STANDARD US1.6c    Key People and Events in the Revolution
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes and results of the American Revolution by
c) describing key events and the roles of key individuals in the American Revolution, with emphasis on George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Paine.

Who were some of the key individuals in the Revolutionary War? What role did key individuals play in the Revolutionary War?

What were some of the key events that occurred during the Revolutionary War period?
Key individuals
• King George III: British king during the Revolutionary era
• Lord Cornwallis: British general who surrendered at Yorktown
• John Adams: Championed the cause of independence
• George Washington: Commander of the Continental Army
• Thomas Jefferson: Major author of the Declaration of Independence
• Patrick Henry: Outspoken member of House of Burgesses; inspired colonial patriotism with “Give me liberty or give me death” speech
• Benjamin Franklin: Prominent member of Continental Congress; helped frame the Declaration of Independence
• Thomas Paine: Journalist, author of Common Sense

Other important individuals
• Phyllis Wheatley: A former slave who wrote poems and plays supporting American independence
• Paul Revere: Patriot who made a daring ride to warn colonists of British arrival; cried “The British are coming!”		 Key Events
• 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 Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes.
• First Continental Congress: Delegates from all colonies met to discuss problems with England and to promote independence.
• Battle of Lexington and Concord: This was the site of the first armed conflict of the Revolutionary War.
• Approval of the Declaration of Independence: Colonies declared independence from England (July 4, 1776).
• Battle of Saratoga: This American victory was the turning point in the war.
• Surrender at Yorktown: This was the colonial victory over forces of Lord Cornwallis that marked the end of the Revolutionary War.
• Signing of the Treaty of Paris: England recognized American independence in this treaty.

STANDARD US1.6d Reasons Colonists Could Defeat Britain

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes and results of the American Revolution by
d) explaining reasons why the colonies were able to defeat Britain.

What advantages helped the American colonists win the Revolutionary War?
Defense of the colonists’ own land, strong beliefs, and capable leadership contributed to the American victory in the Revolutionary War.

Colonial advantages
• Colonists’ defense of their own land, principles, and beliefs
• Support from France and Spain
• Strong leadership