is for America

America is the country we live in. It has 50 states and became a country in 1776. However, it was not easy becoming a country, as the British tried taking over. Thankfully, General George Washington helped us become a free country, as well as become our 1st president.

is for Benedict Arnold.

Benedict Arnold was said to have betrayed and sabotaged the Americans. The British had achieved a bit of success in Virginia, even before the arrival of Cornwallis. Arnold had now been leading British troops. Arnold captured and burned down Richmond (VA) as well as other nearby towns.

is for Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation is a Native American tribe which used to live in Georgia and Carolina during the war. The reason why they're so important is because they supported the British. The British encouraged the Cherokee to attack dozens of American settlements. Only after fighting very hard, the Patriots were able to drive the tribe back into the mountains.

is for De Gálvez

Bernardo De Gálvez was a Spanish military leader and government official who served as colonial governor of Spanish Louisiana and Cuba, and later as Viceroy of New Spain.

is for England

When it comes to the Revolutionary War, England is seen as the "bad guys". When King George III found out about American land, they sent troops to take over and attempt to control America. They imposed taxes and very high prices which led to a lot of backlash by the Patriots (like the Boston Tea party). Obviously this got Americans mad, and they made the Continental Army, a militia dedicated to stop England from their evil.

is for French Aid

The Continental Congress had long awaited and hoped for French aid. In 1776, Congress had sent Benjamin Franklin to persuade Louis XVI, the King of France, to help assist in the war. Eventually, France did give the help Americans needed, which was vital for winning the war.

is for George Washington

George Washington is a founding father, commander of the Continental Army, and the 1st president of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War against the British Empire. He is commonly known as the Father of the Nation for his role in bringing about American independence.

is for William Howe

William Howe is a British General and politician who rose to the Commander-in-Chief. In historiography of the American war, he is usually referred to as Sir William Howe to distinguish him from his brother Richard, who was 4th Viscount Howe at that time.

is for Individual Foreigners

After France aided the USA, individual foreigners from Europe wanted to vplunteer. They wanted to join the American cause. Some became leading officers in the American army. Marquis de Lafayette, a French noble, convinced France to send several thousand soldiers to help the American cause. After Lafayette fought at Brandywine, he became George Washington's friend.

is for John Adams

John Adams was a Founding Father and the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Before his presidency, he was a leader of the American Revolution that achieved independence from Great Britain.

is for King Louis XVI

Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. During the revolution, they had supported America. In 1776, Congress had sent Benjamin Franklin to persuade Louis XVI, the King of France, to help assist in the war. Eventually, France did give the help Americans needed, which was vital for winning the war.

is for Long Island Battle

In August, William Howe's (the British general) Army landed on Long Island, NY. In this battle, more than 1400 Americans had been killed, captured, or wounded. The remaining soldiers fled to Manhattan. The British eventually won, and Washington would have to find other places to regain control.

is for Martha Washington

Martha Washington was the wife of General and Founding Father, George Washington. Although the title was not coined until after her death, she served as the first lady of the United States, the role of the President's wife.

is for Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale was a young American officer and spy for the Continental Army during the War. He was captured by the Redcoats during an intelligence mission in New York City in 1776 and was executed at just 21 years old. Hale is remembered for his quote "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

is for Olive Branch Petition

The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 5, 1775, and signed on July 8, 1775, in a final attempt to avoid war between Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies in America. The Congress had already authorized the invasion of Canada more than a week earlier, but the petition affirmed American loyalty to Great Britain and entreated King George III to prevent further conflict.

is for Phillis Wheathey

Phillis Wheathey is an African-American writer who is considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and subsequently sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America, where she was bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. After they taught her English, she learned about poetry and was encouraged to do writing.