American Revolution Chapter 6

Questions and Answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga to the American Revolution?

It helped Benjamin Franklin convince the French to support the Americans.

What did the colonists' preparations prior to April 1775 reveal?

A willingness to go to war.

What was an important effect of the Declaration of Independence?

Colonists had to begin to choose sides.

What was an effect of the battle on Long Island in 1776?

Washington's army was greatly diminished. Signup and view all the answers

What did Delaware Indians in the Ohio Valley and Pennsylvania Quakers have in common during the American Revolution?

Both stayed neutral. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Hessians surprised by General Washington's attack across the Delaware River in December 1776?

European armies usually stopped fighting during the winter. Signup and view all the answers

Why were Mennonites jailed by Pennsylvania authorities in 1778?

They refused to swear allegiance to the revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Why did most Indian nations side with the British during the American Revolution?

They believed that a patriot victory would lead to a greater loss of their land. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Dunmore's Proclamation unsettle patriot leaders from both North and South?

They opposed a disruption of social and racial order. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

It prompted the Continental Congress to establish an army. Signup and view all the answers

Why did General Washington have to depend on the states to provide support for the Continental Army?

Congress had not yet made itself a national government. Signup and view all the answers

How are the stories of Nancy Hart Morgan and Deborah Sampson instructive?

They reveal the commitment of women to the revolutionary cause. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to General Burgoyne in the Battle of Saratoga?

The Continental Army defeated General Burgoyne. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Significance of Key Battles

Battle of Saratoga: Considered a turning point in the American Revolution, it helped Benjamin Franklin persuade France to support the American cause, highlighting that their aid would not be wasted on a lost effort.
Battle of Bunker Hill: Resulted in the Continental Congress establishing an army led by George Washington, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

Colonial Preparation and Readiness

Prior to April 1775, colonists demonstrated a readiness for war by gathering weapons, manufacturing ammunition, enlisting freed African Americans, and creating a lookout network, showing their commitment to resist British authority.
General Washington faced significant challenges during the Battle on Long Island in 1776, which resulted in a considerable decrease in troop strength due to attrition and desertion.

The Impact of the Declaration of Independence

Following the Declaration of Independence, colonists were forced to take sides in the conflict, transitioning from a mindset of potential reconciliation to full rebellion against British rule.

Neutrality Amid Conflict

The Delaware Indians in the Ohio Valley and Pennsylvania Quakers both chose to remain neutral during the American Revolution, with the Delaware Nation resisting pressure to align with either side, and Quakers refusing to take a stand in the conflict.

Military Strategy and Surprise Attacks

General Washington's surprise attack on Hessian forces in Trenton during winter 1776 caught them off guard, as European military practices typically saw armies halting operations for the season.

The jailing of Mennonites in Pennsylvania for refusing to swear allegiance to the revolution demonstrated tensions within patriot ideology concerning freedom, highlighting contradictions in the plea for liberty while denying autonomy to others.

Indigenous Perspectives on Alliances

Many Indian nations allied with the British during the American Revolution, believing that a British victory would better protect their land rights against expanding colonial settlements.

Dunmore's Proclamation

This proclamation unsettled patriot leaders across the colonies as it threatened to disrupt social and racial hierarchies, forcing them to reconcile their advocacy for freedom with the potential for societal upheaval.

Women’s Contributions

Stories of women like Nancy Hart Morgan and Deborah Sampson exemplify the broader involvement of women in the revolutionary movement, showcasing their dedication and active participation in the fight for independence.

Challenges in Army Logistics

General Washington had to rely on individual states for support when forming the Continental Army since Congress had not yet established itself as a national governing body with the authority to raise funds and supplies.

Description

Explore the key concepts and significance of Chapter 6, focusing on the pivotal Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolution. This chapter highlights how this battle influenced international support, specifically from France, and its impact on the war efforts.