The Declaration of Independence Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What did one of them say about monarchy?

Monarchy should never provide just government for a nation.

What does the olive tree symbolize in the Olive Branch Petition?

Ancient symbol of peace.

When was the Olive Branch Petition sent and who wrote it?

July 1775, The Second Continental Congress.

To whom was the Olive Branch Petition written, how was it written, and what was its purpose?

Written to King George III specifically, in a very polite way, to ask him to end the quarrel. Signup and view all the answers

Was the Olive Branch Petition successful?

No, the king refused to read it. Signup and view all the answers

What did the king call the colonists after the Olive Branch Petition was sent?

Traitors. Signup and view all the answers

What were many colonists worried about before becoming independent?

They might lose businesses and thought it was too risky. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Olive Branch Petition different from Common Sense?

The Olive Branch Petition was respectful to the king, while Common Sense was not. Signup and view all the answers

When was Common Sense published and who wrote it?

Early in 1776, by Thomas Paine. Signup and view all the answers

What was Common Sense's stance on the king and parliament?

It didn't care about the king or parliament at all. Signup and view all the answers

For whom was Common Sense written and what was its purpose?

Written to other colonists to persuade them that independence was right. Signup and view all the answers

Was Common Sense successful?

Yes, it helped persuade thousands of colonists that independence was key to a brighter future. Signup and view all the answers

Did the Olive Branch Petition and Common Sense present similar views of the monarchy?

Yes, both believed King George needed to change, but they differed in tone. Signup and view all the answers

How is Common Sense described?

As a fiery pamphlet. Signup and view all the answers

What event was right before the drafting of the Declaration of Independence?

The declaration was drafted about six months after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord. Signup and view all the answers

After the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, what was the situation regarding independence?

There was little talk of independence; most colonists saw themselves as loyal British subjects. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Olive Branch Petition and Common Sense differ in their approach towards King George?

The Olive Branch Petition was sweet and asked King George to end the war, while Common Sense was direct. Signup and view all the answers

What did Paine argue regarding the colonies' ties to Great Britain?

That the ties had hurt the Americans and trade suffered. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Olive Branch Petition

An attempt by the Second Continental Congress sent in July 1775 to King George III.
Symbolized peace, advocating for the cessation of fighting and restoration of pre-war relations.
Written in a polite, respectful tone, urging the king to resolve conflicts without further hostilities.
Failed as King George III refused to read it, labeling the colonies as "open and avowed Rebellion."

King George III's Response

Declared the colonies traitors, intensifying conflict and changing the mindset of some colonists.
Prior to the petition, colonists were worried about the implications of independence, fearing business loss and unsure of success.
King's rejection of the petition was a pivotal moment, as he called for justice against those he deemed traitors.

Common Sense

Pamphlet published in early 1776 by Thomas Paine aimed directly at colonists.
Differed from the Olive Branch Petition in its fiery tone, arguing against the monarchy and advocating for independence.
Successfully persuaded thousands of colonists that independence was essential for a better future, with over 100,000 copies disseminated quickly.

Impact and Significance

Common Sense was crucial in shifting public opinion towards independence, emphasizing that colonists owed nothing to King George.
Both documents, although differing in tone, criticized the monarchy and its policies, with the Olive Branch Petition being more diplomatic.
Common Sense galvanized support and was published just months before the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Context of the Time

One year after the initial skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, loyalty to Britain was still widespread among colonists.
Many viewed their grievances as conflicts with specific policies rather than the British crown itself, highlighting the significance of the changing attitudes influenced by both pamphlets.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts surrounding The Declaration of Independence, including the Olive Branch Petition and Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense.' This quiz focuses on understanding the significance of these documents in the context of America's quest for independence. Perfect for students of American history!