Geography	Native Americans	Exploring Colonial America	French Indian War	American Revolution
New Nation	Our First 5 Presidents	Westward Expansion	Compromises	Civil War/Reconstruction

1) people have "certain unalienable rights" (they can't be taken away) including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
2) people establish their own government to protect these rights
3) government gets its power from the people
4) people have a right and a duty to change a government that violates these rights

Important People of the American Revolution:

Check this website to find the famous folks!

George Washington: Commander of the Continental Army	Thomas Jefferson: Main author of the Declaration of Independence	Lord Cornwallis: British General who surrendered to the Patriots at Yorktown
John Adams: championed the cause for independence	King George III: King of England during the Revolutionary period	Patrick Henry: Outspoken member of the House of Burgesses; inspired patriotism with his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech
Thomas Paine: Journalist and author of Common Sense	Benjamin Franklin: Major member of the Continental Congress; helped organize the Declaration of Independence	Phillis Wheatley: A former slave who wrote poems and plays supporting independence
Paul Revere patriot who made a daring ride to warn colonists of British arrival; cried “The British are coming!” But please know this...William  Dawes was with Paul on the midnight ride. They get stopped by the British, they hold Paul but William rode on. For more, click here.

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Some Major Events Leading to the American Revolution:

Boston Massacre: Colonists in Boston were shot after taunting British soldiers	Boston Tea Party: Samuel Adams and Paul Revere led patriots in throwing tea into the Boston Harbor to protest taxes on tea
First Continental Congress: Delegates from all colonies except Georgia met to discuss problems with England and to push for independence	Battle of Lexington and Concord: This was the site of the 1st armed conflict of the Revolutionary War
Approval of the Declaration of Independence: Colonies declared their independence from England with this powerful document (it was signed on July 4, 1776)	Battle of Saratoga: Americans won this battle against England, causing the turning point in the war
Surrender at Yorktown: This was the colonial victory over England's General Lord Cornwallis and his troops, causing him to surrender and end the Revolutionary War	Signing of the Treaty of Paris: England accepted America's independence by signing this document

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The Continental Army:
The Continental Army had no money, and had bad soldiers (few soldiers). The Continental Congress raised eight companies of soldiers, each numbering 120 men. These companies were made up entirely of cripples, invalids, blind men, and men missing arms and legs. But, they were fighting on there own land, for their own land, and for freedom. And, they had a great leader. They got supplies by stealing them from the British. (Fort Ticonderoga)

 

The odds were against them, so how exactly did the Continental Army win the Revolutionary War?

Sure they were the underdogs, but not all was bad....

1) The Colonists worked hard to defend their own land, principles, and beliefs - They were fighting for something they cared about! This gave them the spirit to rise to the occasion!

2) The Colonists had support from France and Spain

3) The Colonists had strong leadership- George Washington!