The document provides background information on key terms, people, places, and events related to the American Revolutionary War and struggle for independence. It includes definitions of military and political terms, biographies of important figures from both the colonial and British sides, and descriptions of pivotal battles and documents that shaped the course and outcome of the war.

1. The Struggle for Independence & The Revolutionary War
Terms
Militia- military force composed of ordinary citizens
Loyalist- Colonists who remained loyal to the Britain during the American Revolutionary War
Patriot- colonists who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution
Conflict- a state of open & often prolonged fighting; a battle or war
Musket- a muzzle-loaded, smooth bore long gun, fired from the shoulder.
Rifle- firearm fired from the shoulder, the barrel that has a groove or pattern cut into the barrel walls
Regulators- NC citizens who took up arms against corrupt colonial officials between 1765 and 1777
Revolt/Revolution- change the way a country is governed, usually to a different political system and often using violence or war
Minutemen- a highly mobile, rapidly deployed civilian force that allowed the colonies to respond immediately to war threats
Continental Army- first national army created by the 2nd Continental Congress to coordinate efforts of the revolution
Redcoats/Lobsterbacks- soldiers of the British Army because of the red uniforms / derogatory term
Tyranny- cruel or oppressive rule; arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power by ruler or government
Continental Congress- convention of delegates called together from the 13 Colonies that became the governing body of the United
States during the Revolutionary War
Partisan- A fervent, sometimes militant supporter or proponent of a party, cause, faction, person, or idea
Blockade- isolation of an area or city, or harbor by hostile ships or forces in order to prevent the entrance and exit of traffic and commerce
Tory/Tories- colonial supporters of Britain or the English Crown during the revolution (LOYALIST)
Whig- colonial supporters of the revolution (PATRIOTS)
pardon - forgiveness of a crime and the cancellation of the relevant penalty
People
Washington- first commander-in-chief of the Continental Army
Lafayette- French General that served under Washington in the Revolutionary War
Josiah Martin- last Royal Governor of the Province of North Carolina (1771-1775)
Cornwallis- British general who fought against the Americans in many different battles during the Revolutionary War
Nathaniel Greene- colonial commander in the south, fought in North Carolina
Hessians- 30,000 German Soldiers paid to fight the colonists in the Revolutionary War
Tryon- royal governor of NC before the revolution; fought for the British during the war
Women of the Revolution- http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/women_american_revolution/
Caswell- rep to continental congress, first non-royal governor of NC
John Paul Jones- first well-known naval fighter in the American Revolution
Overmountain Men- American frontiersmen from west of the Appalachian Mountains who took part in the American
Revolutionary War
David Fanning- loyalist leader in NC; pardoned but exiled after the war
Places Events
Lexington & Concord- First battle of the revolution outside of Boston; attempt to secure weapons and powder by the
British
Moore’s Creek- Patriot militia at the battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge in 1776 won the first southern victory of the
American Revolution; prevented loyalist forces from joining up with British.
Kings Mountain- decisive battle for the Patriot against the Loyalist militias in the Southern campaign; Cornwallis “gives
up” on the North Carolina at this point.
Gilford Courthouse- Cornwallis loses to Greene and is forced to leave the south and heads to Yorktown
Ramsour’s Mill- Battle of militias; 400 American militia defeated 1,300 Loyalist militiamen
Saratoga- victory renewed patriots’ hopes for independence, secured French support
Yorktown- Victory for combined forces - patriots and French against Cornwallis. Blockade of ships by sea.
Bunker Hill- Early battle siege of Boston, took place mostly on Breeds Hill
Valley Forge- Washington wintered here; food & clothing shortage, sickness rampant, Baron von Steuben

2. The Struggle for Independence & The Revolutionary War
Treaty of Paris- signing marked official end of the war; set boundaries, released debts, restored property and rights
Describe the contributions of key North Carolina personalities from the Revolutionary War era and access their
influence on the outcome of the war.
Be able to use the information above to answer this question, as well as information in your notes.
Why couldn’t the differences between Britain and the colonies be resolved without going to war?
Be able to use the information above to answer this question, as well as information in your notes.
Examine the role of North Carolina in the Revolutionary War.
Be able to use the information above to answer this question, as well as information in your notes.
Examine the reasons for the colonists’ victory over the British, and evaluate the impact of military successes and
failures, the role of foreign interventions, and ongoing political and economic domestic issues.
Be able to use the information above to answer this question, as well as information in your notes.
Why was the First Continental Congress held? What did they accomplish? The 2nd Continental Congress?
1st CC was result of Intolerable Acts- sent complaints to Britain, boycott British products, encourage minutemen militias
in colonies.
2nd CC took up where 1st had left off. Created Continental Army, Olive Branch Petition to King George III, began to
govern colonies.
Why did the British troops march on Lexington? Why are the battles of Lexington and Concord important?
Considered 1st Battle of Revolutionary war. Marched on L&C (outside of Boston) to confiscate munitions (weapons) and
arrest leaders of the Sons of Liberty (Sam Adams & John Hancock).
What was the outcome of the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge?
Patriots prevented the Loyalists from joining up forces with the British and taking control of the South. Removed planks
from bridge and greased it with fat and soap.
What were the Halifax Resolves?
First in Freedom! NC’s formal document calling for independence from Britain. (3 months before Declaration of
Independence)
Why was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the war? Decisive colonial Victory was turning point.
What battles made the British confident they could take North Carolina and Virginia?
How did the Battles of Gilford Courthouse and Kings Mountain affect the war?
KM- British gave up idea of taking over North Carolina.
GCH- Cornwallis gave up on South and headed North to Yorktown by way of Wilmington.
Make a list of strengths and weaknesses for both the Colonists and the British. http://www.ushistory.org/us/11a.asp
Only listed some…
British Strengths most powerful navy, more men & supplies, professional soldiers, mercenaries -hired soldiers
British Weaknesses lacked public support, long supply lines, poor leadership, fighting on enemy territory
American Strengths patriotism/ spirit, great leadership, home field advantage, French & Spanish support
American Weaknesses small navy, untrained army, fewer men, food & supply shortages