HIST 105 -- CHAPTER 5: The American Revolution 1776-1783

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. (True/False)

TRUE

The First Continental Congress met in 1776 to declare independence. (True/False)

False - It met in 1774 to denounce taxes.

The first shots of the American Revolution were fired at Lexington & Concord in April 1775. (T/F)

True

The British successfully blockaded New England seaports. (T/F)

False - The blockade failed.

The British strategy was well-planned and organized from the start. (T/F)

False - They relied on trial and error.

General William Howe defeated Washington at the Battle of Long Island. (T/F)

True

The British successfully rallied Loyalists in the South. (T/F)

False - Their tactics turned some into Patriots.

The Continental Army was well-trained and well-fed. (T/F)

False - It was undertrained, underfed, and underfunded.

George Washington had prior military experience fighting for the British in the French & Indian War. (T/F)

True

Washington was chosen to lead primarily because of his land surveying experience. (T/F)

Partially true - His experience helped, but he was also a respected leader.

Benedict Arnold remained loyal to the Continental Army. (T/F)

False - He became a traitor.

The Quebec invasion was a success for the Americans. (T/F)

False - It failed due to weather, disease, and British artillery.

The "American Crisis" was written to inspire Washington's troops. (T/F)

True

George Washington ordered the mass inoculation of the Continental Army against smallpox. (T/F)

True

The Battle of Saratoga convinced France to join the war on the American side. (T/F)

True

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed in 1776. (T/F)

False - It was signed in 1778.

The Articles of Confederation allowed Congress to levy taxes. (T/F)

False - Congress had no power to tax.

More people died as prisoners of war than in battle. (T/F)

True - 18,000 POWs died.

The Battle of King's Mountain was a turning point in the South. (T/F)

True

Cornwallis successfully resupplied his troops in New York before surrendering. (T/F)

False - He was trapped at Yorktown.

The Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the war and doubled the size of the U.S. (T/F)

True

The Articles of Confederation created a strong central government. (T/F)

False - It gave most power to the states.

Slavery was abolished nationwide immediately after the Revolution. (T/F)

False - Only Northern states began abolishing it.

Spain regained control of Florida after the war. (T/F)

True

The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom was written by Thomas Jefferson. (T/F)

True

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?

It was a major American victory that convinced the French to support the Revolution.

Who wrote "The American Crisis," and why was it important?

Thomas Paine; it inspired Washington's troops during a low point in the war.

What was the British strategy in the South?

To rally Loyalists and slaves to their cause, but it backfired.

Why did the British struggle to maintain control?

Poor logistics, lack of Loyalist support, and difficulty occupying territory.

What was the Dunmore Proclamation?

It offered freedom to enslaved people who fought for the British.

What happened to enslaved people who fought for the British?

Many were transported to Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, or England.

Why did Benedict Arnold turn traitor?

He felt unappreciated and plotted to turn over West Point to the British.

What was the outcome of the Quebec invasion?

It failed; General Montgomery was killed, and Benedict Arnold was injured.

Who was Baron von Steuben?

A Prussian soldier who trained Washington's army at Valley Forge.

Who was Marquis de Lafayette?

A French noble who donated money and fought for American independence.

What was the purpose of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce?

It secured French support and trade ties for the U.S.

What was the impact of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

It recognized U.S. independence and expanded its territory to the Mississippi River.

Who were the key American diplomats in the Treaty of Paris negotiations?

John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay.

Why did the First Continental Congress meet in 1774?

To denounce British taxes and policies.

Why was George Washington chosen as the Continental Army's leader?

His military experience and leadership qualities.

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

They gave too much power to the states and lacked a strong federal government.

What was the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom?

A law that separated church and state, ensuring religious liberty.

What was the significance of Valley Forge?

A brutal winter encampment where Washington's army suffered but became stronger.

Why did Loyalists flee to Canada after the war?

They wanted to remain under British rule.

What were the economic motivations for Britain to focus on the South?

The Southern colonies were more profitable due to cash crops.

What was guerrilla warfare in the frontier?

Patriots used hit-and-run tactics against British and Loyalist forces.

Why did Native Americans mostly support the British?

They hoped Britain would protect their land from American expansion.

How did the French navy help at Yorktown?

They blocked British reinforcements, leading to Cornwallis's surrender.

What was the Battle of Cowpens?

A major Patriot victory in the South where Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton lost 800 men.

What role did women play during the Revolution?

Some fought, while others supported the war effort through supplies and spying.

Who was James Monroe, and what happened to him in battle?

A future president who was nearly killed when his artery was nicked.

What was the Gaspee Affair?

A 1772 event where colonists burned a British customs ship in protest.

What was the impact of the Stamp Act, Townshend Tariffs, and Tea Act?

They increased colonial resentment toward Britain.

What was the Boston Massacre?

The killing of 5 civilians by British troops which helped spark the American Revolutionary War. 1770

Why was the Tea Party significant?

It led to harsh British punishments, including the Intolerable Acts.

What was the role of militias in the war?

They supplemented the Continental Army and defended local areas.

What was the last major battle of the Revolution?

The Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

Why did King George III consider abdicating?

The loss of the colonies was humiliating for Britain.

What was the effect of the Revolution on voting rights?

More white men who owned property gained the right to vote.

What happened in November 1783?

The last British troops left New York, marking the end of British occupation.