Causes of the Revolution
This law was passed by Britain to prevent colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains after the French and Indian War.
The Proclamation of 1763
This man was a Founding Father and a leader of the Sons of Liberty, who played a key role in organizing protests like the Boston Tea Party.
Samuel Adams
The Continental Army endured a brutal winter here, facing starvation and disease, but Washington's leadership kept the army together.
Valley Forge
This document, written by Thomas Jefferson, declared the colonies' independence and listed their grievances against King George III.
The Declaration of Independence
Compare and contrast the political and economic characteristics of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. How did their differing geography and climate influence their economic activities?
The Middle Colonies were religiously tolerant and grew food. The New England Colonies were Puritans who relied on whaling, shipbuilding, and timber. The Southern Colonies relied on cash crops.
This act required colonists to pay a tax on all printed materials, leading to the famous slogan, "No taxation without representation."
The Stamp Act
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What was the first battle of the American Revolution, known as the "shot heard 'round the world"?
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
What was the name of the treaty that officially ended the American Revolution?
Treaty of Paris 1783
What were the "Three Gs" that motivated Spanish exploration and colonization of North America? How did these motivations differ from the primary reasons that drove English and French exploration?
God, Glory, and Gold
This series of laws, also known as the Coercive Acts, were passed by the British Parliament to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party.
Intolerable Acts
Who was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army?
George Washington
At what battle did British General Cornwallis surrender to General George Washington, effectively ending the major fighting in the American Revolution?
The Battle of Yorktown
The 2nd Continental Congress was responsible for:
Approving the Declaration of Independence and creating the Continental Army
The purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to:
Declare Independence from Britain.
Explain how the concept of mercantilism contributed to the growing tension between Britain and its American colonies.
Mercantilism was an economic policy where colonies existed to benefit the mother country. Britain used this to control colonial trade, limiting what the colonies could produce and where they could sell their goods. This created resentment among colonists who felt their economic freedom was being restricted.
Describe the significance of Thomas Paine's Common Sense in swaying public opinion toward independence.
Published in 1776, Common Sense was a powerful pamphlet that argued for American independence in simple, direct language. It convinced many fence-sitters and Loyalists that breaking away from British rule was a logical and necessary step.
Explain the strategic importance of the Battle of Saratoga for the Americans.
The victory at Saratoga was crucial because it proved to France that the Americans had a real chance of winning the war. This led to France signing a formal alliance, providing much-needed military supplies, soldiers, and naval support.
Summarize the long-term effects of the American Revolution, including both political and social changes.
The Revolution resulted in the birth of a new nation and the establishment of a republican form of government with elected representatives. It also sparked democratic ideals around the world. Socially, it led to a decline in deference to authority, the abolition of slavery in some northern states, and a greater emphasis on individual liberty.
Describe the conditions for the Continental Army during the winter at Valley Forge?
They suffered from a lack of food, clothing, and proper shelter, leading to disease and death.
What was the name of the protest where colonists dressed as Native Americans and dumped tea into Boston Harbor?
What was the purpose of the Sons of Liberty?
The Sons of Liberty was a secret organization formed to protect the rights of the colonists and fight the abuses of the British government. They were responsible for organizing protests and boycotts.
This battle is considered the turning point of the war because the American victory convinced France to become an official ally.
The Battle of Saratoga
The United States gained control of all territory east of this river as a result of the Treaty of Paris.
The Mississippi River
How did the Virginia House of Burgesses, the Mayflower Compact, and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut contribute to the growth of representative government in the English colonies? In your answer, explain why these documents are significant stepping stones toward self-government.
These documents were the first guidelines for the colonies making their own laws and establishing their own governments.