independence

freedom from being ruled or controlled by another country

redcoat

a nickname for british soldiers beacuse of their red uniforms

continental army

the official army of the colonies led by george washington

surrender

to give up to the enemy in a battle or war

treaty

a formal written agreement between countries that ends a conflict or sets rules for peace

seige

surrounding and attacking a place to force surrender

turning point

an event that causes a big change in the outcome of a war

spark

an event that sets off a larger conflict like lexington and concord

grievance

a complaint or reason to be unhappy with authority

congress

a group of representatives in a government who meet to make important decisions

battle

a fight between two armies or groups during a war, usaully in one place and lasting a short time

war

a long conflict made up of many battles often lasting years