Revolutionary War Vocabulary

boycott To refuse to buy items from a particular country or business

propoganda Ideas or information designed to be spread to influence opinion

President Bush Kills Big Bird in Bitter Budget Fight

loyalist What root word do you see in loyalist?

Colonist who remained loyal to Great Britain

tory Another name for a loyalist. Was used in an angry or negative way.

patriot Colonists who were determined to fight the British for their freedom

petition a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power.

grievance a complaint or resentment, as against an unjust or unfair act: to have a grievance against someone

neutral Taking no side in a conflict

Some of the Indians remained neutral in the Revolutionary War The green areas of the map show the countries who are neutral in the Iraq War.

merecenary Paid soldier who serves in the army of a foreign country

recruit To enlist soldiers in the army

deserter Soldier who runs away from battle and war

blockade Cut off an area by means of troops or warships to stop supplies or people from coming in or going out; to close a country’s port

ambush A surprise attack

ratify To give official approval to

compromise Agreement between two or more sides in which each side gives up some of what it wants.

Describe a time you had to compromise with someone in your family. What did you have to change or give up? What did the other person have to change or give up?