Continental Army

army formed by Congress that had soldiers from all 13 colonies

meeting of representatives from the colonies that met in Philadelphia to decide what to do about the fighting with Britain.

George Washington

leader of the American army

Olive Branch Petition

Thomas Paine

Patriot leader who wrote a pamphlet called Common Sense that in simple language convinced many Americans that it was time to declare independence

Declaration of Independence

Document sent by Congress to Britain explaining why the colonies wanted independence

Thomas Jefferson

traitor

person who works against his or her own country

ex. Britain considered anyone who signed the Declaration of Independence as a traitor.

John Hancock

first signer of the Declaration of Independence

Ethan Allen

leader of the Green Mountain Boys who captured British cannons at Fort Ticonderoga

Nathan Hale

Patriot captured and hanged by the British.  His last words were, "I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Trenton, New Jersey

Washington's troops crossed the Delaware River on christmas to surprise the Hessian mercentaries here, giving new hope to the Americans.

Battle of

Saratoga

Benedict Arnold

 a key Patriot leader in the Battle of Saratoga who later became a traitor and spied for the British. 

Peter Salem

an African American soldier who fought at Bunker Hill and later at the Battle of Saratoga 

Phillis Wheatley

a young slave who wrote poems supporting the Revolution

Mary Ludwig Hayes

a.k.a. Molly Pitcher, who carried water to wounded soldiers and took her husband's place firing cannons

Valley Forge