US History Chapter 4 Notes

What was the purpose of the First Continental Congress in October 1774?

To state colonial concerns to the king without seeking separation from Britain.

Who famously said, 'Don't fire unless fired upon' during the Battle of Lexington?

Patriot Captain at Lexington.

Fill in the Blank: The 'shot heard 'round the world' refers to the first battle of the _____ Revolution.

American

What was Paul Revere's role in the battles of April 1775?

He alerted patriots about the British plan to seize weapons in Concord.

What was the Olive Branch Petition?

A final attempt at peace with Britain signed on July 5, 1775.

Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

Fill in the Blank: The Declaration of Independence announced the colonies' break from _____

Britain

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777?

It was a turning point that gained support for the Patriots from France and Spain.

Who was Marquis de Lafayette?

A wealthy Frenchman who helped train Continental Army soldiers and financially supported the Revolution.

What battle is considered the last major battle of the American Revolution?

Battle of Yorktown.

What was the main purpose of the Second Continental Congress in May 1775?

To manage the colonial war effort and move incrementally towards independence.

Who wrote the influential pamphlet 'Common Sense' in 1776?

Thomas Paine.

Fill in the Blank: The Treaty of Paris was signed in _____, formally ending the American Revolutionary War.

1783

What role did George Washington play during the American Revolution?

He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

What was the significance of the Boston Tea Party in December 1773?

It was a protest against British taxation policies, specifically the Tea Act.

Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?

John Hancock.

Fill in the Blank: The phrase 'No taxation without representation' highlighted the colonists' opposition to _____ taxation.

British

What did the Articles of Confederation establish?

It created the first constitution for the United States, focusing on a loose confederation of states.

Who delivered the famous speech declaring 'Give me liberty, or give me death!'?

Patrick Henry.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775?

Although it was a costly victory for the British, it demonstrated the colonists' persistence and resolve.

What event triggered the start of the American Revolution?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775.

What did the Declaration of Independence emphasize as a right of all individuals?

The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Who were the Loyalists?

Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution.

What was the significance of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781?

It marked the final major victory for the American forces, leading to British surrender.

What did the Proclamation of 1763 accomplish?

It prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

What was the purpose of the Sugar Act of 1764?

To reduce the tax on molasses but strengthen enforcement against smuggling.

Who was Thomas Paine?

An influential writer and revolutionary whose pamphlet 'Common Sense' argued for independence.

What was the role of the Continental Army?

To fight against British forces and defend the colonies during the revolution.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris 1783?

It officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

What grassroots movement arose in response to British taxation without representation?

The Sons of Liberty, who organized protests and resistance against British policies.

What was the Stamp Act of 1765?

A direct tax on printed materials, including newspapers and legal documents, that angered colonists.

What was the Boston Massacre?

A confrontation in March 1770 where British soldiers killed five colonists, exacerbating colonial unrest.

Who led the Sons of Liberty?

Samuel Adams, who organized protests against British taxation.

What was the purpose of the Tea Act of 1773?

To allow the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, undermining local tea merchants.

What did the Intolerable Acts do?

A series of punitive measures passed in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, uniting the colonies against Britain.

What was the first battle of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775.

What did Common Sense argue?

It argued for independence from Britain and the establishment of a democratic republic.

What role did Benjamin Franklin play in the revolution?

He served as a diplomat to France, securing French support for the American cause.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

July 4, 1776.

What was the significance of the Battle of Trenton?

A surprise attack on December 26, 1776, which boosted American morale and reinvigorated the revolutionary cause.