Washington’s Farewell Address | Full Text, Summary, Meaning
Learn about George Washington's Farewell Address, published when he retired from his role as President in 1796.
Explanations
In these articles, our historians explain different aspects of the American Revolution, helping you to understand the causes and effects of the Revolutionary War.
I Have Not Yet Begun to Fight – John Paul Jones Quote
Learn about the historical context and meaning of this famous quote by Captain John Paul Jones
Effects of the American Revolution
Discover the most significant effects, impacts and consequences of American victory in the Revolutionary War.
Georgia Colony Economy – Explained
Find out about the economic history of Georgia Colony. Discover how colonists made a living in Georgia in the 1700s.
New Jersey Colony Economy – Explained
Learn about the economic makeup of New Jersey Colony. Discover how colonists made a living during the colonial era.
10 Interesting Facts About New Jersey Colony
Discover 10 interesting facts about the Colony of New Jersey prior to the end of the American Revolution.
10 Interesting Facts About Georgia Colony
Discover 10 interesting facts about the colony of Georgia, during the American colonial period.
Religion in Georgia Colony – Explained
Learn about the religious makeup and history of Georgia during the colonial period.
Religion in New Jersey Colony – Explained
Learn about the history of religion in New Jersey during the colonial era.
10 Interesting Facts About South Carolina Colony
Discover 10 interesting facts about the colonial history of South Carolina.
Religion in South Carolina Colony – Explained
Learn about the religious history and makeup of the colony of South Carolina.
Southern Colonies Economy – Explained
Learn about the economy of the Southern Colonies, including its imports and exports, during the colonial era.
Geography of the Southern Colonies
Learn about the geography of the Southern Colonies, including how this affected colonial life and the colonial economy.
Religion in the New England Colonies – Explained
Learn about the religious history of the New England colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Religion in the Middle Colonies – Explained
Learn about the religious makeup and history of the Middle Colonies in British North America.
Religion in the Southern Colonies – Explained
Learn about the religious makeup and evolution of the Southern Colonies in America in the 1600s and 1700s.
10 Interesting Facts About North Carolina Colony
Discover 10 interesting facts about the colony of North Carolina relating to its economy, society, history, and life in the colony.
Religion in North Carolina Colony – Explained
Learn about the history of religion in North Carolina during the colonial period, including conflict between Anglicans and Quakers.
10 Interesting Facts About Delaware Colony
Discover 10 interesting facts about Delaware Colony during the colonial period and Revolutionary War.
Religion in Delaware Colony – Explained
Learn about the religious makeup and history of Delaware Colony from its founding up to its establishment as a state.
New York Colony Religion – Explained
Learn about the religious evolution of New York Colony from its establishment as New Netherland up to the American Revolution.
10 Interesting Facts About Virginia Colony
Discover 10 interesting facts about Virginia Colony and what life was like for the region's early settlers.
Virginia Colony Economy – Explained
Learn about the economy of Virginia Colony, and how the early settlers made a living in the first of the Thirteen Colonies.
Virginia Colony Religion – Explained
Learn about the religious makeup of Virginia Colony during the 17th and 18th centuries in British North America.
10 Interesting Facts About Massachusetts Bay Colony
Discover 10 interesting historical facts about the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and what life was like there during the colonial period
Massachusetts Bay Colony Economy – Explained
Learn about the economic makeup of Massachusetts Bay Colony and the later Province of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Bay Colony Religion – Explained
Learn about religion in Massachusetts Bay Colony. Discover how Puritan principles affected governance and everyday life.
10 Interesting Facts About New Hampshire Colony
Discover 10 interesting facts about the Province of New Hampshire and the colony's early history.
New Hampshire Colony Economy – Explained
Learn about the economic makeup of the New Hampshire colony. Discover how NH residents supported themselves during the colonial period.
Religion In New Hampshire Colony – Explained
Learn about the religious makeup of New Hampshire colony, and how this affected society and governance in the province.
10 Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania Colony
Learn some interesting facts about Pennsylvania colony during British colonial rule in North America.
Religion In Pennsylvania Colony – Explained
Learn about the religious history of Pennsylvania Colony, which was initially created as a Quaker safe haven in British North America.
Pennsylvania Colony Economy – Explained
Learn about the economic makeup of Pennsylvania Colony. Discover how Pennsylvanians supported themselves during the state's early history.
10 Interesting Facts About New York Colony
Discover 10 of the most interesting facts about the Colony of New York, from its establishment up to the American Revolution.
New York Colony Economy – Explained
Learn about the New York Colony's economy, including during the era of Dutch control. Discover how early settlers in New York made a living.
Maryland Colony | History, Religion, Economy, Facts
Learn about the founding and history of Maryland Colony. Discover the colony's economic, political, and religious background.
Battle of Long Island 1776 | Summary, Sigificance, Map, Facts
Learn everything you need to know about the Battle of Long Island. Discover the battle's significance during the Revolutionary War.
Loyal Nine – Explained | Founding, Actions, Legacy
Learn about the Loyal Nine - the earliest Patriot resistance group created in the Thirteen Colonies in America.
Connecticut Colony | History, Religion, Economy, Facts
Learn about the history of Connecticut Colony. Discover how the colony was founded, and what its economy and religious makeup was like.
Rhode Island Colony | History, Religion, Economy, Facts
Learn about the colony of Rhode Island. Discover why the colony was formed, what it stood for, and how its economy worked.
Mercantilism in the Thirteen Colonies
Learn about British mercantilism in the 17th and 18th centuries, and how this affected the Thirteen Colonies in America.
Middle Colonies’ Government & Politics – Explained
Learn about how the Middle Colonies were governed in colonial America. Discover what politics was like in the Middle Colonies.
10 Interesting Facts About The Middle Colonies
Discover 10 fun, interesting facts about the Middle Colonies in British-controlled North America.
Middle Colonies’ Economy – Explained
Learn about the economy of the Middle Colonies during the 18th century. Discover how people made a living in the Middle Colonies.
Battle of Lexington and Concord | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War, on April 19, 1775.
Battle of Valcour Island
Learn about the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War, fought on October 11, 1776 on Lake Champlain.
New York and New Jersey Campaign
Learn about the New York and New Jersey Campaign, fought during the American Revolution from 1776 to 1777.
The Philadelphia Campaign – 1777-1778
Learn about the struggle for control of Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War, fought from 1777 to 1778.
The Southern Campaign
Learn about the Southern Campaign, fought by the British Army and Loyalist forces against the Continental Army from 1778 to 1781.
The Saratoga Campaign
Learn about the Saratoga Campaign undertaken by the British Army in America during the Revolutionary War.
Battle of Monmouth | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Monmouth, also known as the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, fought between British and American forces on June 28, 1778.
Battle of Guilford Courthouse | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, fought between British and American forces during the Revolutionary War.
Battle of Cowpens | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Cowpens, fought between American and British troops in South Carolina on January 17, 1781.
Siege of Charleston | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Siege of Charleston in 1780. Discover what led to British victory at this battle during the Southern Campaign.
Battle of Princeton | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Princeton, fought between the Continental Army and the British Army on January 3, 1777.
Battle of Trenton | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Trenton. Discover how Washington crossed the Delaware and captured Hessian forces on December 25 and 26, 1776.
Battle of Yorktown | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Yorktown, also known as the Siege of Yorktown - the final major conflict of the American Revolution.
Battles of Saratoga | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battles of Saratoga in September and October 1777. Find out the significance of these battles, and learn interesting facts.
Battle of Bunker Hill | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775. Discover the significance of this battle in the Revolutionary War.
Albany Plan of Union 1754 | Summary, Purpose, Significance
Learn about the Albany Plan of Union, a proposal by Benjamin Franklin to unite the American colonies under a central government in 1754.
Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763-1766) | Summary, Significance, Effects
Learn about Pontiac's Rebellion, a Native American uprising against settlers in the Thirteen Colonies from 1763 to 1766.
Bacon’s Rebellion of 1676 | Summary, Significance, Causes
Read a summary of Bacon's Rebellion of 1676, and learn about the causes, aftermath, and significance of America's first popular uprising.
Salutary Neglect | Beginning, End, Explanation, Effects
Learn about Salutary Neglect, the unofficial relaxation in enforcement of colonial trade regulations by the British Crown in the 18th century.
The Pine Tree Riot of 1772 | Summary & Explanation
Learn about the Pine Tree Riot that occurred in Weare, New Hampshire, in 1772, in the leadup to the American Revolution.
Geography of the New England Colonies
Learn about the geography of the New England colonies, and how this affected daily life, such as farming and the economy.
Politics & Government in the New England Colonies
Learn about politics in the New England colonies during the 1600s and 1700s, including how the colonies were governed.
New England Colonies’ Economy – Explained
Learn about the economy of the New England colonies during the 18th century. Discover how people made a living in New England.
Join or Die Snake Cartoon | Origin, Significance, Meaning
Learn about "Join or Die", a political slogan from the pre-Revolutionary War period, and discover its continued significance, and how it's used today.
The Enlightenment’s Role in the American Revolution
Learn about the role of Enlightenment ideals and Enlightenment thinking in contributing towards the American Revolution.
The Great Awakening’s Role in the American Revolution
Learn about the role that Christian revival in the 1730s and 1740s, also known as the Great Awakening, played in the American Revolution.
The French and Indian War’s Role in the American Revolution
Learn how the French and Indian War led to the American Revolution. Discover how the Seven Year's War helped cause the Revolutionary War.
Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania by John Dickinson
Learn about Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, a series of essays published by John Dickinson before the Revolutionary War.
Common Sense By Thomas Paine | Summary & Significance
Learn about Common Sense, a political pamphlet published by Thomas Paine during the early stages of the American Revolution.
Committees of Correspondence | Summary, Significance, Role
Learn about the Committees of Correspondence, and their role and significance during the American Revolution.
Daughters Of Liberty | Who They Were & What They Did
Learn about the Daughters of Liberty, their members, and their contributions towards the Patriot cause during the American Revolution.
Sons of Liberty Explained | Who They Were & What They Did
Learn about the Sons of Liberty, including who they were, and what they did to help the cause of the American Revolution.
Powder Alarm of 1774 | Summary, Significance, Facts
Learn about the Powder Alarm incident of 1774. Discover what occurred, and learn about the event's significance in the leadup to war.
Olive Branch Petition of 1775 | Summary, Significance, Facts
Find out about the Olive Branch Petition. Discover the significance of the petition, learn about its purpose, and read key facts.
Second Continental Congress | Summary, Achievements, Facts
Learn all about the Second Continental Congress. Read a summary of what occurred, as well as interesting facts.
First Continental Congress | Summary, Outcomes, Facts
Learn about the First Continental Congress. Read a summary of the event, and discover some interesting facts about the congress.
Burning of the Gaspee | Summary of the 1772 Gaspee Affair
Learn about the burning of the Gaspee, a British customs enforcement ship. Read a summary of the Gaspee Affair.
Boston Tea Party Explained | Summary, Effects, Facts
Learn about the Boston Tea Party. Discover what happened in Boston in 1773, and find out about the aftermath and effects of the incident.
Boston Massacre of 1770 | Summary, Causes, Effects, Facts
Learn about the Boston Massacre of 1773. Discover what caused the massacre and the effects it had in the leadup to the Revolutionary War.
Quebec Act of 1774 | Summary, Effects, Facts
Learn about the Quebec Act of 1774. Discover what the act did, the effects it had, and how colonists reacted.
Proclamation Line of 1763 | Summary, Effects, Facts
Learn about the Proclamation Line of 1763. Discover how the Royal Proclamation worked, and the effects it had on the colonists.
Navigation Acts | Summary, Effects, Facts
Learn about the Navigation Acts and how they affected the American Revolution. Read a summary of the acts and learn about their effects.
Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts) | Summary, Effects, Facts
Learn about the Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts passed by British parliament in 1774 on the Thirteen Colonies.
Tea Act of 1773 Explained For Kids
Read a simple, easy to understand explanation of the Tea Act of 1773, written for kids. Includes a summary and effects of the Act.
Tea Act of 1773 | Context, Purpose, Effects, Facts
Learn about the Tea Act of 1773. Discover the purpose of this law, and the effects it had. Plus, learn how colonists responded to the Tea Act.
Townshend Acts of 1767-68 | Summary, Facts, Reaction
Learn about the Townshend Acts of 1767-68. Read a summary of what the acts did as well as fun facts, and discover how the colonists reacted.
Quartering Acts of 1765 and 1774 | Summary, Facts, Reaction
Learn about the Quartering Acts of 1765 and 1774. Read a summary of the acts and key facts, and learn how the colonists reacted to the Quartering Acts.
Sugar Act of 1764 | Summary, Effects, Facts, Reaction
Learn about the Sugar Act of 1764. Discover how this law affected the Thirteen Colonies, and how people reacted to it.
Declaratory Act of 1766 | Definition, Purpose, & Reaction
Learn about the Declaratory Act of 1766. Discover why the British implemented this act, and how people reacted to it in the Thirteen Colonies.
No Taxation Without Representation – Meaning, Origins & More
Learn about the Patriot slogan "No taxation without representation", including what this slogan means, who said it, and where it comes from.
Jacobites in America in the 18th Century
Learn about the role Jacobites played in America in the 18th century. Discover who they fought for during the American Revolution.
American Revolution Summary & Resources for Kids
Here at AmericanRevolution.org, we've put together a summary of the Revolutionary War for kids, as well as some extra resources for children.
Blunderbuss Gun | Design & Usage in the American Revolution
Learn about the Blunderbuss gun - the 18th-century equivalent of a modern-day shotgun, used during the American Revolution.
15 Fun Facts About the American Revolution
Read 15 interesting facts that you might not know about the American Revolution, including about its battles, armies, and leaders.
How Were Native Americans Affected by the Revolution?
Discover how the American Revolution affected Native American populations, both during and after the war took place.