American History: War for Independence

Questions and Answers

What significant change was made to the Declaration of Independence during its drafting?

Inclusion of more grievances against Parliament

Adjustment of the date of independence

Addition of a section on women's rights

Removal of Jefferson's attack on slavery (correct)

What was the primary argument presented by Thomas Paine in his pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

The justification of taxation by the British Parliament

The futility of armed rebellion against Great Britain

The necessity of fighting for independence from monarchy (correct)

The importance of maintaining loyalty to the king

Which event signified the formal decision to declare independence from Great Britain?

The rejection of Jefferson's original draft

The first vote for independence by Congress on July 2 (correct)

The publication of 'Common Sense'

The establishment of new state governments

How did the perspective of the colonies towards George III change over time?

They shifted their focus from him to his government Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate circulation of Paine's 'Common Sense' shortly after its publication?

One hundred thousand copies Signup and view all the answers

Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

What was the general attitude of colonial officers towards the king during the early stages of the conflict?

They often toasted to his health Signup and view all the answers

What concept was notably excluded from the final draft of the Declaration of Independence?

The statement that 'all men are created equal' Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence?

They primarily targeted the actions of George III Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of reserving one section in each township?

To generate income for public education Signup and view all the answers

What population milestone allowed a territory to elect a territorial legislature?

5,000 adult males Signup and view all the answers

Which tribes were involved in the conflicts along the Ohio River frontier by 1786?

Shawnee, Delaware, Wyandotte, and Miami Signup and view all the answers

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 state regarding Native American lands?

They would not be taken without consent Signup and view all the answers

What issue complicated relations with Native Americans following the Northwest Ordinance?

Treaties negotiated under duress Signup and view all the answers

What action did Spain take that affected American shipping in 1784?

Closed the port of New Orleans to American shipping Signup and view all the answers

What is the main philosophy that influenced Jefferson's ideas on government?

Social Contract Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the rights that Jefferson believed people inherently possess?

Unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness Signup and view all the answers

During which period did the main theaters of fighting shift to the southern states?

1778-1782 Signup and view all the answers

Which battle is associated with the surprise attack by the Americans on Christmas in 1776?

Battle of Trenton Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Battle of Saratoga?

It resulted in France becoming an ally of the Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the strategic reason for moving military headquarters from Boston to New York City?

To gain better access to food supplies and harbor Signup and view all the answers

How did the Americans manage to win the Battle of Saratoga?

The Continental Army took advantage of British blunders. Signup and view all the answers

What was the American strategy following George Washington's retreat from New York in the fall of 1776?

To adopt more innovative tactics. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the concept of government as expressed in the Enlightenment philosophy that Jefferson referenced?

Governments are formed through the consent of the governed. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant power that Congress lacked under the Articles of Confederation?

The power to levy taxes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a consequence of Congress being unable to regulate interstate trade?

Chaos in commercial activities Signup and view all the answers

What led to the inflation problem in the new nation after the war?

Excess money printed by Congress Signup and view all the answers

Who led Shays's Rebellion, and what was its primary goal?

A farmer protesting high taxes and foreclosures Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the notable achievements of the Confederation Congress?

Creating a system for surveying western lands Signup and view all the answers

How did Shays's Rebellion impact the Massachusetts legislature?

It prompted a reduction in taxes Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of the national debt after the American Revolution?

$160 million in debt Signup and view all the answers

What right did states have that contributed to the economic instability during the Articles of Confederation?

Imposing their own duties on imports Signup and view all the answers

What led to the demand for a national currency after the war?

Need to pay off debts Signup and view all the answers

What was a key limitation of Congress regarding military capabilities?

Requirement to requisition troops from the states Signup and view all the answers

What was a common characteristic of the new state governments formed after the royal governors fled?

They had weak governors with limited powers. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation was commonly imposed on the franchise in the new state governments?

Voting was restricted by property qualifications. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Articles of Confederation?

It was the first attempt at a federal government. Signup and view all the answers

How many votes were required to pass laws under the Articles of Confederation?

Nine votes. Signup and view all the answers

What caused the delay in ratifying the Articles of Confederation?

Disagreement over state boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major weakness of the government established under the Articles of Confederation?

There was no national judiciary. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common fear among the states regarding democracy in the eighteenth century?

That it would create mob rule. Signup and view all the answers

How many states needed to agree in order to amend the Articles of Confederation?

Unanimous agreement. Signup and view all the answers

What was included in many state constitutions to safeguard citizens' rights?

A bill of rights. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Maryland delay ratifying the Articles of Confederation?

Concerns over the power of Virginia and New York. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

War for Independence

The Second Continental Congress gradually took on the powers of an independent government, delaying the formal declaration of independence for over a year.
Initially, blame for the growing tensions was directed at Parliament and the king's ministers, not King George III himself.
Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense," published in January 1776, called explicitly for independence and significantly influenced public opinion in favor of breaking away from Britain.
By mid-1776, colonial legislatures were replaced by new state governments supporting independence due to the pamphlet's impact.

The Declaration of Independence

A committee led by Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in June 1776.
Significant alterations were made, including the removal of Jefferson's critique of slavery, leading to the contradiction of the phrase “all men are created equal.”
The Declaration outlined grievances against George III, emphasizing Enlightenment ideas of natural rights and the government's responsibility to protect those rights.

Fighting the War

The war's main theaters transitioned from New England to middle and southern states over its duration.
After the British shifted military headquarters to New York City, George Washington faced setbacks but later achieved significant victories at Trenton (Christmas 1776) and Princeton (January 1777).
The Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 was decisive, convincing France to ally with the Americans against Britain.

Diplomacy During the War

The support of other nations, particularly France, was crucial for American success in the war.
Revolutionary conventions wrote new state constitutions, generally creating strong legislatures with weak executive authority, reflecting fears of centralized power.
Most state constitutions included a bill of rights to safeguard individual liberties, yet voting rights remained limited to property-owning white men.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation were adopted in November 1777 and ratified by March 1781, creating the first national government with a unicameral legislature.
Major weaknesses included the inability to tax states or regulate commerce, relying on requisitions for troops, and requiring unanimous consent for amendments.
Important powers included declaring war, managing foreign policy, and overseeing western territories.

Finance and Shays's Rebellion

By war's end, the U.S. incurred a debt of $160 million, leading to rampant inflation due to excessive printing of paper money.
Economic distress culminated in Shays's Rebellion, where farmers protested against high taxes and foreclosures, leading Massachusetts to reform tax laws.

Achievements of the Confederation Congress

Despite its limitations, Congress successfully organized western lands through the Ordinance of 1785, establishing a system for surveying and distributing land.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 facilitated the admission process for new states and promised respect for Native American lands, though treaties were often negotiated unfairly.

Frontier and Foreign Policy Problems

The Northwest Ordinance promised not to take Native American lands without consent, but numerous treaties disregarded this commitment.
Tension and conflict in the Ohio River frontier involved several Native American tribes, exacerbated by Spanish influence in the southeast following their territorial gains post-Seven Years' War.
The inability of the Confederation Congress to manage these frontier issues spurred demands for a stronger national government.

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Description

This quiz explores crucial events leading to the American War for Independence, including the role of the Second Continental Congress and the influence of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense'. It also covers the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and its significant alterations by Thomas Jefferson. Test your knowledge on these pivotal moments in American history.