chapter 6 section 1 guided reading

green mountain boys

-Vermont colonial militia led by Ethan Allen -which made a surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga -group of Vermont rebels -attack successful, Americans captured much needed cannons

george washington

-Virginia commander of continental army -helped force Britain out of Boston -chosed by congress to command continental army

battle of bunker hill

-in 1775, first major battle of the revolution -proved Americans could fight bravely -proved British would not easily be defeated -Americans take bunker hill, but then lose it

what steps did congress take to pursue war with Britain?

established the continental army and selected Washington as their commander

continental army

-army created by the second continental congress to fight the British -headed by George Washington

patriot

-colonial who favored war against Britain -1/3 of colonists were patriots

loyalist

-colonist who remained loyal to Britain -1/3 were loyalists -many were wealthy merchants or former officials in the royal government -more loyalists found in the middle and southern colonies -may fled to England or Canada to escape harsh treatment

what advantages did the British have as the war began?

-experienced/well-trained troops -large number of troops -experienced military -many loyalists (1/3) -better/more weapons -best navy in the world -large navy

what advantages did the patriots have as the war began?

-owned rifles and had good shots -more motivated, fighting for their homes -committed to defend their rights and property

olive branch petition

-peace petition sent to king george by colonial delegates from the second continental congress, declaring loyalty to the king and asking him to repel the Intolerable Acts. -delegates still hoped for peace but George was furious and sent more troops

king george

-ruler of England during the war -ordered troops to the colonies to crush the revolt -ordered a blockade of all colonial ports

mercenary

-soldier who fights merely to pay, often for a foreign country -troop for hire -king george hired German mercenaries to help fight the colonies

blockade

-the shutting of a port to keep people or supplies from moving in or out -king george ordered a blockade around all colonial ports

what immediate action did congress take in response to the fighting at lexington and concord?

-they sent olive branch petition to king George -most delegates still hoped to avoid a final break with Britain in 1775

how did Washington force the British to leave Boston?

position cannons from Ticonderoga on Dorchester Heights, a point overlooking Boston harbor and threatened British ships and garrisons (groups of soldiers inside a fort) inside the city