American revolution

What is a revolution?

A sudden social or political change within a nation.

Can you have a revolution without fighting?

Yes — examples include Martin Luther King Jr.

What was Patrick Henry’s famous quote?

“Give me liberty, or give me death!”

Was “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Actually a song?

No

What is the purpose of a “fight song”?

To motivate you, make you focus, and bring people together

How did Patrick Henry’s words impact Americans?

His words inspired Americans to fight even if it cost them their lives.

What year was the Declaration of Independence written?

1776.

What were issues faced by the Second Continental Congress?

Slavery and abandoning the king

What risk did the signers and patriots take?

They risked their lives and showed great bravery.

What were the two main groups among colonists during the war?

Loyalists and Patriots.

How were colonists divided in support?

1/3 each

What happened to property during the war?

There was physical devastation of property.

Who was Lewis Morris?

A delegate from New York (from the movie 1776). He had physical devastation to his property

How did the war impact Black Americans?

They helped win the war but gained none of the freedoms.

How did the war impact Native Americans?

They lost British support and most of their land.

How did the war impact women?

Women like Molly Pitcher helped enormously (serving as nurses, making uniforms, disguising as men) which slowly elevated their status in society but they didn’t gain any right

Did women gain any rights from the war?

No

What was George Washington’s title during the war?

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

What were the odds against Washington?

5,000 soldiers in continental army vs. 25,000 Redcoats

What was the age range of most Continental soldiers?

Between 15 and 20 years old (or too old to be true soldiers).

What made Washington’s leadership special?

He faced the greatest military power in the world and always worried about loss of lives.

What might not have existed without Washington?

The United States — no other man could’ve led the colonies to victory.

What was significant about the Battle of Trenton?

Washington’s surprise crossing of the Delaware River led to a key American victory.

Why did Washington use spies?

He understood the importance of military intelligence from the beginning.

Who used spies during the war?

Both sides (British and American).

What was Nathan Hale’s role?

Connecticut schoolteacher turned spy for the Continental Army.

What happened to Nathan Hale?

Captured by the British and hanged for treason.

What were Nathan Hale’s famous last words?

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Why was Valley Forge chosen for winter camp?

Its strategic position close to Philadelphia.

What were the conditions at Valley Forge?

Harsh winter

Which diseases spread at Valley Forge?

Typhoid fever

What positive outcome came from Valley Forge?

The opportunity to retrain troops.

Who helped retrain troops at Valley Forge?

Friedrich von Steuben.

Why was the Battle of Saratoga important?

It was an American victory that convinced France to help the Americans.

What was Britain’s reaction to the Franco-American alliance?

They were concerned and offered to repeal the Tea Act and Coercive Acts.

What phrase summarized this moment?

“It is too late to apologize.”

Who was John Paul Jones?

The Father of the American Navy.

What did John Paul Jones do?

Raided the British coast.

What was John Paul Jones’ famous quote?

“I have not yet begun to fight.”

Who took command of the British army after?

Charles Cornwallis.

Where did Cornwallis take control?

Charleston

Where were Cornwallis and the British eventually encamped?

Yorktown

What happened at the Battle of Yorktown?

Washington and the French worked together to trap Cornwallis and end the war.

How did they win at Yorktown?

The French ships blocked the British rescue attempt

Why was Washington so essential to victory?

His leadership united and motivated the troops.

What officially ended the American Revolution?

The Treaty of Paris

What did the Treaty of Paris accomplish?

Ended British control over the colonies and established U.S. borders.

What were the new U.S. boundaries?

East: Atlantic Ocean

North: Canada

South: Gulf of Mexico

West: Mississippi River.

Why was captured ground meaningless to the British?

They could hold cities like Boston

Did Washington win most battles?

No

What was the key to victory for the U.S.?

The endurance of the Continental Army and Washington’s leadership.

Why was space and time on Washington’s side?

The Americans only needed to keep fighting until the British gave up due to low spirit and resources.

What advantages did Americans have?

They fought on their own land and for their families — home field advantage.

Who were the Redcoats fighting for?

The King of England.

What were some examples of home-field advantage from The Crossing?

Americans knew where the boats were and local farmers knew where the Hessians were sleeping.

What foreign nation supported the U.S. at Yorktown?

France.

Why was distance across the Atlantic a disadvantage for Britain?

Slow communication and supply lines.

What inspired the American spirit?

Quotes like: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

What happened as colonies formed new governments?

It looked like they might split into tiny nations.

How did most people see themselves after the war?

As Virginians