Declaration & Early Battles
What happened at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and why was it important?
The Americans lost, but they showed they could fight the British; it boosted confidence.
What were some strengths and weaknesses of the American and British armies?
Americans: knew the land, had passion; British: strong army, but far from home.
Who was James Armistead and why was he important?
He was an enslaved man who served as a spy for the Americans and helped at Yorktown.
How did women help during the Revolutionary War?
They cooked, cared for soldiers, ran farms, and sometimes fought.
Why was the Battle of Yorktown important?
It was the last major battle of the war; the British surrendered.
What Enlightenment idea is the “social contract” and how did it influence the Declaration?
The idea that governments exist by the consent of the people and should protect their rights.
What are mercenaries and profiteers, and how did they affect the war?
Mercenaries were hired soldiers; profiteers raised prices unfairly.
What did Abigail Adams mean when she said “Remember the Ladies”?
She urged her husband to consider women’s rights while forming a new government.
Why did some American Indians support the British?
They believed the British might protect their land better.
How did the French help at Yorktown?
The French navy blocked escape and helped trap the British.
Who was Thomas Paine and what was his pamphlet Common Sense about?
He argued that the colonies should be independent from Britain.
What happened at the Battle of Saratoga and why was it a turning point?
Americans won, and it convinced France to join their side.
Who was John Adams and what was his role in the Revolution?
He helped write the Declaration and pushed for independence in Congress.
What broken promises were made to African Americans and American Indians after the war?
Promises of land or freedom were not kept.
What did the Treaty of Paris accomplish?
It officially ended the war and recognized U.S. independence.
Why was signing the Declaration of Independence a risky move?
It was an act of treason—signers could be punished or killed by the British.
What was life like for soldiers at Valley Forge?
Cold, low supplies, but they trained hard and became stronger.
Who was Benjamin Franklin and how did he help during the war?
He was a diplomat who secured French support for the American cause.
Why did the British shift focus to the Southern Colonies later in the war?
They thought there were more Loyalists in the South to help them.
What happened to Loyalists after the war?
Many moved to Canada or Britain and lost property.
According to the Declaration, where does government get its power?
From the consent of the governed (the people).
How did Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben help the Americans?
Lafayette gave money and leadership; von Steuben trained the soldiers.
Who was John Hancock and what made his signature on the Declaration so famous?
He was the first to sign, and his signature was large and bold to show his commitment.
Who was “The Swamp Fox” and why were his tactics effective?
Francis Marion; he used surprise attacks and knew the land well.
Why did slavery continue even after the war was won?
The economy—especially in the South—still depended on slavery.