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8

The American Revolution

Words to UNDERSTAND IN THIS CHAPTER boycott —to refuse to buy a product as a means of protest. delegate —a representative to a convention or conference. detachment —a group of soldiers separated from a larger military force for a particular mission. duty —a tax on imported goods. liberty —the freedom to live as one chooses, without undue interference from government; the ability to enjoy eco- nomic, political, and social rights. militia —a group of civilians who train for military service and may be called to serve in an emergency. musket —a heavy, shoulder-fired gun that was the standard firearm for infantry soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Parliament —the legislature of Great Britain, consisting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Patriot —a colonist who supported independence from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War era. petition —a formal request to a government official or person in authority. redcoat —a soldier in the British army. revenue —money collected by a government (for example, through taxes).

above. He shouted a warning to his comrades. They scrambled for their weapons as musket fire erupted from the rim of the hollow. After a fight lasting no more than 15 minutes, the surrounded French surren- dered. A dozen were dead or dying. About 20 survivors were taken prisoner. The attackers turned out to be a detachment of Virginia militia . Their commander was an eager but inexperienced 22-year-old named George Washington.