history test 2

George Washington – Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; led Americans to victory; first U.S. President; set government precedents.

• Thomas Jefferson – Principal author of the Declaration of Independence; third President; Louisiana Purchase & Lewis & Clark Expedition.

• Benjamin Franklin – Diplomat; secured French support for American independence.

• John Adams – Advocate for independence; on committee for Declaration; second President; oversaw early foreign policy.

• Patrick Henry – Famous for “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech; critic of British policies.

• Samuel Adams – Leader of Sons of Liberty; organized resistance against British taxation.

• King George III – Monarch of Britain during the Revolution; symbol of colonial oppression.

• Marquis de Lafayette – French aristocrat; fought for American independence; aide to Washington.

• Thomas Paine – Author of Common Sense, inspired colonists toward independence.

• Abigail Adams – Advocated for women’s rights; wrote influential letters to John Adams.

• Alexander Hamilton – First Secretary of the Treasury; established U.S. financial system.

• James Madison – “Father of the Constitution”; fourth President.

• Aaron Burr – Vice President under Jefferson; famous duel with Hamilton.

• Tecumseh – Shawnee leader; tried to unite Native tribes against U.S. expansion.

• Dolley Madison – First Lady; saved important artifacts during British invasion.

Colonial Grievances: Colonists were frustrated with British taxes and lack of representation.

• Declaration of Independence: Written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, it declared the colonies free from Britain.

• Major Battles: Important battles included Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

• Foreign Alliances: France provided crucial support to the American cause.

• Treaty of Paris (1783): Ended the war and recognized American independence. Articles of Confederation: The first U.S. government framework, later replaced due to weaknesses.

• Constitutional Convention (1787): Led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

• Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms.

• Political Parties: Federalists (led by Hamilton) vs. Democratic-Republicans (led by Jefferson).

• Early Challenges: Issues like debt, foreign relations, and domestic unrest (e.g., Whiskey Rebellion).

The Constitution established a federal system with checks and balances.

• The first political parties formed over debates on government power and economic policy.

• The new government faced challenges in unifying the nation and establishing its legitimacy. • The Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

• Women and enslaved people played roles, though their contributions were often overlooked.

• The war had significant economic and social impacts on the colonies.