Deep Cuts of the Declaration
Which Enlightenment philosopher's ideas most directly influenced Jefferson's wording in the Declaration?
Who is John Locke?
This 1775 battle was technically a British victory but proved the Americans could stand against regulars
What is the Battle of Bunker Hill?
This signer of the Declaration founded Dickinson College and drafted the Articles of Confederation.
Who is John Dickinson?
This infamous spy was captured and hanged by the British in 1776, allegedly saying, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Who is Nathan Hale?
The British hired about 30,000 of these foreign mercenaries during the war.
Who are Hessians?
The phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" replaced what more traditional Enlightenment trio?
What is "life, liberty, and property"?
This failed 1775 invasion aimed to bring Canada into the revolution.
What is the Invasion of Quebec?
He was the first U.S. Secretary of War under the Articles of Confederation and helped standardize the army.
Who is Benjamin Lincoln?
This spy ring, organized by Washington, helped gather intelligence in British-occupied New York.
What is the Culper Ring?
This French naval officer led the blockade that trapped Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Who is Admiral de Grasse?
How many grievances against King George III are listed in the Declaration?
What is 27?
This 1780 battle in South Carolina was one of the worst American defeats of the war.
What is the Battle of Camden?
This woman authored letters promoting Republican Motherhood and advocated for women’s education.
Who is Abigail Adams?
This prominent African-American woman ran a Boston boarding house and worked as a patriot spy.
Who is Mary “Molly” Bowser or “Mum Bett” (depending on context)?
This Spanish governor of Louisiana captured British forts along the Gulf Coast, aiding the American cause.
Who is Bernardo de Gálvez?
Which two signers of the Declaration later died on July 4th, 1826, exactly 50 years later?
Who are Thomas Jefferson and John Adams?
Daniel Morgan defeated Banastre Tarleton in this 1781 battle, a turning point in the Southern campaign.
What is the Battle of Cowpens?
This diplomat negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris alongside Franklin and Jay but is rarely mentioned.
Who is Henry Laurens?
This printer and publisher of The New-York Gazetteer was a staunch Loyalist and fled to England after the war.
Who is James Rivington?
This naval commander famously said, “I have not yet begun to fight!”
Who is John Paul Jones?
What was the final colony to vote in favor of independence, ensuring a unanimous decision?
What is New York (abstained initially, then approved)?
This 1782 battle was the last major land engagement in the war — and technically happened after Yorktown.
What is the Battle of the Combahee River?
This Founding Father proposed the Albany Plan of Union in 1754, a precursor to federalism.
Who is Benjamin Franklin?
This Quaker double agent supplied false information to the British before the Battle of Yorktown.
Who is James Armistead Lafayette?
Which European country, besides France and Spain, formally recognized U.S. independence during the war?
What is the Dutch Republic (Netherlands)?