldiers

• Maintaining a strong navy

• Securing foreign alliances

• Establishing a permanent military base

Declaration of Independence

• Document written by Thomas Jefferson which formally declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.

• A treaty signed to end the American Revolutionary War.

• A letter to King George III requesting more rights for the colonies.

• A speech delivered by George Washington at the Continental Congress.

Bunker Hill

• The first major battle of the Revolution. British forces won but lost many men.

• A decisive victory for the American forces during the Revolution.

• A battle that took place in the Civil War.

• The last battle of the American Revolution.

Battle of Trenton

• George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River at night, surprised and attacked the Hessian soldiers in Trenton on December 26, 1776, and were victorious.

• The British forces launched a surprise attack on the Continental Army in Trenton on December 26, 1776.

• The Continental Army retreated from Trenton after facing heavy losses on December 26, 1776.

• The Battle of Trenton was fought in the summer of 1776 between the British and the French.

Thomas Paine

• Patriot who wrote 'Common Sense' and 'The Crisis'.

• A British loyalist during the American Revolution.

• An author of the Declaration of Independence.

• A famous general in the Revolutionary War.

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys

• Seized the British-held forts at Ticonderoga in 1775.

• Led the American forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

• Negotiated peace with the British in 1783.

• Established the first American colony in Vermont.