American Revolution Flashcards

Grade 5 · Social Studies · Flashcards

Key people, events, and terms from America's fight for independence.

Flashcards

Declaration of Independence: Document signed July 4, 1776, declaring the 13 colonies free from British rule; written mainly by Thomas Jefferson.
Continental Army: The colonial army formed in 1775 to fight the British, commanded by General George Washington.
Boston Tea Party: 1773 protest where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to oppose the Tea Act.
Patriot: A colonist who wanted independence from Britain and supported the Revolution.
Loyalist: A colonist who remained loyal to the British Crown and opposed independence.
Battle of Saratoga: 1777 American victory that convinced France to become an ally of the colonies.
Battle of Yorktown: 1781 battle where British General Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the Revolutionary War.
Treaty of Paris (1783): Peace agreement signed in 1783; Britain officially recognized United States independence.
Taxation without representation: The colonists' main grievance — being taxed by a British Parliament where they had no elected representatives.
Valley Forge: Pennsylvania winter camp (1777–1778) where Washington's army suffered extreme hardship but emerged stronger.