Causes of the
Revolutionary War
Revolutionary War
How did the French and Indian War lead to the American Revolution?
In order to pay off the costs of the war, the British increased taxes and rules on the colonists.
What started the battle of Lexington and Concord?
The British attempted to seize colonial military stores, and someone fired a shot in the struggle that followed.
Why did many Native Americans side with the British over the colonists?
They thought the British would be less likely to expand into their territory, and wanted to protect their lands.
Why was the Ohio Valley important to the British?
How did King George react to the Olive Branch Petition?
He was very angry at the colonists, and sent additional troops to the colonies.
What did the Tea Act and the Stamp Act have in common?
They were British taxes on important goods that angered the colonists.
How did the colonists use cannons captured from Fort Ticonderoga?
They positioned them on Dorchester Heights overlooking the harbor, which forced the British to abandon Boston.
How did women contribute to the Revolutionary War effort?
Women took over the jobs of men who had gone to war, cared for soldiers and the wounded on the battle front, sewed flags and fought in battles. Their role in the war encouraged them to think about their rights.
Why did the French have so many forts in North America?
To protect their land claims and trade with Native Americans.
What were some advantages the Patriots had in the Revolutionary War?
Familiar with local geography, General Washington's leadership, European allies etc.
What was the British mercantile system?
The British restricted trade and imposed taxes in order to make more money. They decreased imports and increased exports, limiting the ability of Americans to make money and trade freely.
How did geography help the colonists at Bunker Hill?
How did Europeans aid the Patriots in the Revolutionary War?
France and Spain provided supplies such as medicine, cloth, muskets and gunpowder to the Americans, as well as military support. Individual Europeans, such as Marquis de Lafayette and Friedrich Von Steuben also aided the Americans.
What role did Native Americans play in the French and Indian War?
Many Native Americans sided with the French because they already had trade relationships with them, and the French treated Native Americans better than the British. However the Iroquois sided with the British.
Many southern colonists supported the British in the Revolutionary War. What British actions caused some southern colonists to switch sides?
British troops became more violent, burning farms and killing civilians in the south.
What did the Declaration of Independence do besides declare independence?
It listed colonial grievances against the British, natural and unalienable rights, and the responsibilities of a government and its people.
Battles of Trenton, Princeton, Yorktown, and Saratoga.
Why did some African Americans side with the Patriots over the Loyalists?
Because they thought that that "all men are created equal" would apply to them as well, and lead to the end of slavery.
What was the Proclamation of 1763?
In order to save money following the French and Indian War, the British passed the Proclamation of 1763 stating that colonists couldn't settle west of the Appalachian Mountains.
What groups of Americans participated in the war besides soldiers?
Women, Native Americans and African Americans.
What was the Albany Plan of Union?
An early plan to unite the American colonies under a unified government.