Founding Ideas
What document explained why the colonies were separating from Britain and became a foundation for the new nation?
The Declaration of Independence
Name ONE major advantage of the British military at the beginning of the war.
A professional, experienced army OR a powerful Royal Navy OR stronger supplies/resources.
What happened to Washington’s army in New York City and on Long Island in 1776?
British victories forced Washington and the Continental Army to retreat.
Which British general surrendered after the fighting at Saratoga?
General John Burgoyne
What was a privateer?
A privately owned ship authorized to attack enemy shipping.
How did the colonists fight for and protect independence?
Use at least THREE pieces of evidence from the Chapter 4 study packet.
The colonists protected independence by combining ideas, strategy, and persistence. The Declaration explained natural rights and justified separation from Britain. Washington used organization, surprise, and deception at places such as Trenton and Princeton. The victory at Saratoga helped bring an official French alliance, while training at Valley Forge made the Continental Army stronger. Privateers and financial support also helped the Americans continue fighting despite Britain’s advantages.
Name the THREE natural rights emphasized in the Declaration of Independence.
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness
What geographic advantage did the Continental Army have over the British?
Better knowledge of local terrain.
What risky action did Washington take on the night of December 25, 1776?
He crossed the Delaware River to attack the Hessians at Trenton.
Who commanded the American forces near Saratoga?
General Horatio Gates
Who won a famous American naval victory over HMS Serapis?
John Paul Jones
What does “consent of the governed” mean?
Government gets its legitimate power from the people it governs.
Why was supplying British troops in North America difficult?
Supplies had to cross the Atlantic and move far from coastal ports.
What strategy did Washington use before the Battle of Princeton?
Deception. He left campfires burning and secretly moved his army away.
Name ONE reason Burgoyne’s advance toward Saratoga slowed.
Heavy supplies, rough terrain, damaged bridges/blocked paths, or American resistance.
Why did Congress struggle to pay for the war?
Congress had weak taxing power and little money.
According to the Declaration, what may people do when a government becomes destructive of their rights?
They may alter or abolish it and create a new government.
DAILY DOUBLE: How did organizing the Continental Army into companies, regiments, brigades, and divisions help Washington?
It made the army easier to train, command, organize, and deploy.
What happened in Philadelphia in 1777?
British forces captured Philadelphia, Congress fled, and Washington later moved to winter quarters.
What major hardships did soldiers face at Valley Forge?
Shortages of food, clothing, blankets, and other supplies during a harsh winter.
What happened when Congress printed too many Continental dollars?
Inflation increased and the money lost purchasing power.
Why did the Declaration include a list of grievances against King George III?
To show repeated abuses of power and violations of colonial rights.
Why might Washington choose surprise attacks and deception instead of large direct battles?
To reduce Britain’s advantage in training, equipment, and numbers.
Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered a major turning point?
Burgoyne surrendered, and the victory helped convince France to form an official alliance with the United States.
How did Friedrich von Steuben help the Continental Army at Valley Forge?
He trained soldiers in drills, discipline, movement, weapons care, and battlefield skills.
DAILY DOUBLE: How did Robert Morris and Haym Salomon help the American war effort?
They helped finance the Revolution by raising, managing, lending, or securing money for the war effort.