1. SOL USI.6c: Revolutionary War
Lisa Pennington
Social Studies Instructional Specialist
Portsmouth Public Schools

2. Essential Understandings
Many individuals played important roles in shaping events of the American Revolution.

3. Key Individuals during the Revolution
King George III: the British king during the American Revolution.

4. Key Individuals during the Revolution
Lord Cornwallis: the British general who surrendered at Yorktown
Did you know that Lord Cornwallis claimed he was ill and sent someone to surrender for him?

5. Key Individuals during the Revolution
John Adams: championed the cause of independence.

6. Key Individuals during the Revolution
George Washington: Commander of the Continental Army

7. Key Individuals during the Revolution
Thomas Jefferson: major author of the Declaration of Independence
Did you know Thomas Jefferson was only 33 when he wrote the Declaration?

8. Key Individuals during the Revolution
Patrick Henry: outspoken member of the House or Burgesses; inspired colonial patriotism with his “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech

9. Key Individuals during the Revolution
Benjamin Franklin: prominent member of the Continental Congress; helped frame the Declaration of Independence
Helped gain French support
for the colonies

10. Key Individuals during the Revolution
Phyllis Wheatley: former slave who wrote poems and plays supporting independence.

11. Key Individuals during the Revolution
Paul Revere: patriot who made a ride to warn colonists of the British arrival: “The British are coming!”

12. Key Events during the Revolution
Boston Massacre: in 1770, colonists in Boston were shot after taunting British soldiers.

13. Key Events during the Revolution
Boston Tea Party: in 1773, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere led Patriots in throwing tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes.

14. Key Events during the Revolution
First Continental Congress: in 1774, delegates from all the colonies met to discuss problems with England and to promote independence.

15. Key Events during the Revolution
Battle of Lexington and Concord: this was the site of the first armed conflict of the Revolutionary War in 1775.
Depiction of the Battle of Lexington,
April 19, 1775.

16. Key Events during the Revolution
Approval of the Declaration of Independence: colonies declared independence from England on July 4, 1776.

17. Key Events during the Revolution
Battle of Saratoga: The American victory in 1777 was a turning point in the war.

18. Key Events during the Revolution
Surrender at Yorktown: the American and French forces defeated the forces of Lord Cornwallis and marked the end of the Revolutionary War.

19. Key Events during the Revolution
Signing of the Treaty of Paris: in 1783, England recognized American independence in this treaty.