colonist noun A person who settles in a new territory or colony, especially one under the control of another country. Early colonists struggled through a harsh winter with little food or shelter. + rebellion noun Organized, often violent resistance against an established authority or government. The rebellion was crushed within weeks, but it left lasting resentment among the population. + tyranny noun Cruel, unjust, and arbitrary rule or control by a person or group holding power. The rebels fought for decades to free their country from tyranny. + militia noun A military force made up of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers, often mobilized in emergencies. The colonial militia gathered quickly to defend the town from the approaching raiders. + patriot noun A person who loves their country and strongly supports its interests and values. The old soldier was remembered as a true patriot who served his country for decades. + loyalist noun A person who remains firmly loyal to an established government, ruler, or cause, especially during a rebellion. During the American Revolution, many loyalists supported continued British rule over the colonies. + boycott verb To refuse to buy, use, or take part in something as a way of protesting. Consumers began to boycott the company after reports of its unfair labor practices. + taxation noun The system by which a government collects money from individuals or businesses to fund public spending. High rates of taxation on fuel led to widespread protests across the country. + independence noun Freedom from control, influence, or support of others, especially of another country or authority. The colony finally gained its independence after decades of struggle. + congress noun A formal meeting of representatives to discuss and decide matters, or, capitalized, the national legislature of certain countries. Congress passed the new budget after weeks of heated debate. + constitution noun The fundamental laws and principles that govern a country or organization, or a person's physical or mental makeup. The nation's constitution guarantees freedom of speech and assembly to all citizens. + treaty noun A formal, legally binding agreement between two or more nations or states. The two countries signed a treaty ending decades of border disputes. + revolution noun A fundamental, often sudden change in political power, social order, or ways of thinking, sometimes achieved through force. The French Revolution overthrew the monarchy and reshaped the country's entire political system. + musket noun A long-barreled gun loaded from the muzzle, used by soldiers before rifles became standard. The infantry lined up and fired their muskets in a single coordinated volley. + redcoat noun A British soldier, especially one who fought in the American Revolutionary War, named for the red uniform coat. Colonial militia ambushed a column of redcoats marching toward the bridge. + minuteman noun A member of an American colonial militia who was ready to fight at a moment's notice during the Revolutionary War era. The minuteman grabbed his musket and rushed to the village green at dawn. + blockade noun An action that seals off a place to prevent people, goods, or information from entering or leaving. The navy set up a blockade to stop supply ships from reaching the enemy port. + skirmish noun A brief, minor fight or clash, especially between small groups rather than full armies. A border skirmish broke out between the two patrols before officers restored calm. + alliance noun A formal agreement or union between groups, nations, or individuals to work together toward a shared goal. The two countries formed a military alliance after decades of tension. + delegate noun A person chosen to represent others, especially at a meeting or conference. Each country sent a delegate to the climate conference in Geneva. + republic noun A state in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives, not a monarch. The country became a republic after abolishing its monarchy in the last century. + liberty noun The freedom to live, act, and think as one chooses, without excessive restraint. The revolution was fought in the name of liberty and equal rights. + sovereignty noun The full authority of a state or nation to govern itself without outside interference. The treaty formally recognized the island nation's sovereignty for the first time. + ratify verb To give formal approval to an agreement, making it officially valid. The Senate must ratify the treaty before it can take effect. + insurgent noun A person who takes part in an armed rebellion against an established government or authority. Government forces clashed with insurgents in the mountainous border region. + mercenary noun A soldier hired to fight for a foreign army or group purely for payment, rather than out of loyalty or belief. The kingdom hired mercenaries to bolster its army during the siege. + garrison noun A group of troops stationed in a town or fort to defend it. The garrison held the fortress for months despite the ongoing siege. + ambush noun A surprise attack launched from a concealed position against an unsuspecting target. The soldiers set up an ambush along the narrow mountain road and waited for nightfall. + armistice noun A formal agreement between opposing sides in a war to stop fighting. The armistice was signed in a railway carriage at eleven in the morning. + federation noun A group of states or organizations united under a central authority while keeping some internal self-government. Russia is officially known as the Russian Federation, made up of many regions. +