American Revolution Causes

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant impact of Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense on the American colonists?

It suggested maintaining ties with the British government.

It initiated public debate over independence. (correct)

It declared war on King George III directly.

It proposed a monarchy as a solution for governance.

Why did the military situation take precedence over forming a government for the colonists in 1776?

Establishing a government was seen as unnecessary.

They were too busy negotiating with the British.

The colonists believed independence was guaranteed.

A disastrous battle could jeopardize their quest for independence. (correct)

What strategic strength did the British possess at the onset of the American Revolution?

Ability to use unconventional tactics.

Well-trained troops and vast resources. (correct)

Support from other nations.

Commitment to the cause of independence.

What was the biggest problem for Great Britain following the Seven Years War?

Significant national debt Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a fundamental belief of the Real Whigs?

Governments headed by monarchs can be dangerous Signup and view all the answers

What assumption did the British make about the conflict with the American colonists initially?

Loyalty would be restored after military defeat. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted France to support the American colonists during the war?

The colonists' successful battle at Saratoga. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant problem the colonists had with the Stamp Act?

Payments had to be made in British currency Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary significance of Parliament’s Declaratory Act?

It stated that Parliament could tax in all cases whatsoever Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant outcomes of the Treaty of Paris?

Formal acknowledgment of the United States' independence. Signup and view all the answers

Which problem did the United States face immediately after the American Revolution?

Post-war inflation and debts owed to soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Townshend Duties differ from the Navigation Acts?

They were levied on imported items from Great Britain Signup and view all the answers

What was one task the delegates at the Continental Congress aimed to accomplish?

Develop a plan for military resistance Signup and view all the answers

What idea did the American Revolution help to expand regarding the United States' future?

Trading with countries like India and China. Signup and view all the answers

What event is famously referred to as 'the shot heard around the world'?

The skirmish at Lexington Signup and view all the answers

What did the American Prohibitory Act signify?

The final step toward American independence Signup and view all the answers

What four fundamental rights were generally guaranteed by state constitutions?

Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to a fair trial, and the right to consent of taxation Signup and view all the answers

Which power was NOT granted to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

Impose taxes on citizens directly Signup and view all the answers

Why was the government under the Articles of Confederation considered weak?

It had no power to impose taxes or enforce laws Signup and view all the answers

How did Shays’ Rebellion influence Congress’s view on the Articles of Confederation?

It highlighted the need for a stronger federal government Signup and view all the answers

What was Native Americans' response to the opening of the Northwest Territory to white settlers?

They were angry and felt excluded from important discussions Signup and view all the answers

Which feature was characteristic of the Virginia Plan?

A system of mutual checks and balances among government branches Signup and view all the answers

What compromise resulted from the debates between the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan?

A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in one house and equal representation in the other Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the key provisions of the Articles of Confederation concerning state relations?

Each state had one vote, regardless of population size Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seven Years'/French and Indian War Problems for Britain

Britain's biggest problem was debt from the war.
Colonists didn't believe they should pay for the war's aftermath.

Real Whig Beliefs and Warnings

Powerful government is dangerous.
Monarch-led governments are dangerous.
Standing armies are dangerous.
Corrupt government can destroy representation, impose unjust taxes, or replace jury trials with arbitrary proceedings.

Stamp Act Significance

First internal tax on the colonies.

Colonists' Perspective on the Stamp Act

Unfair revenue measure, broad scope.
Stamps had to be British currency (sterling).
Violators could be tried in British courts.
Violated colonial tradition of self-taxation.

Declaratory Act Significance

Parliament had the power to tax and create laws in all cases.

Duties were levied on British imports into the colonies instead of foreign countries.
Intended to pay royal officials' salaries in the colonies.

Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) Provisions

Forbade exports to foreign ports or provinces.

Continental Congress Tasks (1774)

Defined grievances against Great Britain
Developed a plan for resistance

American Prohibitory Act

Declared war on King George III's colonies.

Significance of Lexington (1775)

Start of the American Revolution.
Beginning of the colonists' struggle.

Military Situation's Importance (1776)

One disastrous battle could end independence bid.

British/Colonist Strengths/Weaknesses (Revolution Onset)

British Strengths:* Well-trained troops, strong government, Atlantic logistics.
British Weaknesses:* Conventional military methods were unsuited, colonial commitment to independence.
Colonial Weaknesses:* Lack of money, adequate uniforms, military experience, and support.

British Assumptions at War Start

Police action against unruly mobs.
British soldiers overwhelm colonial forces.
Clear military victory automatically secures loyalty.

French Alliance Reasons

Colonists' victory at Saratoga (1777).
England's growing colonial resistance.

Treaty of Paris Results

Confirmed existence of the USA and independence.

American Revolution Significance (Lecture)

Geographic expansion.
Manifest Destiny.
- Expanded global trading vision (India and China)

Post-Revolutionary Problems (Five Major Issues)

Post-war inflation.
Soldiers owed money.
Lack of unity.
States printed own money.
Land ownership disputes.

Articles of Confederation Powers (Congress)

Declare war, make peace, make treaties, settle state disputes.
Borrow and print money. -Requested money from states for defense and welfare.

Articles of Confederation's State Provisions

Each state retained its independence and freedom.
Each state had one vote in Congress.
Any powers not given to Congress belonged to the states.

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

No power to impose taxes, enforce authority.

Shay's Rebellion Impact

Led to awareness that the Articles of Confederation needed reform.

Northwest Territory & Native American Response

Native Americans were not involved in the resulting peace negotiations.

Constitutional Debates (Virginia, New Jersey Plans, Great Compromise)

Virginia Plan: Proposed a two-house legislature with proportional representation.
New Jersey Plan: Proposed a one-house legislature with equal representation for each state.
Great Compromise: Established a two-house legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
Crucial in debate over Constitutional representation.

U.S. Government Structure (Constitution)

Established the structure of the U.S. government.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Positions

Federalists: Advocated for a stronger national government.
Anti-Federalists: Supported a vision of America with strong states.

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Description

Explore the key issues leading to the American Revolution, including Britain's financial struggles after the French and Indian War and the colonists' conflicts with British taxation policies such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Duties. Understand the significance of the Declaratory Act and the widespread sentiments against a powerful centralized government.