History 103: Ch 4. The American Revolution (1775-1783)

The Battles at Lexington and Concord -

The first battle of the Revolutionary War, fought in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. British troops had moved from Boston toward Lexington and Concord to seize the colonists' military supplies and arrest revolutionaries.

Fort Ticonderoga -

• When two different people brought attention to this run-down fort that had been acquired by the British during the French and Indian War

• A Massachusetts spy knew it housed several cannons and other weapons, and a wealthy merchant named Benedict Arnold knew it was barely guarded by 48 recuperating soldiers

• The colonists decided to conduct their own raid on this British Fort in June and captured it without a single shot fired

The Siege of Boston -

Was the eleven-month period from April 19, 1775 to March 17, 1776 when American militiamen effectively contained British troops within Boston

The Battle of Bunker Hill -

• An attempt by the British to break out of the siege of Boston that led to this battle

• When on June 17, 1775, the British mounted an attack on the fortification at the top of Breed's Hill

• The British won control of two hillsides but sustained heavy losses and couldn't break through the siege lines.

Why was the Second Continental Congress significant?

They appointed George Washington as commander of the Continental army.

Which of the following is FALSE about the Shot heard around the world?

• Thomas Gage was in charge of preventing a rebellion.

• In the village of Lexington, about 70 local men and teenagers assembled in the village commons to slow the advance of a thousand deadly British regulars.

• Concord and Lexington are often considered the starting points of the American Revolution.

• Paul Revere warned Concord that the British were coming that night.

Paul Revere warned Concord that the British were coming that night.

Why did the Battle of Bunker Hill occur?

The British were trying to break through the siege lines around Boston.

Why was it significant for the Americans to obtain Fort Ticonderoga?

Because of its strategic importance and its arsenal.

Why did Thomas Gage's plan to destroy the weapons that the Massachusetts militia was stockpiling in Concord fail?

Because he didn't know that the Americans had their own intelligence network.

The Second Continental Congress -

In May of 1775, the First Continental Congress assembled in Pennsylvania for the Second Continental Congress. But this time, they weren't just complaining about a king who trampled their rights; they were looking down the guns of the world's best-trained military force. The delegates agreed to unite the colonial militias into the Continental Army and unanimously selected George Washington to command it.

Continental Currency -

A violation of the 1774 Currency Act - and borrowed money from wealthy colonists and foreign banks. They authorized the Committee of Secret Correspondence to initiate diplomatic relations with foreign governments, like France (who aided the rebels secretly for a while), and to conduct covert intelligence operations in the colonies and abroad.

Nathan Hale -

• The most famous spy in this grandfather of the CIA

• His legendary last words were: 'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.'

The Olive Branch Petition -

Sent on July 8, 1775 and insisted that the colonies wanted to negotiate trade and tax regulations with Great Britain, not gain independence.

Common Sense -

• In January 1776, Thomas Paine released this pamphlet

• Using the emotional, Biblical arguments and progressive style of logic employed by preachers of the Great Awakening, Paine made the case that America needed to rebel against British rule

How did the colonists plan to pay for a war?

By issuing Continental Currency and borrowing money.

Why was Washington a logical choice for the commander of the American forces?

Because of his service during the French and Indian war.

How did Thomas Paine's Common Sense impact the revolution?

It shifted public opinion towards the independence cause.

Why was the Olive Branch Petition significant?

Because it was an offer by the Patriots to end the rebellion and it stated that their goal was not to gain independence.

Which is NOT an action of the 2nd Continental Congress?

• Overthrew royal governments where they existed in the colonies

• Affirmed their loyalty to the King

• Hired freelance Hessian (German) soldiers

• Established a formal spy network

Hired freelance Hessian (German) soldiers

The Declaration of Independence -

• Didn't start the Revolutionary War, it didn't establish the government in the United States, and it isn't exactly a legally binding document. But it refocused the Americans' goal in the war, it identified the purpose of American government, and it altered the course of history

• The letter to King George III that laid out the legal separation between mother country and the American colonies

• Represented the culmination of decades of colonial unhappiness with the mother country of Great Britain

The Three Main Sections of The Declaration of Independence -

A preamble, a list of grievances, and the actual declaration of independence.

The Preamble -

Serves as an introduction and acknowledges that the world probably wants to know why the colonies would separate themselves. It also states the purpose of government as viewed by the Founding Fathers: 'We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men…' While part of this declaration is correct in that it secured the rights of men, it has often been noted that no rights were secured for anyone other than white men. It would take centuries to correct those exclusions of women and Black citizens.

The Grievances -

Give examples of the King's tyranny and then list ways the colonists had tried to compromise. It's relevant to note that several of these grievances are addressed in our Bill of Rights. At the end, the document explicitly declares that the colonies were no longer part of Britain but a completely new and independent nation. Most members of Congress signed a copy of the Declaration of Independence a month after it was accepted. Though the text was widely reprinted by the press and read aloud throughout the States, it didn't arrive in England until mid-August.

Consent of the Governed -

This outrageous concept basically means common people have to allow their rulers to have any authority over them.

How does the content of the preamble of the Declaration of Independence differ from that of the grievances?

The grievances list examples of the king's tyranny, while the preamble states the functions of government as the Founding Fathers saw them.

Which of the following did NOT shift public opinion within the Colonies toward independence?

• The King's reaction to the colonists' Olive Branch Petition

• Similar revolutions in France and Haiti

• The publication of Common Sense in January 1776

• Continued military action by the British

Similar revolutions in France and Haiti

Why was it ironic that the first draft of the Declaration opposed slavery?

Because Jefferson, who wrote the first draft, owned hundreds of enslaved people.

How did the principle of the consent of the governed impact the Declaration of Independence?

It was an integral part of the Declaration and it meant common people have to allow their rulers to have any authority over them.

Which of the following is correct regarding the Declaration of Independence?

• It is a legally binding document

• It started the Revolutionary War

• It established government in the United States

• It identified the purpose of American government

It identified the purpose of American government

Why does the Declaration of Independence begin by invoking laws of nature and God?

Even a king's authority was not higher than them.

Why are all of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence men?

Women had no legal rights at the time.

Why is it important that the King never gave the American colonies judiciary power?

The judiciary could be used to overturn executive or legislative orders.

What is the most likely reason the Declaration of Independence addresses King George and not Parliament?

The document was symbolically meant for the head of state, not practically meant for the government itself.

Why does the Declaration first refer to colonies in the past tense?

To indicate they are no longer Britain's possessions

Patriots -

Colonists who supported republicanism and eventually, independence.

Loyalists -

Also known as Tories, were men who chose to continue supporting the king, like William Franklin

Why did Benjamin Franklin disown his son?

Because Benjamin Franklin initially believed in a deal with England, but was later on inspired by Patriot ideas, unlike his son who refused to join the revolution.

Which of the following is FALSE regarding the fate of Loyalists and neutrals during and after the American Revolution?

• Loyalists who remained in the colonies during the war found their property vandalized, looted, and burned.

• During the war, in general, the cities had a stronger British presence.

• Many Loyalists who had the means moved to Mexico or England early on.

• Patriots subjected Loyalists, and even many neutrals, to public humiliation and violence

Many Loyalists who had the means moved to Mexico or England early on.

Identify which of the following is likely NOT a profile of a patriot:

• A middle-aged white Quaker from North Carolina

• A young white craftsman from Massachusetts

• A middle-aged white small merchant from New Jersey

• A young poor white farmer from South Carolina

A middle-aged white Quaker from North Carolina

Why did some Americans fight for the Loyalists after 1775?

Slaves fought for the British in order to gain their freedom.

Identify which of the following is a likely profile of a Loyalist:

• A young free male African American

• A young white religious convert of the Great Awakening

• A young man inspired by Enlightenment ideas

• A young male Native American

A young male Native American

The Battle of Trenton -

When the Continental Army captured nearly 1,000 prisoners, supplies and equipment and successfully defended the city from the advancing British army.

The Battle of Saratoga -

• Proved to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War

• It was an important military success, minimizing the threat from Canada and was a political victory

• The American defeat of the superior British army lifted patriot morale, furthered the hope for independence, and helped to secure the foreign support needed to win the war

Valley Forge, PA -

Where Washington directed the creation of shelters for 12,000 men with only one ax available.

Which does NOT describe the winter at Valley Forge?

• About ¼ of the Continental Army died.

• American troops trained under a Prussian officer.

• Civilian friends and relatives of the troops brought food and supplies

• There were adequate shelters at Valley Forge when the troops arrived.

There were adequate shelters at Valley Forge when the troops arrived.

How does the role of Marquis de Lafayette in the American Revolution compare to that of Baron von Steuben?

Both men were useful in the war effort and contributed, although most believe that von Steuben was not truly a baron.

Which of the following is considered the most significant political victory of the Revolutionary War?

• The Battle for Boston Harbor

• The Battle of Trenton

• The Battle of Saratoga

• The Valley Forge

The Battle of Saratoga

Why did the American Revolution almost fail in 1776?

• There was disagreement about the Declaration of Independence which delayed its draft until October.

• A well-organized British imperial army had returned and had won numerous military victories.

• There were many who stopped believing in the revolution causing a split between the north and the south.

• France stepped in to help Great Britain quell the revolution.

A well-organized British imperial army had returned and had won numerous military victories.

Why were the British caught off guard at the Battle of Trenton?

Because they did not expect Washington to cross the Delaware River and attack in the middle of a stormy Christmas night

Privateers -

The Continental Navy concentrated its efforts on engaging English merchant ships.

John Paul Jones -

• Early in 1778, he commanded the first American ship to be formally recognized by the French, receiving a nine-gun salute

• He then took the war to England's shores, attacking a seaside village in hopes of taking a hostage that could be exchanged for American prisoners of war

• Most famous for his 1779 victory over His Majesty's Ship Serapis

The Battle of the Chesapeake -

• Led the British to surrender at Yorktown on October 19, 1781; however, the war continued on foreign seas for another two years

• On September 16, the British attack fleet retreated to New York, leaving General Cornwallis pinned against the bay with France at his back and the combined army approaching from the front. At least 7,000 land forces arrived on September 28, joined by more than 3,000 French marines. The British army was surrounded.

How did the privateers contribute to the U.S. winning the Revolutionary War?

By seizing British cargo and supply ships

Which of the following is true of John Paul Jones in 1778?

• He founded the U.S. Navy

• He successfully defended the port of New York from British attack

• He defeated the British Navy in the Caribbean

• He commanded U.S. prison ships

• He took the war to England's shores where he captured the Drake, a British ship

He took the war to England's shores where he captured the Drake, a British ship

What was the significance of the Battle of the Chesapeake?

It was a French naval victory that forced an end to the war

What happened at the Battle of Machias?

American patriots successfully boarded and captured a British schooner

The primary role of foreign navies in the Revolutionary War was to _____

divert British resources and attention away from the colonies.

General Horatio Gates -

• Had been given credit for the victory at Saratoga

• Suffered a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Camden, abandoning the battlefield and another talented general, who was killed.

The Battle of Camden -

Was one of the worst defeats in American military history. Before they even fired a single volley, the inexperienced militia on the American left flank literally ran from the battlefield in the face of British bayonets, and General Gates went with them.

Benedict Arnold -

Had been embroiled in military rivalries, was the victim of political machinations and had his waning family fortune further depleted by Congress's refusal to repay his expenses at the same time he married a young, pro-British socialite.

British General Charles Cornwallis -

Hoping to cut off the Patriots and end the war, he abandoned his southernmost territory and led the army to Yorktown, Virginia.

Why was General Henry Clinton's Philipsburg Proclamation an effective tool against the Patriots?

Because it freed all slaves that were owned by Patriots, so it did not anger Loyalists.

How does Greens' We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again quote summarize the way the Patriots fight?

They suffered defeats, but continued to fight and hold the British at bay.

Which of the following is NOT a reason why Benedict Arnold ultimately chose to escape into the safety of the British lines?

• The Battle of Saratoga

• He was the victim of political machinations.

• He had his waning family fortune further depleted by Congress's refusal to repay his expenses.

• He was trying to sell out Boston to the British, but his plan was discovered.

He was trying to sell out Boston to the British, but his plan was discovered.

Why were American forces humiliatingly defeated in the Battle of Camden?

Because of the inexperience and the fact the left flank of the American militia ran away from the battle.

Which was a part of the Southern Strategy?

• Overthrow patriot governments in southern states and replace them with loyalist governments.

• Promise southern American officers land and titles in England to recruit them to fight for the crown instead.

• Incite a civil war between rich and poor in the south so they could not reinforce the war effort in New England.

• Use loyalist forces, including freed slaves, to hold territory while the Regular army marched on.

Use loyalist forces, including freed slaves, to hold territory while the Regular army marched on.

The Battle of Yorktown -

• A three-week siege

• French and American cannons began to fire on British defensive positions without stopping in order to prevent the British from making any repairs. The allies captured the redoubts and turned the guns back on the British. As the allies drew closer to the town, Cornwallis began sinking his own ships in the harbor to keep them from being captured. After a failed attempt to escape, General Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781

The 1783 Treaty of Paris -

• Has ten articles

• Perhaps most importantly, the British agreed to recognize American independence as far west as the Mississippi River. Americans agreed to honor debts owed to British merchants from before the war, and both sides agreed to return confiscated property. Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, though both parties conveniently ignored provisions that didn't suit their interests

• Britain pitted the allies against each other, offering American independence while ignoring the demands of other nations.

Which of the following was NOT part of General Charles Cornwallis' plans at Chesapeake Bay?

• Ask for additional troops from Rhode Island.

• Attack American communication lines.

• Attack American supplies.

• Escape quickly by sea in case of an eventual defeat.

Ask for additional troops from Rhode Island.

How was the Battle of the Chesapeake similar to the Battle of Yorktown?

The French forces aided in both victories.

Why couldn't King George send additional troops to Yorktown?

Because he didn't have any support in Parliament or among the English people.

Which two nations benefited the most from 1783's Peace of Paris?

• America and Britain

• Britain and Spain

• France and America

• France and Spain

America and Britain

Which of the following is true about Marquis de Lafayette?

• He was the commander of the French fleet in the Battle of the Chesapeake.

• He was a British general who surrendered at Yorktown.

• He was an American general who coordinated the movement of the army to Yorktown.

• He was a French general who helped plan the Battle of Yorktown.

He was a French general who helped plan the Battle of Yorktown.

What was a major concern that held up the Treaty of Paris?

Where the demarcation of American and British territory ought to be

What does Article 3d of the Treaty of Paris guarantee to the Americans?

The right to hunt for fish of any kind without fear of reprisals by British Naval forces

Why did the Treaty of Paris (1783) invoke the 1782 Provisional Articles?

As a foundation for the negotiations and agreements that all sides agreed on

What was the driving concern of Article 7th in the Treaty of Paris?

That there would be a lasting and secure peace between Americans and British subjects

Why does the Treaty of Paris (1783) end with a time limit of six months?

Both nations needed to ratify the peace treaty in their governments.

Republican Motherhood -

• Elevated the role of mothers in a family, who were the primary teachers for most American children

• Became an ideal for middle and upper class white families

Joseph Brant -

Native Americans united under him to resist U.S. incursions onto their land

How did the concept of 'Republican Motherhood' impact middle and upper class white women?

Women were given educational opportunities to ensure they properly schooled their sons

After the American Revolution, how did slavery in the North differ from slavery in the South?

Rhode Island led the way in the north, initiating an emancipation policy beginning in 1784, while slavery remained legal in the south

Which of the following situations was a result of the American Revolution?

• It provided new lands for patriotic Native Americans

• It gave American women the right to vote

• It led to social repression of the poor working class

• It led to a struggling economy that impacted all Americans

It led to a struggling economy that impacted all Americans

The American Revolution brought about which major change to the nation's formal political process?

• The colonies drafted laws to address political term limits

• Free blacks were given the opportunity to voice their input toward new legislation

• Women were given the right to vote in local elections

• Common hard-working men were encouraged to participate in politics as elected officials

Common hard-working men were encouraged to participate in politics as elected officials

How did the American Revolution impact Native Americans?

Their rights and interests were disregarded, even for those who supported the Patriots

The Second Great Awakening -

After the Revolution, Americans turned their rebellious spirit toward religion. The Anglican Church was reformed into the Episcopal Church. The revolutionary spirit of self-reliance led Americans to shun the earlier denominations that believed in predestination in favor of the Baptist and Methodist teachings of human free will and responsibility. The Mormon and Adventist churches were also founded, along with less traditional spiritual movements.

Charles Finney -

He urged people to choose God, immediately turn away from their sin as soon as it's pointed out, and then work to make the world around them a little better.

Lyman Beecher -

A revivalist that led people to voluntarily stop drinking alcohol since it could easily lead to sin, and he founded the temperance movement to ban the sale of alcohol legally.

Why were Americans unwilling to support the Anglican Church after the American Revolution?

Americans wanted something that reflected their own values.

Which of the following was NOT an outcome of the Second Great Awakening?

• Church attendance decreased.

• American's personal responsibility was strengthened.

• More Americans actively supported charitable works abroad.

• Women were drawn into the world of politics.

Church attendance decreased.

In which region of America was the Second Great Awakening most influential?

• The evangelical mid-Atlantic states

• The Catholic region of the Chesapeake

• The former puritanical New England

• The formerly Anglican Deep South

• The frontier of western New York

The frontier of western New York

How did the reform agenda of Charles Finney differ from Lyman Beecher's during the Second Great Awakening?

Finney supported the abolition movement, whereas Beecher's cause was the temperance movement.

Which of the following religious groups did NOT emerge during the Second Great Awakening?

• Shakers

• Congregationalists

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)

• Seventh Day Adventists

Congregationalists

The Preamble, The List of Grievances, and The Formal Declaration form important sections of which document?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Second Treatise on Government

• The Founding Charter of the 13 Colonies

• The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

1776 marks the year of the formal signing of which major document?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Articles of Confederation

• The US Constitution

• The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence did NOT establish a new government for the former American colonies, but it did manage to:

• Enumerate the colonies' efforts to settle colonial grievances with Britain.

• Attribute the colonies' rebellion to the tyrannical conduct of the King.

• All of the answers are correct.

• Officially sever colonial ties with the British Empire.

• Fix in the mind of Americans that government's authority should come from the consent of the governed.

All of the answers are correct.

Which document in its original form rationalized the existence of slavery in the New World as being the fault of the British Empire?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Mayflower Compact and Common Bond

• The Jamestown Charter of 1720

The Declaration of Independence

Which major document states that governments are created by people to protect their inalienable rights?

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Preamble to the First Continental Congress

• The Introduction to the Bill of Rights

• The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence

The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence

Mormons and Transcendentalists were among the new religious groups that arose as a consequence of:

The Second Great Awakening.

The British attempt to raid a weapons arsenal belonging to the Massachusetts militia led to:

The 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord