War Comes to Boston
Where was much of the fighting centered during the first year of the Revolutionary War?
Boston
Who became commander of the Continental Army in 1775?
George Washington
Who wrote the pamphlet Common Sense?
Thomas Paine
What is the introduction of the Declaration of Independence called?
The preamble
What city did the British capture in 1776 after defeating Washington’s army?
New York City
What battle took place on June 16, 1775, near Boston Harbor?
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Where did Washington place cannons to force the British out of Boston?
Dorchester Heights
What idea did Common Sense argue strongly against?
Monarchy / rule by kings
What are natural rights that cannot be taken away called?
Unalienable rights
Who famously said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”?
Nathan Hale
Which hill did the Americans realize was easier to defend than Bunker Hill?
Breed’s Hill
Where did the cannons used by Washington come from?
Fort Ticonderoga
How did Common Sense influence colonists?
It pushed them toward independence from Britain
According to the Declaration, where does government power come from?
The consent of the governed
What surprise attack did Washington launch on December 26, 1776?
The attack on Trenton
About how many British troops attacked the Americans at Bunker Hill?
About 2,400 redcoats
What did King George III order that shut down colonial ports?
A blockade
Who was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What are the complaints listed against King George III called?
Grievances
What major American victory convinced France to support the colonies?
The Battle of Saratoga
Even though the British won Bunker Hill, why was it considered a victory for the Americans?
The British suffered heavy losses and realized the colonists could fight back
What were the German soldiers hired by Britain called?
Mercenaries (Hessians)
Why was declaring independence a dangerous decision for colonial leaders?
They could be hanged as traitors if captured
What major action does the final part of the Declaration announce?
The colonies are free and independent from Britain
Which European country became the first ally of the United States in 1778?
France