Colonists who chose to fight for independence.

Early battle that demonstrated that the colonists could fight well against the British army.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Statement issued by Virginia’s royal governor promising freedom to any slave who fought for the British in the American Revolution

Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation

Military tactic of engaging in swift, hit-and-run attacks.

Guerrilla warfare

Peace agreement that officially ended the Revolutionary War and established British recognition of the United States.

Treaty of Paris of 1783

Peace request sent by the Second Continental Congress to Britain’s King George III, who rejected it.

Olive Branch Petition

1777 battle that marked the greatest victory up to that point for the American forces and led to the surrender of British general Burgoyne.

Battle of Saratoga

Last major battle of the American Revolution, which resulted in the surrender of British general Cornwallis.

Battle of Yorktown

Colonists who chose to fight for independence.

Patriots

Name given to British soldiers by the colonists because of the uniforms worn by the British.

Redcoats

Members of colonial militia units who were supposed to be ready to fight on a moment’s notice.

minutemen

Meeting of colonial delegates in Philadelphia to decide how to respond to increased taxes and abuses of authority by the British government; delegates petitioned King George III, listing the freedoms they believed colonists should enjoy.

First Continental Congress

Document that defined what the colonists believed to be their rights, spelled out their complaints against Britain, and declared the colonies free and independent.

Declaration of Independence

Colonists who sided with Great Britain during the colonial fight for independence.

Loyalists

Hired foreign soldiers.

mercenaries

Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that criticized monarchies and convinced many American colonists of the need to break away from Britain.

Common Sense