American Revolution

Flashcards about the American Revolution

When did the Second Continental Congress meet and what role did they assume?

May 10, 1775; they assumed the role of a revolutionary government.

Who was named commander in chief of the Continental Army and what previous experience did he have?

George Washington; he had military experience during the French and Indian War.

What is the Battle of Bunker Hill also known as, and why?

Breed's Hill; the battle occurred at Breed's Hill, though Bunker Hill was the original chosen location.

What was the result of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The British took the hill but suffered heavy casualties, and the colonists put up a strong fight.

What were the two documents issued by the American colonists in July 1775?

The Olive Branch Petition and the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms.

What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?

To pledge loyalty to King George III and ask him to restrain hostilities in hopes of reconciliation.

How did King George III respond to the colonists' documents?

He refused to look at the documents, declared the colonists open enemies, and issued the Prohibitory Act.

Who is Hessians?

German soldiers hired by the King.

Who is Thomas Paine?

The author of 'Common Sense,' an anonymous pamphlet that challenged allegiance to the British monarchy and advocated for American independence.

What did Thomas Paine argue in 'Common Sense'?

He stated that America should abandon King George III and declare their independence.

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

What is the key idea in the Declaration of Independence

Governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, and people have the right to alter or abolish governments that deny them their rights.

What did the signers pledge at the end of the Declaration of Independence?

They pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

Where did General William Howe settle, leading Washington to move troops?

New York.

How did Washington manage to evacuate his troops from Brooklyn to Manhattan?

Under the cover of a rainstorm and fog, they quietly moved across the river overnight.

What was the state of Washington's troops as they retreated into Pennsylvania?

They were in horrible shape, lacking blankets, shoes, and adequate supplies.

What was the name of the series of articles written by Thomas Paine during this time?

The American Crisis.

What was Washington's plan to inspire his troops and change the course of the war?

To cross the Delaware River and surprise the Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey.

What was the outcome of Washington's attack on Trenton?

The Americans surprised and defeated the Hessian soldiers, boosting patriot morale.

What was the significance of the victories at Trenton and Princeton?

They inspired the patriots, gave them a reason to keep fighting, and encouraged reenlistments.

What were loyalists?

Colonists who wanted to remain a British colony and remained loyal to Great Britain.

What challenges did Patriots face living in cities occupied by the British?

They faced skyrocketed prices and difficulty obtaining essential items.

What decision did General Howe make that changed the course of the war?

He decided to capture Philadelphia instead of joining forces with General Burgoyne.

Where did Washington and his troops spend the winter while Howe occupied Philadelphia?

Valley Forge.

What happened to General Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga?

He was defeated and surrendered to American troops led by General Horatio Gates.

Why was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the war?

Benjamin Franklin used the victory to help negotiate an alliance with France, bringing crucial support to the American cause.

What treaties came out of the American victory at Saratoga?

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance.

Did Spain become an ally of America during the Revolutionary War?

Spain became an ally with France in order to regain lost territory, but they were not an ally of America.

Where did Washington settle in for the winter after the battle of Brandywine Creek?

Valley Forge.

What was the condition of Washington's troops at Valley Forge?

The troops faced cold, little shelter, lack of supplies, and death.

What did the British do in response to concerns they could lose war?

Start granting the demands the Americans were making prior to the outbreak of the revolution like they repealed the Townsend Tea duty.

What was the result of the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse?

It was an indecisive battle with no clear victory for either side.

What was John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin roles?

They were the ones sent to negotiate the peace treaty.

What were the key terms of the Peace of Paris (1783)?

Britain recognized American independence, the Mississippi River became the boundary of America, Florida went back to Spain, and Americans were allowed to fish off Newfoundland.

What were the significance of French and Dutch aid in the American victory?

Without the loans, supplies, and military support from France and the Dutch, it's unlikely that the Americans could have survived the war.

What were key factors in the American victory?

American determination, George Washington's leadership, and aid from France and the Dutch.

What was the contract theory of government?

It is a social and political theory that holds that legitimate authority of government derives from the consent of the governed.

What kind of government is going to best serve this independent republic?

These are new ideas that we're going to see in this new government: the contract theory of government, sovereignty of the people, separation of powers, focus on natural rights.

How did they limit the power of the state governor?

They were concerned of one man having too much power.

What were the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union?

The governing document adopted shortly after the declaration of independence was adopted in November of seventeen seventy seven to avoid a strong central government.

What was the social revolution at the end of the American Revolution?

It was a bit limited, there are limits of equality, women's legal status was not affected, more freedom of religion, and emergence of an American culture.