APUSH Chapter 8: America Secedes from the Empire

Questions and Answers

Who did the Continental Congress select to lead the Continental Army?

George Washington

What happened at Ticonderoga and Crown Point in May of 1775?

A small American force led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured the British garrisons.

What was the significance of Bunker Hill?

First major battle; place where Americans showed the British that they would not be easily defeated.

What was the Olive Branch Petition and how did the King react to it?

Released by the Second Continental Congress in July of 1775, it professed loyalty to the king and begged for peace; the petition was rejected by the king. Signup and view all the answers

In August 1775, King George III proclaimed that the colonies were in ____________.

rebellion Signup and view all the answers

He then hired _ to bring order to the colonies.

German Hessians Signup and view all the answers

In October of 1775, why did the colonists attack Canada?

They hoped to add it as a 14th colony and remove it as a source for a British base. Signup and view all the answers

Thomas Paine released a pamphlet called _ _ in 1776.

Common Sense Signup and view all the answers

What did the pamphlet, Common Sense, argue?

It argued that the colonies had outgrown any need for English domination and that they should be given independence. Signup and view all the answers

Thomas Paine called for the creation of a new kind of political society, specifically a ___________.

republic Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

When was the Declaration approved by Congress, and what did it outline?

It was formally approved on July 4, 1776, outlining the reasons for seeking independence. Signup and view all the answers

During the war of Independence, who were Loyalists?

People that were loyal to the king. Signup and view all the answers

During the war of Independence, who were Patriots?

People that were rebelling against Britain, also called American Whigs. Signup and view all the answers

What percent of the population consisted of loyalists?

16% Signup and view all the answers

Where were the majority of patriots concentrated?

Mostly in New England, where Presbyterianism and Congregationalism flourished. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Battle of Saratoga (1777) and why was it important for the Americans?

It was the first major American victory in the revolution and a turning point of the war. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Model Treaty?

A treaty that dictated that the Americans would only have a commercial trading connection with the French. Signup and view all the answers

The French made an open alliance with the __________ in 1778.

Americans Signup and view all the answers

What was Armed Neutrality and who led it?

A union of European countries against Britain, led by Catherine of Russia. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1784)?

A treaty the Iroquois Indians were forced to sign, ceding most of their land to the Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'privateering' and why was it important during the Revolutionary War?

Privately owned vessels authorized by the government to seize enemy vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Conditions of the Treaty of Paris?

British formally recognized U.S. independence; land adjustments including Florida ceded to Spain. Signup and view all the answers

Who negotiated the peace terms with Britain?

Ben Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leadership and Early Actions

George Washington was appointed to lead the Continental Army by the Continental Congress.
In May 1775, American forces under Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured British garrisons at Ticonderoga and Crown Point.

Major Battles and Petitions

The Battle of Bunker Hill marked the first significant confrontation, showcasing American resilience despite the British ultimately regaining control with heavy casualties.
The Olive Branch Petition, presented in July 1775, expressed loyalty to King George III but was rejected, forcing Americans to choose between independence or submission to British rule.

Conflict Escalation

In August 1775, King George III declared the colonies in rebellion and hired German Hessians to restore order.
The failed attack on Canada in October 1775 aimed to capture it as a 14th colony but ended with General Richard Montgomery's death.

Influential Pamphlets

Thomas Paine published "Common Sense" in 1776, advocating for independence from English rule and the establishment of a republican government where power originated from the people.

Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence, approved on July 4, 1776, serving as an explanation for the colonies' quest for freedom.

Loyalists vs. Patriots

Loyalists, representing 16% of the population, supported the British and were primarily educated and wealthy individuals concentrated in areas like New York City and Charleston.
Patriots, also known as American Whigs, opposed British rule and were numerous in regions where Presbyterianism and Congregationalism thrived, particularly in New England.

Turning Points and Alliances

The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 marked a vital American victory, leading to French support for the American cause.
The Model Treaty sought only commercial relations with France, avoiding political or military ties.

European Interventions

France formed an open alliance with the Americans in 1778 to block American-British reconciliation.
Armed Neutrality was established under Catherine of Russia, comprising European nations united against Britain.

Treaties and Terms

The Treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1784 was the first treaty between the U.S. and an Indian nation, forcing the Iroquois to cede significant land.
Privateering involved privately owned vessels authorized to capture enemy resources, bolstering American morale and finances.

Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris recognized American independence and established territorial boundaries extending to the Mississippi River and included stipulations regarding Florida and Loyalist property claims.
Key negotiators for the peace terms with Britain included Ben Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay.

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Description

This quiz covers key events and figures from Chapter 8 of APUSH, focusing on America's secession from British rule. Test your knowledge on pivotal moments such as the leadership of George Washington and the battles at Ticonderoga and Bunker Hill. Perfect for AP U.S. History students preparing for their exams.