Declaration & Ideas
What document announced that the thirteen colonies were free from British rule?
The Declaration of Independence
What name was given to colonists who supported independence?
Patriots
What does "home front" mean during a war?
The people and daily life away from the battlefield during a war.
What was the name of the army that fought for the colonies?
The Continental Army
What battle in 1775 near Boston showed that colonial forces could stand up to British troops?
The Battle of Bunker Hill.
What year did the Second Continental Congress approve the Declaration of Independence?
1776
What name was given to colonists who wanted to remain part of Britain?
Loyalists
Name one way people who stayed home helped during the Revolution.
Answers may include growing food, making supplies, caring for soldiers, or sharing news.
Name one advantage the British Army had at the beginning of the war
Answers may include a larger, well-trained army, a strong navy, or more supplies.
What important victory in 1777 helped convince France to support the Americans?
The American victory at Saratoga.
What natural rights did the Declaration say people have?
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Give one reason a colonist might have chosen to become a Patriot.
A colonist might have wanted self-government or objected to British taxes and laws.
How could shortages of food or supplies affect families during wartime?
Families might have had less food, needed to pay more, or struggled to find basic goods.
Name one challenge faced by the Continental Army.
Answers may include shortages of food, clothing, weapons, training, or pay.
What 1781 battle in Virginia helped lead to the British surrender?
The Battle of Yorktown.
According to the Declaration, what should people do when a government fails to protect their rights?
Change or replace the government.
Give one reason a colonist might have chosen to remain a Loyalist.
A colonist might have felt loyal to Britain, depended on British trade, or feared the risks of rebellion.
How might women’s work at home or in their communities support the war effort?
Women could manage farms and businesses, make supplies, or care for people affected by the war.
How could knowledge of local land help the Continental Army?
Local knowledge could help soldiers travel, find supplies, and choose places to defend.
What was one important result of the Battle of Saratoga?
The victory helped persuade France to become an American ally.
Why was the Declaration important to the colonies’ break from Britain?
It stated that the colonies were independent and explained their reasons for separating from Britain.
Why might the same Revolutionary events have affected different groups in different ways?
People had different beliefs, needs, and connections to Britain, so the war brought different risks and choices.
Describe one challenge faced by families living near areas where armies fought.
Answers may include lost homes, scarce supplies, danger, or having armies take food and property.
How did support from France help change the course of the war?
French troops, ships, weapons, and supplies strengthened the American side.
How did fighting in the South and West affect people living in those regions?
Fighting disrupted communities and supplies; it also drew people into choosing sides and supporting armies.