American Revolution: The Second Continental Congress

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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason for the Second Continental Congress to meet in 1775?

To declare independence from Britain

As a response to the British Parliament's failure to address the Intolerable Acts (correct)

To negotiate a peace treaty with France

To establish a new government in the colonies

What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?

To assert American independence

To negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict (correct)

To establish trade agreements with other nations

To declare war on Britain

Who was appointed as the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Army?

George Washington (correct)

Benjamin Franklin

Thomas Paine

Thomas Jefferson

What was the main idea presented in Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense?

That the colonists should establish a perfect government through rebellion Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the colonists' grievances against the British government?

Unfair taxation and lack of representation in government Signup and view all the answers

When was the Declaration of Independence approved?

July 4, 1776 Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of female Camp Followers during the American Revolution?

They provided support as nurses, cooks, cleaners, and caregivers Signup and view all the answers

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

It was a decisive victory that encouraged European powers to support the United States Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Continental Navy during the American Revolution?

It concentrated its efforts on supplying the army and impeding British reinforcements Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Prussian officer that helped train the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778?

Baron von Steuben Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of slaves and free blacks during the American Revolution?

They served as soldiers in the Continental Army and local militias Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the phrase 'all men are created equal' in the American Revolution?

It was a concept that influenced American attitudes and the declarations of independence of many other countries Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of the Chesapeake?

The British surrendered at Yorktown Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the most important outcomes of the American Revolution?

The participation of average citizens in the political process Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary power of lawmaking under the Articles of Confederation?

The states Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

To deal with the creation of new states within the Northwest Territory Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

The recognition of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation?

It did not accord enough power over the states to the federal government Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of the Great Compromise to the US Constitution?

A bicameral government with proportional and equal representation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the electoral college in presidential elections?

To elect the President of the United States Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement for a person to be eligible to become President of the United States?

35 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of the federal government is established by Article III of the Constitution?

The Judicial Branch Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of Alexander Hamilton in the early years of the US government?

Advising President Washington on economic issues Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans?

Their views on the economy and governance Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of George Washington's farewell address?

It warned against the dangers of political parties Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Second Continental Congress

Met on May 10, 1775, in response to the British Parliament's failure to address issues raised by the First Continental Congress
Initially sought to reconcile with Britain, but ultimately shifted towards independence
Established the Continental Army, with George Washington as its first Commander in Chief
Issued the Continental Currency and borrowed money to finance the war effort
Drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation

The Declaration of Independence

Adopted on July 4, 1776, as a formal declaration of independence from Britain
Written by Thomas Jefferson and influenced by Enlightenment ideas
Asserts that "all men are created equal" and have certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Has been a influential document in American and world history

African Americans in the American Revolution

Contributed significantly to the war effort, with up to 5,000 serving in the Continental Army and thousands more in local militias
Played a crucial role in the war, particularly in the North and Mid-Atlantic regions
Their participation helped to challenge slavery and pave the way for future abolitionist movements

Women in the American Revolution

Played important roles as camp followers, providing support services to the Continental Army
Participated in boycotts and other forms of resistance against British rule
Made significant contributions as writers, thinkers, and activists, such as Deborah Sampson and Judith Murray
Advocated for women's rights and education, laying the groundwork for future feminist movements

Key Battles and Events

The Battle of Trenton: a decisive American victory that boosted morale and demonstrated Washington's strategic abilities
The Battle of Saratoga: a turning point in the war, as it led to French recognition and support for the American cause
Valley Forge: a harsh winter that tested the Continental Army's resolve, but ultimately led to greater discipline and training under Baron von Steuben
The Battle of Yorktown: the final major battle of the war, resulting in British surrender and paving the way for American independence

Naval Operations

The Continental Navy played a crucial role in disrupting British supply lines and communicating with European allies
Privateers, such as John Paul Jones, targeted British merchant ships and helped to shift the balance of power at sea
The French, Spanish, and Dutch navies eventually joined the war on the American side, further weakening British control

The Articles of Confederation

Adopted in 1781, this first federal constitution established a loose confederation of states with limited federal power
Proved ineffective in governing the newly independent nation, leading to calls for reform and the eventual drafting of the US Constitution

The Constitution and Bill of Rights

Ratified in 1788, the Constitution established a stronger federal government with three branches and a system of checks and balances
The Bill of Rights, added in 1791, guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms to American citizens
Together, these documents have formed the foundation of the US system of government and continue to shape American politics and society

Shays' Rebellion and the Constitutional Convention

Shays' Rebellion, a protest against economic hardship and government inaction, highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
The Constitutional Convention, held in 1787, drafted the US Constitution as a response to the need for a stronger, more effective government

The Founding Fathers and the Early Years of the US Government

George Washington, as the first president, set important precedents for the office and helped establish the cabinet system
The emergence of political parties, led by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, shaped the course of American politics and policy-making

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Description

Learn about the Second Continental Congress, their response to the Intolerable Acts, and the Olive Branch Petition. Understand the circumstances leading to the American Revolution.