C&E French and Indian War
What was the French and Indian War fought over?
Control of land and trade in North America.
Why was George Washington chosen as commander of the Continental Army?
He had military experience and united the colonies.
On what date was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776.
What group made laws and taxes for the British government?
Parliament.
What new nation was created as a result of the Revolution?
The United States of America.
How did trade play a role in causing the French and Indian War?
Both France and Britain wanted control over the fur trade with Native Americans.
What event involved British soldiers firing on unarmed colonists in 1770?
The Boston Massacre.
What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To officially announce the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
What was the Sons of Liberty’s main goal?
To organize protests against British taxes and acts.
A colonist who supported independence from Britain was called a
Patriot.
What did the Proclamation Line of 1763 do?
It banned colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
What was one common colonial military strategy during the Revolution?
Guerrilla warfare—hit-and-run tactics and ambushes.
Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Why did the British Begin Taxing the colonists?
To pay off their debt from the Revolution.
What document was created as the first plan of government after the war?
The Articles of Confederation.
Why did the French and Indian War leave Britain in debt?
They spent large amounts of money on troops, supplies, and global fighting.
How did spies help during the American Revolution?
They gathered secret information about enemy plans and troop movements.
What are “grievances” in the Declaration?
Complaints against King George III and British rule.
What term describes colonists who stayed loyal to Britain during the Revolution?
Loyalists
What does it mean to “quarter” soldiers?
To house and provide for them in one’s own home.
How did the French and Indian War change British-American relations?
Britain began taxing the colonies and tightening control, which angered colonists.
Name one social, political, or economic effect of the American Revolution.
Social—greater equality ideals; Political—independence and new government; Economic—trade freedom.
Analyze the Declaration’s statement that “all men are created equal.” Discuss how this statement contrasted with social realities in 1776 and how different groups interpreted or used the phrase in later U.S. history.
Analysis: The statement was aspirational; many groups (enslaved people, women, Indigenous peoples) were excluded from its immediate application. Later reformers and abolitionists invoked it to argue for expanded rights.
What major issue caused tension between Britain and the colonies before the Revolution?
Taxation without representation.
How did the war impact the economy?
It disrupted trade, caused inflation, but opened opportunities for new markets.