4.1
What was the stamp act?
An act that required colonist to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, license, newspaper, and almanacs.
What was the Olive Branch Petition?
In July 1775, the colonies sent this to King George III as a last attempt to make peace. It showed loyalty to the king but asked to stop the fighting. The king rejected it and said the colonies were rebelling.
Imagine that the British had won the Battle of Saratoga. How might this have affected the outcome of the Revolutionary War?
Without the victory at Saratoga, France might not have joined the war. Without French support, the Continental Army may have lost the war and the hope of Independence may have been lost.
Which battle marked the final major victory for the Americans in the Revolutionary War?
Yorktown
Leader of the Sons of Liberty
Samuel Adams
The "shot" heard around the world was the first gun fire of the American Revolution. Where did this take place?
Lexington and Concord
What was the Declaration of Independence and what year was it adopted?
Adopted on July 4, 1776, this document announced that the colonies were free from British rule. It listed complaints against King George III and said all men are created equal with rights that can’t be taken away.
What challenges did Washington’s troops face at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777–1778?
They faced severe cold, lack of proper clothing and food, diseases, and poor shelter. Soldiers often had no shoes, and many suffered frostbite or starvation.
What was the Treaty of Paris?
The Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the Revolutionary War between the United States and Great Britain. It recognized the independence of the United States and established its boundaries
Commander of the Continental Army
George Washington
What were the Townshend Acts?
Indirect taxes on imported goods like glass, lead, paint, and tea.
What side did the Patriots fight for?
Colonial Independence
Why was the American victory at Saratoga significant to the Revolutionary War?
It was the turning point of the war. The victory convinced France to openly support the American cause with military aid and recognition of independence.
What were the boundaries of the Treaty of Paris?
Boundaries of the United States:
Thomas Jefferson
What was the Boston Massacre?
A confrontation between British soldiers and a colonial mob in Boston led to soldiers firing on the crowd, killing five colonists, including Crispus Attucks.
Why do you think that Common Sense was so effective?
It used simple words that regular people could understand. It gave strong reasons for independence and helped many colonists feel united.
Break down the strengths and weaknesses of the American forces.
American strengths: Knowledge of the land, leadership of George Washington, and a strong cause for independence.
Weaknesses: Poorly trained troops, lack of supplies, and no central government.
These factors led to the British struggling with logistics and the Americans using guerrilla(ambushing) tactics to win key battles.
What challenges did the newly independent United States face after the Treaty of Paris?
The U.S. had to create a stable government, resolve conflicts with the Native Americans, and deal with the remaining British soldiers.
Author of "Common Sense", this written book convinced many colonist to join the fight for independence.
Thomas Paine
What measures did Parliament take in response to the Boston Tea Party?
Parliament passed the Intolerable Acts.
Parliament closed Boston Harbor, implemented the Quartering Act, and placed Boston under martial law.
What reasons did Thomas Jefferson give to justify revolt by the colonies?
He said that people have rights like life, liberty, and happiness. If a government doesn’t protect these rights, the people should change or replace it.
Break down the strengths and weaknesses of the British forces.
British strengths: Well-trained army and navy, strong government, and more resources.
Weaknesses: Unfamiliar terrain, overconfidence, and long supply lines.
Explain two key effects of the Revolutionary War on American society.
1. The rise of egalitarianism promoted the idea that someone ability and effort meant more than wealth and family status.
2. Although women and African American soldiers were critical to the war, they did not receive any political rights or freedoms after the war.
Who was the king of Great Britain during the American Revolution?
King George III