American Revolution Questions and
Answers Already Passed
What was the first battle of the American Revolution? ✔✔Battle of Lexington and Concord
Who was the British King during the war? ✔✔George III
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American Revolution Questions and
Answers Already Passed
What was the first battle of the American Revolution? ✔✔Battle of Lexington and Concord
Who was the British King during the war? ✔✔George III
This system was used by the colonists to send messages to each other? ✔✔Committees of
Correspondence
America received foreign aid from this country. ✔✔France
Who was the French military officer who served with General Washington? ✔✔Marquis de
Lafayette
This is where a series of battles became a turning point for the Revolutionary War. ✔✔Saratoga
Which American general turned traitor and joined the British? ✔✔Benedict Arnold
True or False? George Washington was the head of the committee that wrote the Declaration of
Independence. ✔✔False
Where did the last battle of the American Revolution take place? ✔✔Yorktown
Peace negotiations were held in __________ at the end of the war. ✔✔Paris
What did part 1 of the Declaration Of Independence state? ✔✔People's Basic Rights
What did Part 2 of the Declaration Of Independence state? ✔✔Reasons for separation from
Britain and violations made by Britain.
What did Part 3 of the Declaration Of Independence state? ✔✔Declaration of Independence
True Or False: Common Sense sold 1,000,000 copies in 6 months ✔✔False
What was the date that the delegates signed the Declaration of Independence? ✔✔July 4, 1776
There was a large plantation owner from Virginia who was 33 years old. What was his job? Who
was this person? ✔✔lawyer
Thomas Jefferson
What was NOT a decision the 2nd Continental Congress decided to do at the first meeting?
✔✔Sign the Declaration of Independence
Whose strategy was to split New England from the other colonies? ✔✔Britain
Who wrote Common Sense? ✔✔Thomas Paine
How long was the war fought? ✔✔6 years
Approximately how many soldiers fought in the Revolutionary War? ✔✔250,000
What city was NOT occupied by the British? ✔✔Plymouth
Why did the slaves join the British? ✔✔They were promised freedom
Name one of the groups that did most of the fighting. ✔✔Indentured Servants
Who won the Battle of Concord? ✔✔America
True or False~The Americans had a lot of supplies ✔✔False
What was the first battle of the war? ✔✔Lexington
Who won the battle of Bunker Hill? ✔✔Britain
How many British were killed in the Battle of Bunker Hill? ✔✔1,000
How many Americans were killed in the Battle of Bunker Hill? ✔✔400
Why did the Indians join the war? ✔✔They wanted land back
What was NOT part of the Battle of Bunker Hill? ✔✔Washington fooled Cornwallis
This battle was a major battle that the British won. It had 1400 American deaths. What battle was
this? ✔✔Battle of Long Island
What were Hessians? ✔✔German soldiers hired by the British
In the battle of Princeton, Washington fooled Cornwallis. How? ✔✔Left the fires burning then
went behind the enemy lines and attacked
Who was the Swamp Fox? ✔✔Francis Marion
What was Valley Forge? ✔✔Washington's camp
True or False. There was fighting in the Revolutionary War for more than a year before the
United States declared independence from Britain. ✔✔True. The first shots of the war were fired
near Boston in April 1775 but it was not until July 1776 that the Continental Congress declared
independence from Britain.
Where were the first shots of the American Revolutionary War fired? ✔✔Lexington,
Massachusetts. British troops, sent to seize military supplies gathered near Boston by anti-British
Americans, were confronted at Lexington by Americans. It is not known who fired the first shot
but fighting broke out and several Americans were killed. The fighting continued at various
places along the British line of march resulting in many casualties for the British and Americans.
What term refers to the body of delegates from the colonies who met during the Revolutionary
War until a constitutional government was finally formed near the end of the war? ✔✔The
Continental Congress. The Continental Congress met in 1775. After independence was declared
they continued to meet and do the best they could to raise money for the army, carry on
diplomatic relations, and generally act as a government until a true government with an approved
constitution was finally agreed upon in 1781.
Why is July 4th, 1776 considered the birthday of the United States? ✔✔because the signing of
the Declaration of Independence began on that day. Not all representatives to the Continental
Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776 but the first signatures were
put on the document on that date. It is generally agreed that on that day the thirteen colonies
became the United States.
Mercenary troops were brought from this place to help the British Army in America during the
Revolutionary War. ✔✔the German state of Hesse. When the rebellion in America proved more
difficult than anticipated to defeat, the British contracted with the ruler of the German state of
Hesse to provide troops to fight in America.
True or False. General George Washington was wounded while directing the American troops.
✔✔False. George Washington was not present at the Battle of Saratoga.
The American victory in this battle is often called the turning point of the Revolutionary War in
the South. ✔✔Battle of Kings Mountain. The American patriot forces defeated a substantial
force of Loyalists (Americans who remained loyal to the British king) at Kings Mountain in
North Carolina. This greatly contributed to turning the tide of the war which was mostly fought
in the South after 1778.
How did the French aid the American patriots during the Revolutionary War? ✔✔At the Battle
of Yorktown, the US army, partly supplied by the French, was joined by French regiments, while
a French fleet held the British fleet away from Yorktown so that the British army could be
defeated.
Name the young European volunteer who became a much valued general serving in George
Washington's army. ✔✔Lafayette. The young Marquis de Lafayette left his home in France to
offer his services to the American patriots. Washington made him an aide and Lafayette soon
became almost like a son to Washington. He eventually was made a general and took part in the
final battle of the war at Yorktown.
True or False. John Paul Jones who fought in the American Revolutionary War, was successful
in naval warfare against the British. ✔✔True. John Paul Jones won ship to ship battles against
British warships and also carried out naval raids on British territory.
What American victory convinced the British to accept the independence of their former
colonies? ✔✔at Yorktown. The complete loss of a British army, led by General Cornwallis, at
Yorktown after seven years of warfare led the British to believe that putting down the revolt of
their former colonies would be too costly to be worthwhile if indeed it could be done at all.
True or False. The Treaty of Paris of 1783 recognized US independence. ✔✔True. US
independence was recognized by the Treaty of Paris of 1783 and it conceded territory to the US
as far as the Mississippi River. The US did not make a permanent alliance with any nation until
the NATO Alliance in 1949.
Which general led the British forces that sparked Paul Revere's midnight ride? ✔✔Thomas
Gage. Paul Revere warned the provincial Congress about the approach of British troops led by
Thomas Gage. The British forces met the minutemen, and the American Revolution began.
Which colony was General Gage the governor of? ✔✔Massachusetts. Before the Revolutionary
War, Thomas Gage was sitting pretty as the governor of Massachusetts.
Where was "the shot heard 'round the world" fired? ✔✔Lexington, Massachusetts. The shot
heard 'round the world was fired in Lexington, Massachusetts. To this day, no one knows
whether the British or the Patriots fired that first shot. Click here to learn more about the
Revolution at Lexington and Concord.
George Washington crossing the Deleware: which way was he going? ✔✔From Pennsylvania to
New Jersey. On Christmas night 1776, Washington snuck across the Deleware River from
Pennsylvania to New Jersey, for a stunning surprise attack that became known as the Battle of
Trenton. If you chose Deleware to Pennsylvania, take away 100 geography points and then look
at a map.
True or False? The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Bunker Hill. ✔✔False. Most of
the fighting at the Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on nearby Breed's Hill.
The British surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. To whom? ✔✔Lincoln. General
Benjamin Lincoln. British General O'Hara (in place of General Cornwallis) tried to surrender to
Washington. Washington sent the British general to Lincoln, who had been humiliated by the
British when he was forced to give up Charlestown. So Benjamin Lincoln accepted the British
surrender at Yorktown.
Which day did the Continental Congress vote for the Declaration of Independence? ✔✔July 2nd.
The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2. John Adams wrote about the day: "I
am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival
. . . It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells,
bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for
ever more." ...Not quite.
What of the following contributed most to the American victory in the Revolution? ✔✔French
military and financial assistance.
True or False. The Declaration of Independence stated that people have the right to abolish
governments destructive of their rights. ✔✔True
True or False. The Declaration of Independence stated that there shall be no taxation without
representation. ✔✔False
British strategy after 1778 was to?: ✔✔seize key southern posts, enlist the aid of loyalist
militiamen, and move northward to pacify one region after another.
Why did relations between the elites and the common people change as a result of the American
Revolution? ✔✔the elites learned that they would have to treat the common people with respect
in order to receive their support.
What was the role of African-Americans in the American Revolution? ✔✔Americans generally
avoided arming blacks, but the British eagerly recruited runaway slaves.
Why was South Carolina less likely than Maryland to support the American Revolution? ✔✔the
South Carolina population had a much higher percentage of blacks than did the Maryland
population.
A problem with the Spanish entry into the American Revolution against Britain was that Spain?
✔✔entered as an ally of France rather than of the United States.
General Charles Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown resulted largely from the? ✔✔French fleet
winning control of the Chesapeake Bay.
The Treaty of Paris in 1783 stipulated? ✔✔1) British recognition of American independence. 2)
establishment of the boundaries of the new United States from the Atlantic Ocean to the
Mississippi River between the Great Lakes and Spanish Florida. 3) that Americans allow British
collection of prewar debts from colonists.
What are Patriots otherwise known as? ✔✔Whigs
True or False. The Declaration of Independence was signed before the Revolutionary War
started. ✔✔False.
Who was the first person to be killed in the Boston Massacre? ✔✔Crispus Attucks
Which battle marked the turning point of the War in the American's favor? ✔✔Battle at Saratoga
How many troops did George Washington have at the Battle if Yorktown? ✔✔8845
Who wrote "The Crisis"? ✔✔Thomas Paine
Who went on horse-back warning the Americans that the British were coming to Lexington and
Concord? ✔✔Paul Revere
Which part (cause) of the American Revolution closed the Boston Harbor? ✔✔Intolerable Acts/
Coercive Acts
The Treaty of Paris was delayed because of __________________'s stubbornness. ✔✔King
George III
The position Americans took toward the war was mostly ✔✔Divided.
Americans were divided in their position on the war. Historians estimate that roughly 20 to 30
percent of Americans were Loyalists, roughly 40 to 45 percent were Patriots, and the rest
remained neutral. Native Americans and African Americans fought on both sides.
The British wanted to seize the Hudson River Valley in order to ✔✔cut New England off from
other states
The British wanted to seize the Hudson River Valley in order to cut New England off from other
states. Britain's strategy, which called for the meeting of three armies in Albany, was devised to
cut off New England from other states.
The primary reason France and Spain came to America's aid was that ✔✔they were Britain's
rivals
France and Spain came to America's aid primarily because they were Britain's rivals. France was
still bitter over its defeat in the French and Indian War. Spain, which was also Britain's rival, was
able to extend its own empire in North America through its participation in the American
revolution.
According to the terms of the Treaty of Paris, the United States ✔✔had a southern boundary of
Spanish Florida
According to the terms of the Treaty of Paris, the United States had a southern boundary of
Spanish Florida. The Treaty of Paris, which made the United States independent, also set its
boundaries at the Mississippi River on the west, Canada on the north, and Spanish Florida on the
south. It called for each side to repay its debts and for Britain to return any enslaved persons it
had captured.
What are the inalienable rights stated in the Declaration of Independence? ✔✔Life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness
Benjamin Franklin epitomized which movement in colonial America? ✔✔The Enlightenment
Who was the first Secretary of the Treasury? ✔✔Alexander Hamilton
What was the last major military action of the American Revolution? ✔✔Yorktown
What year did the American Revolution end? ✔✔1783
Who was the colonial general that became president after the American Revolution? ✔✔George
Washington
Who famously implored her husband to "remember the ladies" in drafting laws for the newly
independent United States of America? ✔✔Abigail Adams
What was the main reason for the colonial opposition to the Stamp Act? ✔✔The Stamp Act
emphasized that the colonies did not have a voice in parliament.
What was was the MOST important factor influencing the start of fighting in the Revolution?
✔✔Tensions stirred up by radical colonist opposing British actions.
What was the Quartering Act of 1765? ✔✔British troops were sent to America to protect the
colonist after the French and Indian War, to pay for this deployment the colonist were required to
provide shelter, food, and supplies for local troops.
Who was Abigail Adams and what was her contribution to the American Revolution? ✔✔She
was the wife of John Adams and she wrote him letters encouraging him to consider women's
rights when drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Which of the following contributed MOST the colonist victory in the War for Independence?
✔✔Financial and military support for the Americans from France.
What is the best explanation of this description of governments from the Declaration of
Independence: "deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed" ? ✔✔Government
has authority over the people because the people agree to give authority to the government.
True or False. British military leaders promised African American slaves their freedom if they
ran away from their masters and fought for the King. ✔✔True
True or False. African Americans were not allowed to fight in the Continental Army because
Southern leaders were afraid of slave revolts. ✔✔False
True or False. All African Americans were slaves during this time period, so they could only
fight if their owners sent them or they ran away. ✔✔False
True or False. Most African Americans supported the British because they believed they could
offer them a better life in the West Indies. ✔✔False.
True or False. After Lexington and Concord, it took almost a year for independence to become a
primary war aim. ✔✔True. Not until January 1776, with the publication of Common Sense, did
independence become a publicly held war aim for most Americans.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense is an important work because it ✔✔persuaded Americans that
no reconciliation with Britain was possible.
The Declaration of Independence stated that governments were formed to ✔✔protect a person's
life, freedom, and right to pursue happiness.
After the initial surge of patriotism, American troops ✔✔came from both conscription and
payment of bounties.
Most of America's war materials came from ✔✔foreign aid.
Congress financed the revolution by ✔✔borrowing from other nations.
True or False. The choice of George Washington as commander in chief was a good one because
of his knowledge of military affairs. ✔✔False. Washington's most important qualification may
have been his ability to create a stable and strong image for the nation to rally around.
After a year of war, the British realized ✔✔the war had become more than just a local
phenomenon around Boston.
By the end of 1776, the American army under Washington had ✔✔won two minor victories and
remained intact.
By the end of 1776, Washington had won minor victories at Trenton and Princeton, and most
importantly his army remained intact.
John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga ✔✔convinced the French that they should help the
Americans.
The British shifted their focus to the South largely because they believed there was more
Loyalist sentiment in that region than elsewhere in the American colonies.
The treason of Benedict Arnold ✔✔shocked American forces.
The British were forced to surrender at Yorktown because ✔✔French troops and a French fleet
helped trap the British.
The British had to surrender at Yorktown because the combined French and American forces
trapped them.
Even though the British wanted to end the war, the French were reluctant to negotiate because
✔✔they were committed to staying in the war until Spain got Gibraltar.
Of all the Loyalists groups in America, the one that suffered most as a result of the Revolution
was ✔✔Anglicans.
True or False. Native Americans generally stayed neutral in the war. ✔✔True.
During the Revolution, women took on new responsibilities. After the war, ✔✔things generally
went back to the way they were before and few concrete reforms occurred in the status of
women.
In spite of rhetoric proclaiming "all men are created equal," slavery survived in America for
nearly a century after the Revolution because whites ✔✔harbored racist assumptions about the
natural inferiority of blacks.
If postwar Americans agreed on nothing else, they agreed that ✔✔new governments should be
republican.
True or False. Under the Articles of Confederation, the only institution of national authority was
the president of the United States. ✔✔False. Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress
remained the only institution of national authority.
What country did the American colonies rebel against? ✔✔Britain
How many of the American Colonies were a part of the revolution? ✔✔13
What year did the Revolutionary War begin? ✔✔1775
What was the main reason that the American Colonies rebelled and fought for their
independence? ✔✔They didn`t want to pay taxes without having representation in the
government
What was the name of the group that declared the independence of the United States? ✔✔The
Second Continental Congress
What year did the United States issue the Declaration of Independence? ✔✔1776
Which European country became a major ally to the United States during the Revolutionary
War? ✔✔France
Who was the first President of the United States? ✔✔George Washington
What type of government did the new country of the United States form? ✔✔Democracy
Fact or Myth. Paul Revere rode from Boston to Lexington to warn colonists that the British army
was coming. ✔✔Fact. Paul Revere did set out from Boston to warn John Hancock and Samuel
Adams that the British army was advancing, but he wasn't the only rider who did so. William
Dawes and Samuel Prescott also rode with Revere, and while Revere was caught by British
patrolmen after reaching Lexington, Prescott made it all the way to Concord, which was believed
to be the destination of the British army. Revere only became an American icon after Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem about him in 1863.
Fact or Myth. Betsy Ross created the first American flag. ✔✔Myth. This legend was started in
1870 by Betsy Ross' grandson William Canby. But it was not Ross who designed Old Glory. A
more likely person was Frances Hopkinson-- records show that in 1780 he sent a bill to the
Board of Admiralty for a design for the "flag of the United States."
Fact or Myth. A majority of the African-Americans who fought during the Revolution fought for
the British. ✔✔Fact. The British army recruited slaves belonging to patriots by promising them
freedom. As a result, more blacks supported the British.
Fact or Myth. German soldiers participated during the Revolution. ✔✔Fact. German
mercenaries, or Hessians, were recruited by the British army to fight the patriots during the
Revolutionary War.
Fact or Myth. Benedict Arnold was a traitor. ✔✔Fact. Benedict Arnold was a military
commander in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, but he later switched his
allegiance to Great Britain. Arnold planned to surrender West Point to the British army, but his
plot was uncovered before he could execute it and he fled to England to avoid execution.
Fact or Myth. The Liberty Bell was rung to announce that the Declaration of Independence had
been signed. ✔✔Myth. This rumor probably derives from a 19th century fictional story
published by George Lippard, which detailed how an elderly man rang the Liberty Bell after a
young boy overheard that Congress had declared independence. Some historians believe it highly
unlikely that the bell was even rung (due to the fact that the steeple was in poor condition at the
time). And here's another interesting fact: the bell isn't even named in honor of American
independence! The bell got its name when abolitionists used it as a symbol of the anti-slavery
movement.
Fact or Myth. American independence was declared on July 4, 1776. ✔✔Myth. America's
independence was declared by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of
Independence was adopted on July 4, but it wasn't signed by all the congressional delegates until
1781! And it wasn't until 1783 (when the Treaty of Paris was signed), that the Revolutionary
War formally ended.
Fact or Myth. The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed's Hill. ✔✔Fact. The Battle
of Bunker Hill was actually fought on Breed's Hill. And while the British technically won this
battle, they suffered severe losses.
Fact or Myth. During the Boston Tea Party, patriots dressed like Mohawk Indians and dumped
tea into the Atlantic Ocean. ✔✔Fact. The Boston Tea Party was an act of protest in response to
British taxation. On December 16, 1773, members of the Sons of Liberty disguised themselves
as Native Americans, and boarded ships in Boston Harbor, where they proceeded to dump
shipments of tea into the ocean.
Sugar Act 1764 ✔✔Duty (tax) placed on sugar from the West Indies to raise revenue for Britain.
Colonial protests lead to lower duties (taxes).
Quartering Act 1765 ✔✔Required certain colonies to provide food and housing for British
soldiers.
Colonial Assemblies refused to comply with the act.
Stamp Act 1765 ✔✔Required the use of stamped paper articles showing that the tax had been
paid.
Protested taxation by Parliament without colonial representation. Stamp Act repealed.
Townshend Acts 1767 ✔✔Light taxation on glass, lead, paper, and tea.
Colonial response: smuggling, resisting British troops resulting in the Boston Massacre, and
refusing to import goods.
Where was the first battle of the American Revolution? ✔✔Lexington, Massachusetts
On 19 April 1775, the "shot heard around the world" was fired by Massachusetts militiamen at
Lexington.
On 19 April 1775, the "shot heard around the world" was fired by Massachusetts militiamen at
Lexington. ✔✔Trenton, New Jersey
The battle occurred on 26 December 1776. Washington captured nearly 1000 prisoners, while
suffering only six wounded.
Where was the worst American defeat of the war? ✔✔Charleston, South Carolina
On 12 May 1780, the British captured Charleston and the entire southern American army of 5400
men. The British lost only 225 men.
Which battle caused the British to abandon plans to conquer the Carolinas? ✔✔Guilford
Courthouse, North Carolina
On 15 March 1781, the Americans inflicted heavy losses on the British, forcing General
Cornwallis to retreat. He then changed his plans, and began his ill-fated invasion of Virginia,
resulting in his defeat at Yorktown.
Which battle was the first major American victory of the war? ✔✔Saratoga, New York
The Battle of Saratoga was fought on 7 October 1777. As a result of this victory, France
recognized America's independence.
Which fort did the traitor Benedict Arnold intend to turn over to the British? ✔✔West Point,
New York
Arnold's plan to turn West Point over to the British was discovered in time. He managed to
escape, and led British forces for the remainder of the war. West Point is now the United States
Military Academy.
Whose last words were "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country"? ✔✔Nathan
Hale
Hale was caught spying on British troops. He was executed on 22 September 1776.
Who was known as the "Swamp Fox"? ✔✔Francis Marion
Marion led guerilla raids against British troops, primarily in South Carolina. He would then
withdraw into swamp country, which was unfamiliar territory to the British.
Which British general surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, effectively dashing British hopes for
winning the war? ✔✔Charles Cornwallis
The British surrendered at Yorktown on 19 October 1781. Although fighting continued for more
than a year, the surrender effectively ended British hopes for a victory.
In which state was the last battle between American and British forces fought? ✔✔South
Carolina
The battle was fought on 27 August 1782 along the Combahee River. The skirmish occurred ten
months after the British surrendered at Yorktown.
True or False. German mercenaries fighting for the British were called Hessians. ✔✔True
The Prince of Hesse, a region of Germany, was paid for supplying troops to the British. More
than 20000 Hessians fought for the British during the war.
True or False. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting actually occurred on Breed's
Hill. ✔✔True. The battle was fought on 17 June 1775. The saying "Don't fire until you see the
whites of their eyes" was spoken at this battle.
True or False. The final battle of the war was fought in November of 1782. ✔✔True. The battle
was fought on 10 November 1782 by American forces against Loyalist and Indian forces. It was
a raid on a Shawnee Indian village in the Ohio Territory, 13 months after the British surrender at
Yorktown.
The French and Indian War starts this Revolution... what is the cause of it? ✔✔Native
Americans are frustrated with British settlers taking their land.
After that War, thee British passed a law called the ____________, forbidding colonists from
settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. ✔✔Proclamation of 1763
After that War, the British were left with this problem: ✔✔They're broke from years and years of
fighting
The first tax passed by the British: ✔✔Sugar and Molasses Act
The Colonists' biggest problem with these British taxes was: ✔✔Taxation without
representation.
Song played by the British after they suffered defeat and surrendered to the Americans at
Yorktown. ✔✔"The World Turned Upside Down"
America's "First Traitor". ✔✔Benedict Arnold
A spy for the Americans, and former teacher. Executed after being found sneaking British troop
movements out of camp in the soles of his shoes. ✔✔Nathan Hale
New style of warfare used by the colonists; sneaky hit and run attacks. ✔✔Guerrilla
Two different treaties that ended the French and Indian, Revolutionary Wars, but shared the
same name! ✔✔Treaty of Paris
True or False. When the fighting began, most Americans wanted the colonies to be independent
from Great Britain. ✔✔False
True or False. The rebelling colonies had access to sufficient local resources to fight a successful
revolution. ✔✔False
True or False. The British lacked the resources to conduct a war on the American continent.
✔✔False
True or False. At the outset of the war, American leaders hoped that Canada would become the
fourteenth state. ✔✔True
True or False. The surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga had no effect on the Iroquois Confederacy,
since most of the Indians supported the American cause. ✔✔False
True or False. There is no actual proof that Benedict Arnold committed treason. ✔✔False
True or False. As a result of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, the new American nation's westward
boundary was the Blue Ridge Mountains. ✔✔False
True or False. At least one-fifth, and maybe as many as one-third, of the American colonists
were loyal to Britain during the Revolution. ✔✔True
True or False. Native Americans were pleased with the outcome of the Revolution because it
reduced the desire of colonists for western land. ✔✔False
True or False. The first state constitutions written during the American Revolution generally
reduced the power of the executive. ✔✔True
True or False. In the newly created states, the privileges that churches enjoyed in the colonial era
were largely stripped away. ✔✔True
True or False. After independence, the United States quickly and easily persuaded Great Britain
to abide by the terms of the treaty of 1783. ✔✔False
True or False. The system for surveying and selling western lands set up under the Ordinance of
1785 favored small farmers. ✔✔False
True or False. The Northwest Ordinance laid out the requirements for western territories to
become states. ✔✔True
True or False. During the period under consideration in this chapter, Congress did nothing to
limit the expansion of slavery. ✔✔False
What advantages and disadvantages did the British have in fighting the Revolutionary War?
✔✔Advantages: world's largest militaryworld's largest naval force.
Disadvantages: long supply lines / fighting a long way from homeachieving victory meant
subduing all the colonies (The colonies didn't have to conquer Britain in order to win. All they
had to do was wage war / resist until the British gave up and went home.)
What advantages and disadvantages did the colonists have in fighting the Revolutionary War?
✔✔Advantages: Washington proved to be a very talented commander "defending one's
homeland" is a powerful motivator. They didn't have to conquer Britain in order to win. They
just needed to resist and hold off long enough to make Britain give up. Powerful allies eventually
joined the war effort on the American side, non-traditional tactics.
Disadvantages: small, untrained military force, poorly equipped forces
Which battles of the Revolutionary War were fought even before independence was declared,
and what was the outcome? ✔✔Lexington and Concord, 1775
The British were forced to retreat from Concord. On the way, they lost 300 soldiers and only
killed 100 Americans.
Who did the Second Continental Congress appoint to be the commander in chief of the
Continental Army? ✔✔George Washington, who would later become the first president of the
United States
Besides the Continental Army, what American troops fought in the Revolutionary War?
✔✔Members of state militias. The militias were local armies, and each state maintained one.
Some towns also raised militias. In Concord, members of the town militia were called
"minutemen" because they were supposed to be ready to fight at a moment's notice.
British General Sir William Howe achieved what key victories in the north early during the war?
He placed New York City under British control.He then moved to attack Philadelphia, which
was the capital of the United States at that time. He ✔✔Howe placed New York City under
British control. He then moved to attack Philadelphia, which was the capital of the United States
at that time. He captured Philadelphia but missed his goal of taking the Second Continental
Congress captive. The congressmen fled the city before it fell to the British.
What does the phrase "crossing the Delaware" refer to? ✔✔General Washinton's Christmas Eve
attack in 1776. He crossed the Delaware River, accompanied by about 2,400 troops and attacked
enemy positions in New Jersey.
Where did Washington and the Continental Army camp for the winter of 1776-1777? ✔✔Valley
Forge
What happened in 1777 at Saratoga (located in upstate New York) and why did it have farreaching consequences? ✔✔British General John Burgoyne reached Saratoga with 5,000 troops,
but found himself surrounded by American forces. Burgoyne surrendered. This American victory
caused the French to join the war effort against the British. Up until Saratoga, the French had
maintained a "wait and see" policy -- they did not want to join the American war effort unless
they believed the U.S. was capable of winning.
What was the first foreign nation to officially recognize the United States as a separate and
independent nation? ✔✔France, in 1778 -- after the Battle of Saratoga
France assisted the United States war effort secretly at first, and after Saratoga, openly. What
other European nation helped the U.S. achieve independence? ✔✔Spain
After Saratoga, the British dramatically changed their war strategy. How did they change it, and
why? ✔✔They began attacking the South instead of the North.They expected that more Loyalists
(people remaining loyal to Britain) lived in the South.
December, 1778 -- Savannah, Georgia. What happened? ✔✔The British captured the city and
also took control of the rural lands around it -- the backcountry.
May, 1780 -- Charleston, South Carolina. What happened? ✔✔Worst American defeat of the
entire war. British General Charles Cornwallis forces more than 5,000 American troops to
surrender.
May, 1780 -- King's Mountain, South Carolina. What happened? ✔✔American victory begins to
turn the tide of Britain's "southern strategy."
The Revolutionary War was also a naval war. The British had the world's largest navy. What did
the Americans have? ✔✔The United States did not have anything approaching a true naval
force. To fight at sea anyway, Congress issued "letters of marque and reprisal." These are
licenses that create privateers. A privateer is the same as a pirate, but operating with government
approval. Privateers harrassed British shipping, attacked merchant ships, and fought battles with
British ships.
Summarize the last battle of the Revolutionary War. ✔✔British General Cornwallis surrendered
to George Washington at Yorktown. Cornwallis' forces were trapped against the sea, with
Washinton's Continental Army pushing them back, and Cornwallis unable to escape by sea
because the French fleet was in the harbor, blocking British ships from approaching.
The last battle of the war, Yorktown, was fought in 1781. When was the peace treaty formally
ending the war finalized? ✔✔The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783. This treaty
officially ended the war.
The British officially recognized the U.S. in the Treaty of Paris, which also established new
borders for the country. Describe these borders. ✔✔The United States now stretched as far as the
Mississippi River. This effectively doubled the land area available for settlement.
The most famous Frenchman who fought in the American Revolutionary War was ✔✔The
Marquis de Lafayette. To this day, many towns in the eastern U.S. are named Lafayette or
Fayetteville in his honor. Lafayette served with Washington and held the rank of major general.
Who was involved in the American Revolution? ✔✔The war was between the 13 British
colonies (in North America) with Great Britain.
Which country helped America win the American Revolution? ✔✔France
What is another name for the American Revolution? ✔✔American War of Independence
What resulted out of the American Revolution? ✔✔The 13 British colonies separated from
Britain and became the United States of America.
What did no taxation without representation mean? ✔✔If the colonists didnt get a say in the
taxes they were going to protest...
Who was James Otis? ✔✔He declared that taxation without representation was evil and wrong to
do in a Boston town meeting. He started the committees of correspondence and established nonimportation agreements and organized boycotts of British goods.
What was the Quartering Act? ✔✔It was requested by Thomas Gage. Colonists had to supply
British troops with barracks and supplies. Law enacted by Gage in NY. NY assembly refused to
comply. Parliament suspended NY's legislature powers.
Who was Thomas Gage and what did he do? ✔✔Thomas Gage was the Commander of all
British troops in America and he started the Quartering Act.
Who was Pontiac? ✔✔After the French and Indian War, Pontiac led raids because colonists were
invading land
What was the Stamp Act? ✔✔It was the first direct tax on the colonists. Taxed legal documents,
papers, pamphlets, broadsides, etc. Revenue was used to pay for defense of the colonies. Britain
deliberately tried to weaken colonies.
What was the Boston Massacre? ✔✔Two regiments of British troops sent to Boston in 1768.
Relations between soldiers and Boston colonists grew more tense over time. March 5, 1770,
British soldiers fired into unruly crowd killing 5 citizens. Preston and 8 other British soldiers
arrested. There were 9 murders. John Adams and Josiah Quincy defended soldiers in trial.
Who is Thomas Preston? ✔✔He and 8 British soldiers got arrested for massacre and murder.
What did John Adams and Josiah Quincy do? ✔✔Defended soldiers in trial after Boston
Massacre.
What was the Tea Act? ✔✔British East India Company faced economic run. Parliament gave
BEIC right to ship tea to colonies without paying most taxes on tea. Price was lower than other
tea in colonies.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? ✔✔Thomas Jefferson
What is the name of the American army that fought against the English in the American
Revolution? ✔✔The Continental Army
Who took on more responsibility during the Revolution? ✔✔Women
minutemen ✔✔A militia during the American Revolution that could be ready to fight in a
minute.
George III issued a Proclamation for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition in response to ✔✔the
Olive Branch Petition
The key significance of the Battle of Saratoga was that it ✔✔encouraged the French to ally with
the colonies
Who wrote the following?
"Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent
States,..." ✔✔Richard Henry Lee
The French intervention on the American side in 1778 led Great Britain to revise its plans and
✔✔shift its military effort to the South.
Loyalist or patriot??
"My taxes are too high!" ✔✔Patriot
Loyalist or patriot??
"Taxes are used to keep us safe from the French." ✔✔Loyalist
The French and Indian War is important when learning about the Revolutionary War because
✔✔taxes must be imposed to pay for the war
the English win and can stay in the colonies
colonists feel that England is not fair to them
What are implied in the concepts of natural rights ✔✔something you are born with
something that is not earned
something that is given to all people
The primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence was ✔✔to separate from Britain
What were the greatest challenges facing the Americans after they won independence?
✔✔Forming a new effective government and establishing trade
Why was the Boston Massacre a significant event for the Colonists on the road to revolution?
✔✔It was an experience that the colonists used as inspiration to rebel against Britain
The effect of the Boston Tea Party was the ✔✔Intolerable acts
One advantage the British army had over the Patriots was ✔✔A strong Army and Navy
During the French and Indian War, many Native Americans supported the French because
✔✔The French were less of a threat to their way of life
Colonists were not able to settle west of the Appalachian Mountains as a result of the
✔✔Proclamation of 1763
If the colonists were actually given direct representation in Parliament would they have been able
to get rid of taxes and acts they disliked ✔✔No, they would be outvoted on every issue by
Parliament members living in Europe
The Navigation Acts required ✔✔That all goods either go to England or go through English
ports
As a result of the French and Indian War, Britain ✔✔imposed new taxes on the colonists
The main purpose of the Second Continental Congress was to ✔✔Govern the colonies during the
Revolutionary War
Groups such as the Sons of Liberty used what forms of resistance ✔✔Boycotts of products
Small mob violence
Destruction of property
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence based on the principle of ______
✔✔Natural rights
All of the following were true of the LOYALIST population in the British colonies ✔✔They
were about one-third of the population
They felt a strong loyalty to both king and country
They were mostly people of wealth
All of the following were true of the PATRIOT population in the British colonies ✔✔They were
about one-third of the population
They included farmers, artisans, and merchants
They saw economic opportunity in an independent America
Britain's greatest asset in the war was ✔✔Its professionally trained army and navy
The spark that caused the Boston Massacre was ✔✔The Sons of Liberty and other colonists
physically & verbally assaulting a guard
The Treaty of Paris in 1783 granted the United States territory from the Atlantic Ocean to the
✔✔Mississippi River
While the Treaty of Paris settled many issues for the colonists, it failed to ✔✔Provide a time
frame in which the British must evacuate their forts in the Ohio River Valley
Minor import taxes on tea, glass, lead, oil, and paper ✔✔Townshend Acts
Forced colonists to house and feed British soldiers ✔✔Quartering Act
Colonists loyal to the British King ✔✔Loyalists
Americans who favored independence ✔✔Patriots
Human rights given to all people ✔✔Natural rights
Tax on paper goods and printed material ✔✔Stamp Act
Gave colonists control of land east of the Mississippi River ✔✔Treaty of Paris
General search warrants issued to British officials ✔✔Writs of Assistance
Stopped colonial settlement west of the Appalachians ✔✔Proclamation of 1763
True or False:
The colonists supported the French in the French and Indian War ✔✔True
Many colonists smuggled and illegally traded with the French therefore supporting the french
economy
True or False:
One-third of American colonists supported the patriot cause ✔✔True
True or False:
Lexington & Concord was the first battle of the American Revolution ✔✔True
True or False:
American colonists believed that being given "virtual representation" in British Parliament was
good enough for them ✔✔False
Colonists felt that they deserved direct representation
True or False:
The French sent military aid to the colonist after they proved they could win at battles such as
Trenton and Saratoga ✔✔True
After these colonial victories the French fought against the British with the colonists
The Enlightenment was a movement that inspired many of the ideas present in the Declaration of
Independence ✔✔True
The Enlightnment proposed the idea that God not a king gave all people natural rights. Jefferson
who wrote the Declaration took many of his ideas from Enlightenment philosopher John Locke
Before the colonists declared independence they made a last attempt to reestablish peace with
Great Britain ✔✔True
The "Olive Branch Petition" proposed a return to peace with britain
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