The First Shots
These were the first two battles of the Revolution, known for the "Shot Heard 'Round the World.
What are Lexington and Concord?
He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
Who is Thomas Jefferson?
He was chosen as Commander in Chief because he was a veteran of the French and Indian War.
Who is George Washington?
The "silent" geographical disadvantage that made British resupply very slow.
What is the Atlantic Ocean (3,000 miles distance)?
The "Social Contract" says government power comes from the "consent of" these people.
Who are the governed?
This Patriot "alarm" system allowed the militia to move their supplies before the British arrived.
Who are the Midnight Riders (Paul Revere, Dawes, and Prescott)?
These are the three "unalienable rights" mentioned in the Preamble.
What are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness?
This pamphlet used simple language to convince ordinary people to support independence.
What is "Common Sense"?
Professional German soldiers hired by the British to help fight the colonists.
Who are the Hessians?
When money loses its value because too much is printed, causing prices to rise.
What is inflation?
Although the battle is named after Bunker Hill, most of the fighting actually happened here.
What is Breed’s Hill?
This section of the document lists 27 specific complaints against King George III.
What is the List of Grievances?
This final attempt at a peaceful resolution was rejected by King George III.
What is the Olive Branch Petition?
The British believed it was fair to do this because they provided protection for the colonies.
What is tax the colonists?
A person who hoards goods like food or blankets to sell them at high prices for profit.
What is a profiteer?
This is the reason the British "victory" at Bunker Hill felt like a loss.
What is they suffered massive casualties (over 1,000 men)?
This section was removed from the final draft to ensure a unanimous vote from the Southern colonies.
What is the section on Slavery?
Choosing a leader from this colony helped show that the North and South were united.
What is Virginia?
The Continental Congress's hardest task as a government because they couldn't collect taxes.
What is paying for the war?
The paper money printed by the Continental Congress that eventually became worthless.
What are Continentals?
To build physical defenses like earthen walls for protection during a battle.
What is to fortify?
The legal risk for the men who signed the Declaration; an act punishable by death.
What is treason?
When every single colony/state (all 13) is in full agreement on a decision.
What is unanimous?
A person who betrays their country; the King viewed every Patriot as one of these.
What is a traitor?
The Enlightenment idea that a government can be changed if it fails to protect these.
What are natural (or unalienable) rights?