American Revolution
April 19, 1775- September 3, 1783
Why, How?
Important People
Benjamin Franklin- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was one of the most celebrated of America's Founding Fathers, a man who enjoyed success as an inventor, scientist, printer, politician, and diplomat. He helped to draft both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
George Washington- George Washington (1732-1799) was commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States of America. During the war, he became synonymous with the cause of independence.
Thomas Jefferson- Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) is considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America for the central role he played in drafting the Declaration of Independence. During the American Revolution, Jefferson was elected governor of Virginia. He also served as the nation's first secretary of state, its second vice president, and its third president.
Important Events
Boston Massacre- The Boston Massacre was an incident between the British soldiers and a crowd of colonists in Boston, Massachusetts. It took place on March 5, 1770, when a group of nine British soldiers confronted with over 100 colonists and opened fire onto the crowd.
Boston Tea Party- On December 16, 1773, a group of men boarded onto three British ships in the Boston harbor and threw their tea cargo into the sea. The destruction of the tea cargo was a protest against the Tea Act. The incident, known as the Boston Tea Party triggered a chain of events that directly led to the American War of Independence.
Battle of Lexington and Concord-
On the evening of April 18, 1775, the local militiamen gathered at Lexington to intercept the British troops, but failed. Once the British troops reached there, they destroyed some colonial military supplies before they clashed with the militiamen at the North Bridge, but this time, the British were defeated.
Battle of Saratoga- Was the turning point of the American Revolution and encouraged France to openly support the Americans against Britain. In the First Battle of Saratoga the Americans prevented the British to break through their lines and join with other troops at Albany. After another failed attempt to break through the American lines at Bemis Heights (Second Battle of Saratoga), the British were surrounded by a much larger Continental Army, which ended in British army surrendering a the battle.
Surrender of Yorktown- In 1781, the British army found itself trapped on the Yorktown peninsula. The British commander realized that he did not have a chance against the American army tried to escape but his attempts failed. The British commander accepted the terms of surrender for which he asked two days earlier. With the Surrender of Yorktown, the American War of Independence was practically won.
Treaty of Paris- The American Revolution formally ended with the Treaty of Paris that was signed on September 3, 1783. The British accepted defeat against its former colonies and recognized independence of the United States of America. The Treaty of Paris also set the boundaries of the United States.
Final Results and Effects
Effects of the war- Was there was now an idea of everyone being equal no matter how much money you have or didn't have. Another effect is there was now a boundary for the new found country.
Final Result- That America was recognized as an independent country, and the colonist won their independence.