The Declaration of Independence Quiz

Questions and Answers

What argument did Paine make regarding the governance of the colonies?

The colonies should remain loyal to the British monarchy.

A distant island should govern a large continent.

It is unreasonable to pledge allegiance to a corrupt government. (correct)

The colonies were incapable of self-governance.

What event did Richard Henry Lee of Virginia initiate?

The resolution declaring the colonies independent. (correct)

The introduction of Thomas Jefferson to the Congress.

The signing of the Constitution.

The first shots of the Revolutionary War.

Which statement accurately reflects a principle expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

All men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights. (correct)

Political ties with Britain should be preserved.

Freedom is granted only to those who fight in wars.

Governments are established by the wealth of the citizens.

During the Revolutionary War, what was a characteristic of the Patriot forces?

They often served in local militia units for short durations. Signup and view all the answers

How did George Washington initially feel about African Americans fighting in the Patriot army?

He initially rejected the idea. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the American population actively participated in the struggle against Britain during the war?

20 to 30 percent. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable challenge faced by General Washington during the war?

He never had more than 20,000 regular troops under his command at one time. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the British promise to enslaved people during the war?

It led to mass defection to the British side. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Paine's Argument

Paine argued for American independence using clear, persuasive language advocating for severing ties with Britain.
He claimed it was illogical for a vast continent to be governed by a small, distant island, questioning the legitimacy of pledging allegiance to a corrupt monarchy.

The Declaration of Independence

The Continental Congress debated independence for over a year, eventually leaning towards separation rather than reconciliation.
On June 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution declaring the colonies independent.
A committee including Thomas Jefferson was formed to draft the Declaration of Independence, articulating grievances against King George III.
Fundamental truths in the Declaration included:
- All men are created equal.
- People are endowed with unalienable rights by their Creator.
- Key rights include Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Lee’s resolution was adopted on July 2, while the Declaration was officially adopted on July 4, 1776.

The Revolutionary War

The war spanned from the first shots at Lexington in 1775 to a peace treaty in 1783, marking a significant struggle for independence.
The conflict helped forge a new American identity as the former colonies unified under the United States of America.
Approximately 2.6 million people resided in the 13 colonies, with 40% actively participating in the war as American Patriots.
About 20-30% of the population were Loyalists, loyal to the British, while others remained neutral.

Patriots

The majority of Patriots came from New England and Virginia.
Many soldiers preferred to serve locally, leading to short-term enlistments that limited troop availability for General Washington.
Washington’s army never exceeded 20,000 regular troops at once, facing chronic shortages in supplies and pay.

African Americans

Initially, George Washington opposed the inclusion of African Americans in the Patriot army.
After the British promised enslaved individuals freedom for joining their cause, Washington and Congress made a similar offer.
Around 5,000 African Americans served in the Patriot military effort.

Description

Test your knowledge on Thomas Paine's arguments for independence and the key principles of the Declaration of Independence. This quiz will cover the historical context and the main ideas presented in these pivotal documents. Perfect for students of American history and civic studies.