Podcast
Questions and Answers
What role did Thomas Paine play in the American Revolution?
What role did Thomas Paine play in the American Revolution?
- He wrote a pamphlet advocating for independence. (correct)
- He designed the flag of the United States.
- He was a member of the Second Continental Congress.
- He was a general in the Continental Army.
Which of these actions was NOT taken by the Second Continental Congress?
Which of these actions was NOT taken by the Second Continental Congress?
- Writing the Declaration of Independence. (correct)
- Declaring independence from Great Britain.
- Electing George Washington as Commander-in-Chief.
- Establishing the Continental Army.
What is the MOST likely reason why the Founding Fathers included the phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence?
What is the MOST likely reason why the Founding Fathers included the phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence?
- To indicate that the government's primary purpose is to provide for the happiness of its citizens.
- To solidify the idea of a socialist society in the newly formed nation.
- To emphasize the British monarchy's failure to provide these things to the colonists.
- To express the belief that these are essential rights inherent to all people. (correct)
What was a key advantage held by the Patriots during the Revolutionary War?
What was a key advantage held by the Patriots during the Revolutionary War?
What was a significant weakness faced by the Patriots during the Revolutionary War?
What was a significant weakness faced by the Patriots during the Revolutionary War?
Which of the following aspects of the American Revolution is NOT directly mentioned in the provided content?
Which of the following aspects of the American Revolution is NOT directly mentioned in the provided content?
What was the most important result of the Second Continental Congress's decision to declare independence?
What was the most important result of the Second Continental Congress's decision to declare independence?
Why was the signing of the Declaration of Independence considered a pivotal moment in American history?
Why was the signing of the Declaration of Independence considered a pivotal moment in American history?
Flashcards
Loyalists
Loyalists
Colonists loyal to the British government during the Revolutionary War.
Patriots
Patriots
Colonists wanting to separate from Britain and declare independence.
Common Sense
Common Sense
A pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for independence from Great Britain.
Second Continental Congress
Second Continental Congress
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Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence
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George Washington
George Washington
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Strengths of the Colonies
Strengths of the Colonies
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Weaknesses of the British
Weaknesses of the British
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Study Notes
Revolutionary War Overview
- American colonists were divided in 1776. Loyalists (20%) wanted to remain British colonies, patriots (40%) wanted independence, neutral colonists (40%) were undecided.
The Situation
- Loyalists were loyal to the British government, and wanted to remain British colonies.
- Rebels wanted to separate from the British government and declare independence.
Common Sense
- Thomas Paine's pamphlet (1775-1776) advocated independence from Great Britain.
- It convinced many undecided Americans to join the Revolutionary cause.
Second Continental Congress
- In 1775, colonies met to discuss the situation and eventually decided to declare independence.
- Congress prepared for war establishing the Continental Army. George Washington was elected Commander-in-Chief.
Declaration of Independence
- Voted on July 4th, 1776.
- It drew inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers, particularly John Locke's social contract theory.
- The declaration stated "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..."
Strengths (British)
- Well-trained soldiers
- World's most powerful navy
- Lots of money
Strengths (American)
- Strong leadership under George Washington
- Familiarity with the land
- Guerrilla warfare tactics
- French alliance
Weaknesses (British)
- Not as familiar with the land
- Older style of fighting
Weaknesses (American)
- Little money
- Few people to serve
- Very small, weak navy
Valley Forge
- During the winter of 1777-78 American soldiers endured harsh conditions at Valley Forge. It was a critical winter.
Ending the War
- After 7 years, Britain no longer viewed the war as worth fighting.
- Surrendered at Yorktown in 1781.
- The Treaty of Paris (1783) ended the war, making the colonies independent.
- The US gained land between the Appalachian mountains and the Mississippi River; Britain retained Canada. The British also promised to abandon forts in US territory and to not provoke Native American attacks.
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