Key Figures of the American Revolution

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Questions and Answers

What was George Washington's role during the French and Indian War?

Young 22-year-old British lieutenant colonel sent to stop the French from entering British land near the Ohio River.

What was the primary purpose of the Stamp Act Congress?

Delegates from nine colonies met to denounce the Stamp Act.

Who led the Sons of Liberty, and what was their main purpose?

Samuel Adams led the Sons of Liberty. They organized violent protests to oppose the Stamp Act.

The Proclamation of 1763 encouraged westward expansion by American colonists.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What mistake did British General Edward Braddock make during the French and Indian War?

He refused to heed warnings from George Washington about guerrilla warfare, leading to the loss of 500 men. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Quartering Act?

It subjected colonists to the British Army during peacetime and required them to provide provisions for the soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary conflict in the French and Indian War?

The war was primarily a conflict between France and England over territory and power in North America. Signup and view all the answers

What were boycotts used for during the colonial period?

Boycotts were a way for colonists to refuse to purchase goods from British merchants, often in response to unfair policies. Signup and view all the answers

What role did William Pitt play in the French and Indian War?

He was the British Prime Minister who devised a new strategy to win the war. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Sons of Liberty's purpose?

They were a growing group of opponents to British rule in the American colonies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of Benjamin Franklin's Albany Plan?

It proposed a centralized government for the English colonies, but it was ultimately rejected. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Albany Congress?

It brought together delegates from all English colonies to try and achieve unity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a blockade?

An activity that prevents the movement of people and supplies in and out of ports. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did the Olive Branch Petition serve?

It was a document sent to the king by the American Congress, pledging loyalty as long as Parliament's abuses on the colonies were stopped. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main message of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?

It urged colonists to declare independence from British rule. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the First Continental Congress?

Leaders from the colonies met to discuss ways to resist British rule and establish their own militia. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

It was the first major battle of the American Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What were the colonists who supported the war called?

They were called patriots. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Vermont militia that captured Fort Ticonderoga?

Ethan Allen led the Vermont militia. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the commander of the first Continental Army during the American Revolution?

General George Washington. Signup and view all the answers

What was John Paul Jones's accomplishment during the Revolutionary War?

He commanded a Revolutionary ship that attacked and defeated a British ship while severely damaged, forcing the British ship to surrender. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of Monmouth?

The battle ended in a draw but showcased the American Army's improved training and strength. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Cowpens?

It was a major victory for the Continental Army in South Carolina, led by General Nathanael Greene. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the Battle of Yorktown?

American and French forces laid siege on the British army, resulting in a decisive victory for the American-French alliance and marking the end of the war. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Battle of Saratoga significant?

It was a major victory for the colonists in New York. Signup and view all the answers

Who was General Charles Cornwallis during the Revolutionary War?

He was one of the most successful British generals who achieved numerous victories in the South. Signup and view all the answers

Why did British troops camp out in Princeton, NJ before the Battle of Trenton?

They were hoping to recapture Trenton quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of Trenton?

It was a victory for the colonists in New Jersey, boosting their morale and confidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a confederation?

A close alliance of sovereign states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

It established a league of friendships among the states, ensuring their independence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Newburgh Conspiracy?

A plan by officers of the Continental Army to hold a meeting, demand their pay, create a new government, and potentially ask George Washington to become a dictator or King. Signup and view all the answers

What was Shay's Rebellion?

An uprising by farmers in Massachusetts who protested against the courts for jailing them and taking away their land for not paying their debts. Signup and view all the answers

What important contributions did James Madison make to the Constitutional Convention?

He contributed many ideas, earning him the title "Father of the Constitution." Signup and view all the answers

What is a limited government?

A government restricted by defined powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the separation of powers?

It is a system designed to prevent any individual or group from gaining too much authority within the government. Signup and view all the answers

What does popular sovereignty mean?

Consent by the people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preamble of the Constitution?

It is the introductory statement of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Electoral College?

It is an institution of electors who cast votes for the President of the United States on behalf of U.S. citizens. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Figures and Events of the American Revolution

George Washington: Young British lieutenant colonel, sent to stop the French near the Ohio River.
Edward Braddock: British general, ignored warnings about guerrilla warfare leading to significant losses.
William Pitt: British Prime Minister who formulated a plan to win the French and Indian War.
Samuel Adams: Leader of the Boston Sons of Liberty, instrumental in protests against the Stamp Act.
Ethan Allen: Led a Vermont militia capturing Fort Ticonderoga.
John Paul Jones: Revolutionary War naval officer, famous for attacking and defeating a British ship while severely damaged.
General Charles Cornwallis: Prominent British general with several victories in the south.
General Nathanael Greene: Led Continental Army to victory at Cowpens.
James Madison: Key figure at the Constitutional Convention, often called the "Father of the Constitution."

Colonial Conflicts and Resistance

French and Indian War (Seven Years' War): Conflict between France and Britain over territory and power.
Proclamation of 1763: British decree forbidding colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
Stamp Act Congress (1765): Colonial delegates protested the Stamp Act.
Sons of Liberty: Growing group of American colonists who opposed British rule.
Quartering Act: Colonists forced to provide housing and provisions for the British army.
Boycotts: Colonists refused to purchase British goods.
Albany Plan: Benjamin Franklin's proposal for a centralized colonial government, ultimately rejected.
Albany Congress (1754): Colonial delegates met to consider unity but couldn't agree.
Blockades: Actions restricting access to ports and trade.

Road to Revolution and War

Olive Branch Petition: Document sent to the king by the American Congress, expressing loyalty and requesting an end to Parliament's abuses.
Common Sense: Thomas Paine's pamphlet advocating for American independence.
First Continental Congress: Colonial leaders met to discuss resistance and create a militia.
Battle of Bunker Hill: First major battle of the American Revolution.
Patriots: Colonists favoring the war for independence.
Battle of Trenton: American victory in New Jersey that boosted morale.
Battle of Princeton: American victory; British troops camped in Princeton, hoping for a quick recapture of Trenton.
Battle of Saratoga: Crucial American victory in New York; convinced France to support America.
Battle of Yorktown: Combined American and French forces surrounded and defeated the British, effectively ending the war.

Post-War Challenges and the Constitution

Confederation: A close alliance of sovereign states.
Articles of Confederation: Established a "league of friendship" among states, with each remaining independent.
Newburgh Conspiracy: Army officers considered demanding a stronger central government.
Shay's Rebellion: Farmers' uprising against the Massachusetts courts.
Constitutional Convention: Meeting to create a new government.
Limited Government: Government with restrictions on power.
Separation of Powers: System of government where power is divided among branches.
Popular Sovereignty: Rule by the consent of the people.
Preamble: Introduction statement of the Constitution.
Electoral College: Institution that elects the President of the United States.

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Test your knowledge on the key figures and events that shaped the American Revolution. From George Washington to Samuel Adams, explore the influential personalities and their contributions to the fight for independence. Dive into the pivotal moments that defined this crucial period in American history.