American Revolution: Road to Independence and Early War

Flashcards covering the Second Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, early battles of the Revolutionary War, the hardships at Valley Forge, key figures like Thomas Paine and Von Steuben, and the crucial French alliance, up to 1778.

How were the colonies divided regarding their relationship with England before the war?

About 30-40% wanted to resolve issues, 30-40% leaned towards separation, and 20% were undecided.

What key action did the Second Continental Congress take in May 1775 regarding the military?

They appointed George Washington to put together an army.

Name two challenges George Washington faced when trying to build an army for the colonies.

Lack of money, difficulty training diverse troops, short enlistment periods, and many colonies not wanting to pay for war in other regions.

What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition sent by the Second Continental Congress?

To reaffirm loyalty as British colonies and citizens, seeking to be treated with their rights acknowledged.

How did King George III respond to the Olive Branch Petition?

He refused to read it unless the colonies first acknowledged Parliament and the monarchy's sovereignty, seeing them as being in rebellion.

What was the main argument of Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

That if a king and government don't treat its people right, the government should be replaced, and it is logical for the colonies to seek their own government.

On what date did the Continental Congress officially vote for independence?

July 2, 1776.

On what date did the Continental Congress ratify the Declaration of Independence?

July 4, 1776.

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

Describe the initial odds against the American colonies in the Revolutionary War.

They had an understaffed, undersized, underfunded, undertrained, and under-supported army against the preeminent British military and navy.

What significant material gain did the Americans achieve with the victory at Fort Ticonderoga?

They captured cannons, which were later used to drive the British out of Boston.

After routing the Continentals from New York City, what common historical mistake did General Howe and the British make?

They became arrogant, underestimated the American forces, and decided to winter in New York City, pausing their campaign.

What two key victories did George Washington achieve during the winter of 1776-1777 to boost American morale?

The Battle of Trenton (against Hessians) and the Battle of Princeton (against the regular army).

What hardships did the Continental Army face during the winter at Valley Forge (1777-1778)?

They faced starvation, lack of money, desertion, and improper clothing, leading to destitution.

Who was Von Steuben, and what was his contribution at Valley Forge?

He was a Prussian general who trained and molded the US Army into a coherent fighting force and wrote the first uniform code of military conduct.

Which famous line from Thomas Paine's 'Crisis' pamphlet describes the challenge of the war?

'These are the times that try men's souls.'

What did Thomas Paine mean by 'summer soldier' and 'sunshine patriot'?

Individuals who support the cause only when things are going well or victorious, but abandon it during difficult times.

Why was the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga (1777) strategically crucial?

It convinced France to form an alliance with the American colonies, providing crucial support.

What were the two main treaties signed between France and the American colonies in 1778?

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

What was a key condition of the Treaty of Alliance between France and the American colonies?

France committed to staying in the war until the end without a separate settlement, and the Americans likewise agreed not to settle separately, with neither seeking colonial land from the other.

What action by the British directly led to France declaring war and entering the conflict?

The British fired on a French ship in the Atlantic.

Besides France, which other European powers joined the war against Great Britain by 1780?

Spain (due to a mutual defense treaty with France) and the Dutch (after Britain declared war on them for providing goods to the colonies).

What was George Washington's main strategy for winning the Revolutionary War?

He fought not to lose, aiming to drag the war out long enough until the British would give up (a war of attrition).