Answer:
Ethan Allen: Ethan Allen was a key figure in the American Revolutionary War. He was a leader of the Green Mountain Boys, a militia group from Vermont, and played a significant role in capturing Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775. This victory provided the Continental Army with much-needed artillery and supplies, boosting their military capabilities early in the war.
Thomas Jefferson: Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played a crucial role in the American Revolution. He was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which outlined the colonies' grievances against British rule and proclaimed their right to self-governance. Jefferson's eloquent and influential writing in the Declaration helped galvanize support for the American cause and became a foundational document for the principles of liberty and equality.
Continental Army: The Continental Army was the military force established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to fight against the British during the American Revolution. Led by General George Washington, the Continental Army was composed of volunteer soldiers from the 13 colonies. Its formation marked a significant step towards unity among the colonies and the establishment of a centralized military force dedicated to the cause of independence. The Continental Army's perseverance and determination played a crucial role in ultimately securing victory in the Revolutionary War.
Thomas Paine: Thomas Paine was a political activist and writer whose works played a significant role in shaping public opinion and garnering support for American independence. His influential pamphlet, "Common Sense," published in 1776, argued for the necessity of American independence from Britain and called for a republican form of government. Paine's persuasive writing and straightforward language resonated with the colonists, inspiring them to embrace the cause of independence and reject British rule.
Second Continental Congress: The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that convened in Philadelphia in 1775, shortly after the outbreak of the American Revolution. It served as the de facto national government during the Revolutionary War. The Second Continental Congress took significant actions, such as appointing George Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, issuing the Declaration of Independence, and managing the war effort against the British. It played a vital role in coordinating the colonies' response to British aggression and provided a framework for colonial unity and resistance.
Declaration of Independence: The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declared the colonies' formal separation from Britain. It outlined the principles of natural rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and asserted that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed. The Declaration not only proclaimed the birth of a new nation, but it also served as a powerful assertion of the rights and aspirations of the American people. It remains one of the most important documents in American history, symbolizing the ideals of freedom and self-determination.