Revolution, 1775-1789
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Contents
General |
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- The American Revolution Provides an in-depth look at the American Revolution including battles, people, timeline, documents, and more.
- The American Revolution Delves into the American Revolution from the road to revolution to the implementation of the Constitution, includes biographies, multimedia, and digital collections.
- The American Revolutionary War Investigates the American Revolution with a look at battles, leaders, documents, a time line, and more.
- Boston National Historical Park Learn about sites such as Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere's home, Old North Church, Bunker Hill, and more.
- Colonial Williamsburg There's a lot here. You can roam the streets of Williamsburg, learn about the colonial and revolutionary lifestyle, and more.
- Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Tells fourteen stories about the American Revolution in New Jersey. More information can be found at the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area.
- Daughters of the American Revolution Learn about this historic society and visit their museum with online exhibits and virtual tours, library, Constitution Hall, and more.
- Dey Mansion George Washington used the home of Theunis Dey as his headquarters. This site chronicles the history of the estate.
- The Freedom Trail Follow the trail in Boston to see important sites of the Revolution such as the site of the Boston Massacre, the Boston Commons, Bunker Hill Monument, and more.
- House in the Horseshoe The home of Philip Alston. In 1781 a group of Tories attacked Alston at this home.
- Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Two museums are featured here. The Jamestown Settlement recreates the first English settlement with Powhatan village, ships, and fort. The website discusses the history of Jamestown. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is near the actual battlefield. It chronicles the American Revolution with emphasis on the battle that led to the surrender of General Cornwallis and his troops.
- Journal of the American Revolution This online journal explores the history and what daily life was like during the American Revolution.
- Liberty!: Chronicle of the Revolution This is the companion site to the PBS series about the Revolutionary War.
- Museum of the American Revolution Contains images of the Philadelphia museum's collection such as Washington's war tent, and an interactive timeline of the war.
- Portraits in Revolution A well researched site about the American Revolution with biographies, timelines, battle maps, portraits and paintings related to the revolution, and more.
- Sons of the American Revolution You can get information on battles, read documents like the Declaration of Independence, get biographies of our Founding Fathers and other patriots, and read tales and anecdotes about the American Revolution.
- US History.org Created by the Independence Hall Association, this site explores the history of Revolutionary War era landmarks and sites in and near Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell, Valley Forge, Independence Hall, and more. There also information about Benjamin Franklin, the Declaration of Independence, flag rules and regulations, historic documents, and much more.
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Causes |
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- Alamance Battleground Explains the battle between North Carolina farmers and Governor William Tyron's militia in 1771.
- Boston Massacre Trials, 1770 Chronicles the trials of the eight British soldiers who were arrested after the Boston Massacre. They were represented ironically by John Adams.
- Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Discusses the Tea Act which led the Sons of Liberty to organize the Boston Tea Party.
- Committees of Correspondence: Definition and History Explains the provisional governments that were set up in the American colonies between 1764 to 1776 to help communicate with each other.
- Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies The digitalized text of a series of letters published by John Dickinson discussing the British taxation on the American colonies.
- Patrick Henry - Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Speech Documents the speech Patrick Henry gave at the Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, which he ended by saying, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
- Perspectives on the Boston Massacre The Massachusetts Historical Society presents this site that explores the various viewpoints of what happened on March 5, 1770.
- The Intolerable Acts Describes the five laws Britain imposed on the American colonists after the Boston Tea Party: The Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, Quartering Act, and the Quebec Act.
- The Stamp Act Colonial Williamsburg outlines the Stamp Act from Britain's reasons for enacting it, the colonists' reactions to it, and it final repeal.
- Stamp Act History Discusses the acts passed by British Parliament that put taxes and other restrictions on the American colonies such as the Navigation Acts, Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Tea Act, Quartering Act, and the Intolerable Acts.
- Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Presents the text of Common Sense written by Thomas Paine in 1776.
- The Townshend Acts Discusses the four laws, (Suspending Act, the Revenue Act, the Indemnity Act, and the Commissioners of Customs Act) passed by British Parliament in 1767 imposing taxes and enforcing the collection of them on the American colonists to pay up the debt from the French and Indian War.
- What Were the Currency Act and the Sugar Act? Explains the Currency Act and the Sugar and Molasses Act of 1733, why the British Parliament passes them and why the American colonists did not like them.
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Key Figures |
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AMERICANS
BRITISH
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- Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin Online version of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography which appeared in volume one of Harvard Classics.
- Benjamin Franklin Home Benjamin Franklin lived at 36 Craven Street in London for 16 years, 1757-1775 as chief colonial diplomat. This site explores the home and his incredible life.
- Benjamin Franklin Resources From the Franklin Institute, profiles Benjamin Franklin distinguishing facts from myths including his inventions and experiments, writings, and more.
- Betsy Ross House Profiles the legendary seamstress, her home, and the American flag.
- Casimir Pulaski Summarizes the life of the Polish-born general who formed the first American cavalry.
- CSS Neuse and Governor Caswell Memorial The CSS Neuse was a Confederate ironclad that tried to protect the Neuse River until its destruction in March, 1865. Richard Caswell was the first governor on North Carolina and delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses.
- General Horatio Gates Examines the life and military career of Horatio Gates best known for his victory at Saratoga.
- The General's Right Hand Man Discusses Martha Washington's role during the winter encampments as her husband served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
- LaFayette: Citizen of Two Worlds Cornell University Library presents this site about the Marquis de LaFayette including a biography, images, digital copies of his writings, and more.
- Marquis de Lafayette Summarizes the life of the French aristocrat who came to fight in the Revolution at the age of nineteen and became good friends with George Washington.
- The Nathanael Greene Homestead Describes the lives of General Nathanael Greene and his wife, Katherine Littlefield Greene as well as outlines his military career and provides a history of his homestead in Rhode Island.
- The Papers of Benjamin Franklin Read through the many writings of Benjamin Franklin. Includes a biographical essay by Edmund S. Morgan.
- Paul Revere House Home of patriot and silversmith Paul Revere. He is best known for his ride on April 18, 1775 to warn that the British were on their way to Concord.
- Samuel Adams Heritage Society Features the life and political career of Samuel Adams including at look at the Townshend Act, Sugar Act, Boston Massacre, and Boston Tea Party. Includes his quotes, speeches, and other documents.
- Stratford Hall: Home of the Lees of Virginia The home of the Lee family, built by Thomas Lee. Includes profiles of prominent Lees including Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lightfoot Lee, Light Horse Harry Lee, and Robert E. Lee.
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial Profiles Thaddeus Kosciuszko who came to Philadelphia from Poland in 1776 and helped the Continental Army build fortifications and defenses including Fort Mercer. The smallest national park is at the place where he stayed in 1789 during his second visit to the United States after the Revolution.
- Thomas Stone National Historic Site Profiles Thomas Stone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his Maryland farm.
BRITISH
- Biography of Charles Cornwallis Highlights the life of Lord Charles Cornwallis who led the British troops during the American Revolution.
- Charles Townshend Profiles the life of Charles Townshend who was a in favor of increasing taxes on the American colonies to reduce the debt caused by the Seven Years' War also known as the French and Indian War.
- Frederick North Highlights the life of Prime Minister Frederick North who was instrumental in the passage of the Tea Act.
- General Sir Henry Clinton Profiles the life of General Sir Henry Clinton who was defeated at Bunker Hill but took New York. He was second in command to Lord Cornwallis.
- General Sir William Howe Outlines the life of British General Sir William Howe who took New York, but later ended up requesting to be relieved of duty after criticism that he didn't pursue Washington when he had the chance.
- George III (1760-1820) The Royal Family of the United Kingdom presents a biography of King George III.
- Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton Provides a biography of the Lieutenant Colonel who was known in the colonies for his brutality during the Battle of the Waxhaws where he had American prisoners killed.
- Lieutenant General John Burgoyne Presents a biography of the British Lieutenant General who was defeated by the Continental Army at Saratoga.
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Battles |
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- Battle of Brandywine Park Discusses the battle that took place on September 11, 1777 when American forces tried to prevent the British from taking Philadelphia but were forced to retreat.
- Colonial National Historical Park Incorporates Historic Jamestown, which the first permanent English settlement established in 1607, and the Yorktown Battlefield, where the Americans and French forced the British to surrender ending the Revolution. The two are connected by the Colonial Parkway.
- Cowpens National Battlefield Discusses the American victory in the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781.
- Fort Stanwix National Monument Narrates how the Continental Army was able to repel a 21-day siege of this fort in August, 1777.
- Fort Ticonderoga National Historic Landmark Contains a detailed history of the fort and a lot more!
- George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Chronicles George Rogers Clark's capture of Fort Sackville from the British on February 25, 1779 assuring the United States future westward expansion.
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Major General Nathanael Greene faced General Lord Charles Cornwallis on March 15, 1781. This site takes a look at the battle and its influence on the rest of the war.
- Kings Mountain National Military Park Introduces the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780 which was the American's first victory after the British invaded South Carolina back in May, 1780.
- Minute Man National Historical Park Explores the opening battle of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord. Also profiles the Wayside Home where the Alcotts, Hawthornes, and Lothrops lived at some points.
- Moores Creek National Battlefield Describes the battle between North Carolina Patriots and Loyalists on February 27. 1776. The battle lasted about three minutes ending with Loyalists either surrendering or running away.
- Morristown National Historical Park General Washington chose this spot for the Continental Army's winter encampment during the 1779-1780 winter.
- Ninety-Six National Historic Site Named Ninety-Six because it was 96 miles from the Cherokee town, Keowee, this settlement had a rough existence with attacks from the Cherokee, and two battles during the Revolution.
- Old Barracks Museum Built in 1758 to house soldiers during the French and Indian War, this barracks was used by both sides during the Revolution, first by the British and then on December 26, 1776, Washington and his troops took it over after taking Trenton.
- Old Fort Western Describes the history of the oldest surviving wooden fort. Benedict Arnold used the fort to prepare for an assault on Quebec.
- Old North Church & Historic Site The church where two lanterns signaled to Paul Revere that the British were coming by sea.
- Saratoga National Historical Park Describes the Battle of Saratoga where the tide of the American Revolution turned an the British Army surrendered for the first time in world history.
- Valley Forge National Historic Park The National Park Service provides information about Valley Forge and the training the Continental Army went through during the bitter winter of 1777.
- Washington Crossing Historic Park Preserves the spot where George Washington and his troops set off to cross the Delaware River and march on to Trenton on December 25, 1776.
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Yorktown and Peace |
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- Colonial National Historical Park Incorporates Historic Jamestown, which the first permanent English settlement established in 1607, and the Yorktown Battlefield, where the Americans and French forced the British to surrender ending the Revolution. The two are connected by the Colonial Parkway.
- Definitive Treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain, 3 September, 1783 Briefly describes and presents the full text of the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War.
- No Way Out: Lord Cornwallis, the Siege of Yorktown, and America's Victory in the War for Independence Professor James Kirby Martin from the University of Houston covers Lord Cornwallis's career during the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Yorktown resulting in his surrender.
- Surrender of the British General Cornwallis to the Americans, October 19, 1781 The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History presents three digital documents relating to Cornwallis's surrender to Washington: a map of Yorktown, the Articles of Capitulation, and a print of James S. Baillie's Surrender of Cornwallis.
- Treaty of Paris (1783) John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay negotiated this treaty with British representatives to end the Revolutionary War.
- Yorktown National Battlefield Provides information about the battlegrounds and describes the events leading up to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and the British Army.
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Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence |
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- Carpenter's Hall Where the First Continental Congress met in 1774.
- A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875 From the Library of Congress, this site presents documents and primary sources from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention.
- Christ Church This is the church where Benjamin Franklin and many of our founding fathers attended. Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here.
- Declaration of Independence: A History Tells the story of the writing of the Declaration of Independence, from the National Archives.
- Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789 From the Library of Congress, this site contains primary sources relating to the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War and the Constitutional Convention.
- Independence National Historic Park Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and voted on. This is also where the Liberty Bell is housed.
- Lee Resolution (1776) Presents the resolution introduced on June 7, 1776 by Richard Henry Lee that proposed a declaration of independence, to start forming foreign alliances, and come up with a plan for confederation.
- Original Design of the Great Seal of the United States (1782) Tells the story of how the Great Seal of the United States was developed.
- Treaty of Alliance with France (1778) Displays the first alliance between the colonists and France.
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Early Nation and Constitutional Convention |
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- The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union Presents background information and the text of the first constitution of the United States.
- A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875 From the Library of Congress, this site presents documents and primary sources from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention.
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Profiles the life of Charles Pinckney who was a signer of the Constitution of the United States and his estate, Snee Farm.
- Constitution Resources
- Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789 From the Library of Congress, this site contains primary sources relating to the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War and the Constitutional Convention.
- The Federalist Papers Presents the writings of Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison in support of New York ratifying the Constitution.
- Independence National Historic Park Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and voted on. This is also where the Liberty Bell is housed.
- A More Perfect Union: The Creation of the U.S. Constitution Discusses the background behind the writing of the Constitution, its ratification, and the creation of the Bill of Rights.
- Northwest Ordinance (1787) This document provided a charter for the Northwest Territory and a roadmap to statehood before the Constitution was written.
- Original Design of the Great Seal of the United States (1782) Tells the story of how the Great Seal of the United States was developed.
- The Quill Project Examines the writing of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Utah State Constitution, from Pembroke College Oxford.
- Virginia Plan (1787) Presents the plan drafted by the Virginia delegation (James Madison wrote it; Edmund Randolph officially proposed it), that suggested three branches of government.
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