American Revolution & Early U.S. Government: Key Events & Political Divisions

What was the purpose of the 2nd Continental Congress when it met in May 1775?

To address grievances with the King and Parliament.

Who was elected as the Commander of the army in Boston by the 2nd Continental Congress?

George Washington.

What was significant about the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775?

Although the colonists lost, it provided a moral victory and escalated tensions between America and the UK.

What did the Olive Branch Petition aim to achieve?

It begged King George III to prevent hostilities.

How did King George III respond to the Olive Branch Petition?

He declared the colonies as 'rebels' and enlisted Hessians to fight against them.

What was the outcome of the American attempt to take over Canada?

The Americans lost to French Canadian leaders.

What was the main message of Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

It advocated for independence and a republican system of government.

What did Richard Henry Lee propose in June 1776?

That the colonies should be free and independent.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and when was it adopted?

Thomas Jefferson wrote it, and it was adopted on July 4, 1776.

What was the main division between Loyalists and Patriots?

Loyalists were loyal to the King, while Patriots supported the independence movement.

What was the significance of the Battle of Long Island for General Washington?

It was a significant defeat, forcing Washington to retreat and lowering morale.

What was the outcome of Washington's surprise attack at Trenton on December 26, 1776?

He captured 1,000 Hessians and achieved a victory at Princeton.

What was the British strategy regarding the Hudson River Valley?

To capture it, with General Burgoyne attacking from Canada and Howe from New York.

What was the result of the Battle of Saratoga?

General Burgoyne surrendered his army, leading to French support for the Americans.

What was the Model Treaty drafted by the Continental Congress?

It aimed to establish commercial relationships with France without political or military ties.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris in 1783?

It formally recognized American independence from Britain.

What precedent did Washington set during his presidency regarding the cabinet?

He established a cabinet with key positions, including Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State.

What key rights are protected by the Bill of Rights?

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms.

What was Hamilton's goal with his financial plan?

To stabilize the economy, strengthen the central government, and tie the wealthy to the federal government.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion and its significance?

It was a resistance to an excise tax that showed the federal government's ability to enforce law.

What were the main political parties that emerged during Washington's presidency?

Federalists (Hamiltonians) and Democratic-Republicans (Jeffersonians).

What was the Citizen Genêt Affair?

A French envoy's attempt to rally Americans for war, which led to his expulsion.

What was the outcome of Jay's Treaty?

Britain promised to leave forts and pay damages, but the U.S. had to pay pre-Revolution debts.

What did Washington warn against in his Farewell Address?

Permanent alliances and partisan divisions.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Laws that raised residency for citizenship and penalized criticism of government officials.

What did the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions assert?

That states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

How did the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans differ in their views on government?

Federalists favored a strong central government and loose construction, while Democratic-Republicans supported states' rights and strict construction.