French and Indian War
What were the two sides fighting in the French and Indian war?
French and British
What is a boycott?
Refusing to buy goods to protest something.
What is consent of the governed?
The idea that the government gets power from the people.
What is a torrie?
A colonist who supported Britain during the Revolution.
What is a loyalist?
Another name for a colonist loyal to Britain.
What was Pontiac's rebellion?
A Native American uprising against British control after the French and Indian War.
What was the event where Colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxes.
Boston Tea Party
What are basic rights all people are born with, like life, liberty, and property.
Natural rights
What is manumission?
The act of freeing an enslaved person.
What was an advantage that the colonists had?
Geographic knowledge of the land
What is A British rule that stopped colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains?
The Proclamation of 1763
What was the homespun movement
Colonists made their own clothes instead of buying British goods
What is the right for people to alter or abolish a government?
right of people to alter or abolish government.
What were enslaved people who fought in the Revolutionary war offered?
Manumission
What was the turning point of the Revolutionary War?
Help from France after the battle of Saratoga
How did the French and Indian War impact taxation?
The colonists were forced to pay off the war debt with taxes
What are examples of groups that protested British taxes and policies?
Sons/ Daughters of Liberty
What was the purpose of the declaration of Independence?
To break off from Great Britain and form a new country
How were Loyalists treated after the Revolutionary war?
Bad, most moved to Canada/ Europe
What happened to the Native confederacy after the Revolutionary war?
The fell apart/ broke down
Why did the British and French fight the French and Indian War?
Conflict over who owned the Ohio River valley
What was the purpose of British colonial policies such as the
Sugar Act,
Townsend Acts,
Intolerable Acts.
To pay back the debt from the French and Indian War
which British policy lead to the declaration of independence
the stamp act
Which factor do you think was most important in determining the outcome of the war: Explain
- Leadership
- Diplomacy
- Geography
Leadership
Leaders on the American side, especially George Washington, made a huge difference. Washington understood that the colonies didn’t need to defeat Britain in every battle—they just needed to survive long enough to win. He kept the Continental Army together through hardships, avoided total defeat, and used smart strategies like surprise attacks and retreats. Strong leadership helped maintain morale and kept the fight for independence alive.
Geography
The size and landscape of the colonies worked against the British. Fighting across a vast area made it difficult for Britain to control territory or supply troops. Dense forests, long distances, and unfamiliar terrain gave American forces an advantage, especially since they were more familiar with the land. Important locations like Valley Forge also showed how Americans could endure harsh conditions, while British forces struggled to maintain control far from home.
Diplomacy
Foreign support was a turning point. American leaders secured help from France after key victories like the Battle of Saratoga. France provided money, weapons, troops, and naval support, which helped trap British forces at Yorktown. Other nations, like Spain, also weakened Britain by fighting against them elsewhere. This international pressure made it much harder for Britain to continue the war.
How was George Washington an effective leader (in the revolutionary war)?
1. Strong leadership under pressure
Washington kept the Continental Army together during extremely difficult times—low supplies, harsh winters, and frequent defeats. His ability to stay calm and committed helped maintain morale.
2. Smart military strategy
He knew he didn’t need to win every battle—just avoid total defeat. Washington used a “war of attrition” strategy, stretching out the war and wearing down the stronger British forces instead of confronting them head-on every time.
3. Ability to inspire loyalty
Washington earned the trust and respect of his soldiers. Even when they lacked pay, food, or proper clothing (like during the winter at Valley Forge), many stayed because they believed in his leadership.
4. Willingness to adapt
He learned from mistakes, like early losses in New York, and improved his tactics over time. He also used surprise attacks effectively, such as the famous crossing of the Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton.
5. Support for alliances
Washington understood the importance of help from other countries. His leadership helped secure the crucial alliance with France, which provided troops, money, and naval support.
6. Commitment to the cause