APUSH Chapter 8 Terms
Treaty of Paris
Literal: By the Treaty of Paris of 1783, the British formally recognized the independence of of the United States. Interpretive: This was the formal recognition of the United States as independent, thus ensuring that hostilities from the British would cease in America.
George Washington
Literal: George Washington was a member of Congress, a military man, and most importantly, the first president of the United States. Interpretive: Washington played a pivotal role in the battles during the revolution, which aided to the success of the Americans.
Lord Cornwallis
Literal: Lord Cornwallis was a British army officer and is remembered as one of the leading British General's during the revolution. Interpretive: His surrender at Yorktown effectively brought and end to the Revolutionary War leading to the American being the victors.
Loyalists
Literal: Loyalists were the American colonists that remained loyal to Britain and to the King during the American Revolution. Interpretive: After the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Patriot's and the Loyalists were sharply separated. This caused many of the Loyalists to bare arms for the British forces during the battles that followed the declaration.
Battle of Saratoga
Literal: The Battle of Saratoga was a battle between the British and the Americans during the Revolution and was a turning point for the Americans because of their victory. Interpretive: This battle was important because the Americans were able to secure the much-needed support of the French for the remaining years of the revolution.
Declaration of Independence
Literal: The Declaration of Independence was the document signed by all the members of Congress on July 4, 1776, that proclaimed the United States as separate from Great Britain. Interpretive: This document declared the separation of America from Britain which led to it becoming a legitimate sovereign nation.
Olive Branch Petition
Literal: The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by the Continental Congress in July 1775. The petition professed American loyalty to the crown and begged the king to prevent further hostilities. Interpretive: King George III rejected this petition and proclaimed the colonies in rebellion. This sparked many battles and was a central piece of the American Revolution.
Treaty of Alliance
Literal: The Treaty of Alliance was formed between the French and The Americans in 1778. Interpretive: This provided much needed support from the French and aided the colonists to the point of victory at the end of the revolution.
Battle of Trenton
Literal: This battle occurred in December 1776, where George Washington and his company successfully captured a thousand Hessian's. Interpretive: This was the battle where just before Washington crossed the Delaware River.
Bunker Hill
Literal: This hill was seized by the colonists in June 1775. This caused the British to launch a full-fledged attack on Bunker Hill and led to the abandonment of the hill by the colonists due to lack of gunpowder. Interpretive: The battle was very close in terms of the victor, and proved that the colonists could compete with the British army.
Common Sense/Thomas Paine
Literal: Thomas Paine was the author of "Common Sense", which stated that Great Britain should not control America, and became a best seller within a few months selling 120,000 copies. Interpretive: "Common Sense" played a vital role in motivating the Americans to secede from Great Britain.
Yorktown
Literal: Yorktown is where a battle during the Revolutionary war took place. Interpretive: This was the last battle of the revolution before Britain recognized America as separate from them.
Benedict Arnold
Literal:He had been a Colonel in the Connecticut militia at the outbreak of the Revolution and soon became a General in the Continental Army. He won key victories for the colonies in the battles in upstate New York in 1777, and was instrumental in General Gates victory over the British at Saratoga. Interpretive: After becoming Commander of Philadelphia in 1778, he went heavily into debt, and in 1780, he was caught plotting to surrender the key Hudson River fortress of West Point to the British in exchange for a commission in the royal army. He is the most famous traitor in American history.