Early American War at Sea (Comic-180)
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Questions and Answers

What event led to the surrender of the British ship Serapis?

  • The British ran out of ammunition.
  • The intervention of Commodore Barry.
  • A ship collision with De Grasse's fleet.
  • The explosion of American grenades in the British fleet. (correct)

The battle of the Chesapeake had a definite winner.

False (B)

Who is known for commanding the French fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake?

De Grasse

James Forsten served as a _______ boy during the war.

<p>powder</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their descriptions:

<p>John Paul Jones = Captain of the Serapis De Grasse = Admiral of the French fleet Commodore Barry = Recognized black sailors' contributions James Forsten = Powder boy and business leader</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did Congress take on October 13, 1775?

<p>Authorized the creation of the Continental Navy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The entry of the French navy into the war was a major disadvantage for the British.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to private individuals authorized to attack foreign ships during wartime?

<p>Privateers</p> Signup and view all the answers

The British had _____ ships when the war began.

<p>131</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major advantage for the Americans in naval warfare?

<p>Reliance on privateers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following naval terms with their descriptions:

<p>Privateer = A private individual or ship authorized to attack enemy ships Letter of Marque = A government document allowing piracy against enemy ships Continental Navy = The naval force established by Congress British Navy = The most powerful navy in the world at the time</p> Signup and view all the answers

Privateers only served for profit and had no impact on the war effort.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main source of funding for the privateers?

<p>Investments from wealthy individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of John Paul Jones' flagship?

<p>Bonhomme Richard (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

John Paul Jones was named Captain on December 7, 1776.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major naval victory did John Paul Jones achieve on April 24, 1778?

<p>Capturing the HMS Drake</p> Signup and view all the answers

John Paul Jones famously said, 'I have not yet begun to __________.'

<p>to fight</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events with their associated dates:

<p>John Paul Jones took command of his flagship = 1778 American victory over HMS Drake = April 24, 1778 John Paul Jones named 1st lieutenant = December 7, 1776 Capture of HMS Serapis = September 23, 1779</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which British ship did John Paul Jones capture on September 23, 1779?

<p>HMS Serapis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The French entered the war in 1776 to support the Americans.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where was Machias located during the time of the events described?

<p>Massachusetts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Continental Navy

The naval force created by the US Congress during the Revolutionary War.

Privateer

A privately owned ship authorized by a government to attack enemy ships during wartime.

Letter of Marque

Official document authorizing a privateer to attack enemy ships.

British Navy

The naval force of Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.

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Colonial Navy

The navy of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

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French Navy

The naval force of France during the Revolutionary War.

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Privateering Profiteering:

Making money through privateering during wartime.

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Harassing British Shipping

Attacking British ships to disrupt trade and supply lines.

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First Naval Battle of the War

In June 1775, American forces in Machias, Massachusetts, seized a British schooner, marking the first naval engagement of the American Revolutionary War.

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John Paul Jones

A prominent American naval officer during the Revolutionary War, known for his daring tactics and victories against the British navy.

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Bonhomme Richard

John Paul Jones' flagship, a crucial ship in several key naval battles and carrying the famous quote, "I have not yet begun to fight."

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1778 French Intervention

France's entry into the Revolutionary War in 1778 provided substantial naval support to the Americans, including a fleet for John Paul Jones.

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HMS Serapis

British warship captured by John Paul Jones' Bonhomme Richard in September 1779, marking a major American victory.

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"I have not yet begun to fight"

A quote attributed to John Paul Jones during the battle against the HMS Serapis, symbolizing his determination despite the damage to his ship

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Naval Victory of 1778

John Paul Jones led the American forces to a significant victory by capturing the HMS Drake in 1778.

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American Naval Preparedness

Early American naval ships were frequently under-equipped and unprepared, often built in haste.

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Battle of Chesapeake

A naval battle fought in 1781 between the French and British fleets in the Chesapeake Bay. The battle was indecisive, but the French blockade prevented British reinforcements from reaching Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, paving the way for American victory.

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French Naval Blockade

The French navy's strategic move to prevent British ships from reaching Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. This blockade, combined with the siege by American forces, led to the British surrender at Yorktown.

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Commodore Barry

A significant figure in the American Navy during the Revolution, who recognized the valuable contributions of Black sailors.

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James Forsten

An example of a Black sailor who served as a powder boy during the Revolution. He was captured by the British, but later released and went on to become a successful businessman and leader in Philadelphia.

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Black Sailors in the American Navy

Black sailors were commonly recruited into the American Navy during the Revolution, both free and enslaved men, serving in various roles and playing a key role in the war effort.

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Study Notes

Early American War at Sea (Comic-180)

  • British had the most powerful navy globally but failed to use it effectively.
  • US had a weak navy.
  • Entry of the French Navy into the war was a major advantage for Americans.
  • Spanish and Dutch involvement in naval battles occupied British resources.
  • Continental Navy created in 1775.
  • Congress authorized building warships.
  • Merchant vessels converted to combat ships by 1776.
  • Americans relied on privateers (legally authorized pirates)

Privateers

  • Privateer is a private individual or ship authorized by government to attack foreign ships during wartime.
  • Privateers were effective at harassing British shipping and redistributing captured goods.

Battle of Machias

  • June 2, 1775: Local Americans seized a British schooner.
  • British had 131 ships but many were poorly maintained.
  • Under 40 ships were battle-ready by the end of the first year of war.

John Paul Jones

  • Officially named 1st Lieutenant on December 7, 1776.
  • French supplied him with 7 ships in 1778.
  • Renamed his flagship the Bonhomme Richard.
  • Captured the HMS Serapis on September 23, 1779.
  • Famous quote: "I have not yet begun to fight."

Thanks to France

  • Comte de Grasse commanded French fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake.
  • Blocked the Yorktown Peninsula, trapping the British army.
  • Without supplies, British surrender was inevitable.

African Americans

  • Black sailors were common in the navy.
  • Recruited free and enslaved Black men.
  • Recognized as courageous patriots.
  • Examples like James Forsten, who became a successful businessman in Philadelphia.

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Description

Explore the naval strategies and battles of early American history, focusing on the Continental Navy, privateers, and key figures like John Paul Jones. Learn how the involvement of the French Navy and the actions of privateers affected the outcome of naval engagements against the British. This quiz covers critical events and tactics that defined naval warfare during the American Revolution.

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