Causes of the American Revolution

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Questions and Answers

Which Enlightenment thinker's ideas on natural rights and resistance to unjust rule significantly influenced the American colonists?

  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau
  • John Locke (correct)
  • Baron de Montesquieu
  • Thomas Hobbes

What was the primary purpose of the Stamp Act imposed on the American colonists by the British Parliament in 1765?

  • To fund the British Navy
  • To finance the cost of maintaining a British army in North America (correct)
  • To regulate trade between the colonies and Britain
  • To diminish the need for colonial taxes

Which event involved American patriots throwing tea into Boston Harbor as a form of protest?

  • The Boston Tea Party (correct)
  • The Stamp Act Congress
  • The Intolerable Acts
  • The Boston Massacre

What was the main colonial grievance that led to the Boston Tea Party?

<p>The perceived monopoly of the East India Company and taxation without representation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate consequence of the Boston Tea Party?

<p>The implementation of the Intolerable Acts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the Intolerable Acts directly impacted the economy of the city of Boston?

<p>The Boston Port Act (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action of the Intolerable Acts allowed royal officials to be tried outside of Massachusetts?

<p>The Administration of Justice Act (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Massachusetts Government Act alter the political structure of the colony?

<p>It gave more authority to the royal governor and greatly reduced self-governance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which act prohibited the colonists from issuing their own paper money?

<p>Currency Act (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason that colonists opposed the Stamp Act?

<p>It taxed all printed materials, including legal documents and newspapers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of colonial America and British rule, what does 'taxation without representation' primarily refer to?

<p>The British government imposed taxes on the colonies without giving them any representation in the British Parliament. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the French and Indian War in leading to the American Revolution?

<p>It caused financial strain on Great Britain, leading to increased taxes on the colonies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the British monarch during the time leading up to the American Revolution?

<p>King George III (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts directly affected the price of imported goods like molasses and sugar?

<p>Sugar Act (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the British government in passing acts like the Stamp Act, Sugar Act, and Currency Act?

<p>To maintain control over the colonies and generate revenue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct colonial response to the series of acts and policies that lead to the American Revolution?

<p>The colonists, in protest, started to plan the Boston Tea Party. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes George Washington's primary role during the American Revolution?

<p>Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Thomas Jefferson's most notable contribution to the American Revolution?

<p>Crafting the Declaration of Independence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Quartering Act?

<p>To require colonists to offer lodging and provisions to British troops. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Paul Revere primarily remembered in the context of the American Revolution?

<p>For his midnight ride warning of British troops. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Quebec Act contribute to tensions between the colonists and Britain?

<p>It expanded Quebec's territory and granted religious freedom to Catholics, alarming Protestant colonists. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Patrick Henry primarily known for regarding the American Revolution?

<p>His famous speech, 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action was a direct result of the First Continental Congress?

<p>The implementation of a boycott on British goods through the Articles of Association. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Benjamin Franklin's primary contribution to the American Revolution?

<p>Securing critical support from France. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main significance of the Battle of Lexington and Concord?

<p>It was the first armed conflict of the American Revolutionary War. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key outcome of the Battles of Lexington and Concord?

<p>The start of the American Revolutionary War. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the options was not a contribution of one of the mentioned individuals to the revolution?

<p>Crafting the US Constitution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the British troops march to Concord in April 1775?

<p>To seize stores of colonial weaponry and gunpowder. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was not a stated significance of the Battle of Lexington and Concord?

<p>Led to the Declaration of Independence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the phrase ‘shot heard 'round the world’?

<p>It refers to the the shot fired at the start of the Battles of Lexington and Concord which marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of Samuel Adams?

<p>He was a leading figure in organizing resistance against British rule. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the First Continental Congress respond to the Intolerable Acts?

<p>They argued that the the colonists should have the same rights as Englishmen, and suspended trade with Great Britain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary effect did the early battles of the revolution have on colonial unity?

<p>They fostered a sense of unity and common cause against British rule. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which leadership strategy was crucial for alerting the colonists about British troop movements?

<p>Employing the 'Midnight Ride' by Paul Revere and others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the American forces typically engage the British army in early Revolutionary battles?

<p>They employed hit-and-run tactics, ambushing British troops, and used terrain to their advantage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary strategic purpose of the American forces concentrating at Concord?

<p>To gather troops and resources to confront the British. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Battle of Bunker Hill, despite being a British victory, considered significant for the American colonists?

<p>It demonstrated the British Army was not as strong as they believed and boosted American morale. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did American forces at Breed's Hill use the strategy of 'not firing until you see the whites of their eyes'?

<p>To conserve ammunition strategically for maximum impact. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the Battle of Bunker Hill regarding the American military?

<p>It encouraged more volunteers to join the Continental Army. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did American leaders demonstrate adaptability and preservation of their forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

<p>By executing a strategic withdrawal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the strategies employed by American leaders to deal with British forces?

<p>Employing hit-and-run tactics based on terrain knowledge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the effective end of British military operations in the colonies?

<p>Battle of Yorktown (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

<p>It formally recognized American independence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did American leaders coordinate their military efforts at Yorktown?

<p>Via a combined land and naval assault with French support (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Abigail Adams play during the American Revolution?

<p>She advocated for women's rights and political representation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did the Americans use to successfully lay siege to British forces?

<p>Surrounding the forces and cutting off supplies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event or action significantly boosted American morale during the war?

<p>The decisive victory at the Battle of Yorktown (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical support did the French provide to the American forces?

<p>Military support and naval power (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Taxation without Representation

A key cause of the American Revolution, where colonists protested against paying taxes without having elected representatives in the British Parliament to voice their concerns.

Stamp Act

A 1765 Act that imposed a tax on all printed materials in the colonies, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. This sparked widespread colonial anger and resistance.

Sugar Act

The Sugar Act of 1764 increased taxes on imported sugar, molasses, and other goods, which further fueled the growing resentment among colonists.

Currency Act

The Currency Act of 1764 prohibited colonies from issuing their own paper money, forcing them to rely on British currency. This limited economic opportunities for colonists.

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Intolerable Acts

A series of measures passed by Britain in response to colonial protests, targeting Boston specifically by shutting down its port, restricting town meetings, and imposing military rule. These acts further inflamed tensions between the colonists and the British government.

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French and Indian War

A conflict between Britain and France for control of the Ohio River Valley, involving alliances with Native American tribes. The war strained British finances and led to increased taxation on the colonies.

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King George III

The British monarch during the American Revolution. His pursuit of control over the colonies and enforcement of unpopular policies fueled colonial resistance.

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British Government

The British Parliament, which enacted the laws and taxes that intensified the colonists' grievances against British rule.

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What was the Stamp Act?

The first direct tax levied on American colonists by the British Parliament, aiming to fund the British army stationed in North America. It required a stamp on all official papers and publications, angering colonists who felt they were being taxed without representation.

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Describe the Boston Massacre

The Boston Massacre was a deadly clash between British soldiers and colonial protesters in Boston. It left five colonists dead and contributed to the escalating tensions leading to the American Revolution.

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What happened during the Boston Tea Party?

The Boston Tea Party was a protest against British taxation and the monopoly of the East India Company. American colonists, disguised as Mohawk Indians, threw 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor, showcasing their discontent and rallying support for the Revolution.

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What were the Intolerable Acts?

The Intolerable Acts were a series of punitive measures passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party. They aimed to punish Massachusetts and tighten British control over the colonies, further fueling the tensions that led to the American Revolution.

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Explain the Boston Port Act.

The Boston Port Act closed the port of Boston until the East India Company was compensated for the tea destroyed during the Boston Tea Party. This aimed to cripple the city's economy and force the colonists to comply.

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Describe the Massachusetts Government Act.

The Massachusetts Government Act drastically reduced self-governance in Massachusetts, giving more power to the royal governor. This angered colonists who valued their local control and autonomy.

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What was the Administration of Justice Act?

The Administration of Justice Act allowed British officials accused of crimes in Massachusetts to be tried in other colonies or Britain. This was seen as a way to ensure unfair trials, further fueling colonial resentment.

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How did these events lead to the American Revolution?

These key events - the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Intolerable Acts - played a crucial role in fueling colonial unrest and paving the way for the American Revolution. They exposed the growing tension between the colonists and the British crown, culminating in the declaration of independence.

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Quartering Act

This act required colonists to provide housing and supplies to British troops stationed in the colonies, sparking resentment and fueling the call for independence.

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Quebec Act

This act expanded Quebec's territory, granted religious freedom to Catholics, and alarmed Protestant colonists, as it was seen as a threat to their land claims.

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First Continental Congress

This meeting was called to respond to the Intolerable Acts. It declared colonial rights, established the Continental Association to boycott British goods, and began to assume legislative and executive functions.

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Battles of Lexington and Concord

These battles marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. They were fought due to British efforts to seize colonial weaponry at Concord and colonists’ resistance.

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Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams was a leading figure in the American Revolution. He organized resistance against British policies and was instrumental in the Boston Tea Party. His leadership in the Sons of Liberty and the Continental Congress unified the colonies against British rule.

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Continental Association

The Continental Association was a system of boycotts of British goods initiated by the First Continental Congress.

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American War of Independence

This war, also known as the American Revolutionary War, was spurred by the Battles of Lexington and Concord and lasted from 1775 to 1783, leading to American independence.

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What is the 'shot heard round the world'?

The 'shot heard round the world' refers to the first shots fired in the Battles of Lexington and Concord, signifying the beginning of the American Revolution and American independence.

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Increased Support for Independence

The battles of Lexington and Concord inspired more colonists to join the fight for independence, strengthening the Continental Army.

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Guerrilla Tactics

American leaders used surprise attacks, ambushes, and the terrain to their advantage to outsmart the British.

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Who led the Continental Army?

George Washington led the Continental Army to victory against the British during the American Revolution.

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Unity Among Colonists

Colonists across different regions came together to fight against British rule, creating a unified force.

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Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is known for writing the Declaration of Independence, which outlined the colonies' reasons for wanting independence from British rule.

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Who warned colonists of approaching British troops?

Paul Revere is remembered for his midnight ride, warning colonists of the approaching British troops in Lexington and Concord.

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Psychological Victory

The battle, despite a British victory, showed that the colonists could fight back against the powerful British army.

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Who famously said 'Give me Liberty, or give me Death!'?

Patrick Henry was a passionate speaker who famously said, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He was a strong advocate for individual rights and encouraged support for the Revolution.

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Tactical Retreat

By strategically retreating when they ran out of ammunition, American leaders preserved their army for future battles.

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Who secured French support for the American Revolution?

Benjamin Franklin was a diplomat who secured French support for the American Revolution.

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Limited Ammunition

American forces used their limited ammunition efficiently, waiting for the right moment to inflict maximum damage on the British.

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Defensive Positioning

American leaders like Prescott fortified Breed's Hill, creating a strong defensive position against the British attacks.

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What battle marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battle of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. It demonstrated the colonists' commitment to fighting for their independence.

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Strategic Positioning

The battle highlighted the importance of controlling key areas around Boston, leading to more military actions in the region.

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What was the significance of the Battle of Lexington and Concord?

The Battle of Lexington and Concord was significant because it showed the colonists' willingness to fight for their rights and independence.

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What battle convinced France to officially support the colonists?

The Battle of Saratoga was a crucial turning point in the American Revolution. The American victory convinced France to officially support the colonists, which greatly strengthened their position against Britain.

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Intelligence and Planning

American strategy of gathering intelligence on British troop movements, planning counter-attacks, and exploiting terrain knowledge for ambushes and hit-and-run tactics.

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Use of Terrain

American tactics of using the landscape to their advantage, like hiding in forests and ambushing British forces.

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Concentration of Forces

American strategy of consolidating troops from different militias and the Continental Army to create a larger, stronger military force.

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Siege Warfare

American strategy of encircling and isolating British forces by cutting off their supplies and reinforcements, making it easier for them to surrender.

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Battle of Yorktown

The final major battle of the Revolutionary War, where American and French forces defeated the British, leading to their surrender.

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French Alliance

The key French alliance that provided crucial military support and naval power, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Americans.

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Siege Warfare (Yorktown)

The collaboration between American and French forces to surround and trap British troops, preventing escape and leading to their surrender.

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Control of the Chesapeake

The French naval dominance, under Admiral de Grasse, that blocked British reinforcements and supplies, isolating them at Yorktown.

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Study Notes

Causes of the American Revolution: Taxation and Representation

  • The American Revolution was a conflict where American colonies fought for independence from British rule. Colonists felt they were treated unfairly.
  • Colonists protested taxation without representation. They felt taxes were imposed without their consent in governing how the money was used.

Key Events Leading to Independence:

  • Stamp Act (1765): Taxed printed materials (newspapers, legal documents, playing cards). Increased prices.
  • Sugar Act (1764): Taxed sugar, molasses, and other imported goods. Increased prices.
  • Currency Act (1764): Prohibited colonists from issuing new paper money. Limited access to money.
  • Intolerable Acts: Punitive laws imposed by Britain after the Boston Tea Party, including the Boston Port Act that closed the port.
  • French and Indian War: Conflict between France and Britain (both claimed lands). War expenses led to increased taxes on American colonies.

Major Battles and Strategies of the American Revolution

  • Battle of Lexington and Concord: First armed conflict of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.
  • Battle of Bunker Hill: (June 17, 1775) although a British victory, boosted American morale.
  • Battle of Trenton: (December 26, 1776) A crucial surprise victory for the Americans.
  • Battle of Saratoga: (September and October 1777) A key turning point in the war, leading to a critical French alliance.
  • Siege of Yorktown: (September 28 - October 19, 1781) American and French forces defeated British forces, ending major fighting.

The Role of Women and Minorities in the Revolution

  • Abigail Adams: Advocated for women's rights in letters to John Adams.
  • Deborah Sampson: Disguised herself as a man to fight in the Continental Army.
  • Mercy Otis Warren: Wrote plays, pamphlets, and historical accounts about the Revolution opposing British rule.
  • Phillis Wheatley: Used poetry to express freedom and American ideals of the Revolution.

The Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention

  • Articles of Confederation: America's first governing document. Established a weak central government.
  • Constitutional Convention: (1787) Delegates from twelve states met to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, to create a new constitution.
  • U.S. Constitution: Replaced the Articles. Created a strong federal government with three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to establish checks and balances through a system.

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