Chapter 5: The French and Indian War Overview

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Questions and Answers

Who was named general and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775?

  • Thomas Jefferson
  • John Adams
  • George Washington (correct)
  • Richard Lee

What was the primary purpose of Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence?

  • To declare war against Britain
  • To outline the benefits of monarchy
  • To provide a public explanation of colonial grievances (correct)
  • To establish a new government structure

What significant date is noted by John Adams as the most memorable epoch in American history?

  • July 2, 1776 (correct)
  • June 15, 1775
  • October 17, 1777
  • July 4, 1776

Which British general sought to sever New England from the other colonies?

<p>William Howe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the responsibilities Congress had under the Articles of Confederation?

<p>Overseeing foreign affairs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What marked the turning point in the Revolutionary War?

<p>The surrender of British forces at Saratoga (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pamphlet by Thomas Paine significantly influenced colonial sentiment towards independence?

<p>Common Sense (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following was NOT part of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence?

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

What was one of the inherent natural rights mentioned in George Mason's Declaration of Rights?

<p>Enjoyment of Life and Liberty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did George Washington state about the impact of Common Sense?

<p>It worked a powerful change in the minds of men. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of British military efforts after the winter of 1778?

<p>To shift operations to the Southern colonies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the eventual surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown?

<p>The harsh treatment of Loyalists by British forces (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the official recognition of American independence?

<p>The Peace of Paris (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the American Congress's refusal to negotiate with Britain?

<p>Demand for recognition of independence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main misconception about Loyalist strength in the South by the British?

<p>Loyalist numbers were vastly overestimated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who replaced General Howe as commander of the British forces?

<p>Sir Henry Clinton (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the British forces miscalculate their operations in the Southern colonies?

<p>They underestimated loyalist backlash to their harshness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Yorktown?

<p>It led directly to the independence of the USA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the terms agreed upon in the Peace of Paris regarding debts?

<p>USA would pay back debts owed to British creditors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the British fleet affect General Cornwallis's confidence at Yorktown?

<p>He had no concerns due to the navy's control of the waters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the French and Indian War initiating the Revolutionary Movement?

<p>French colonists allying with Native Americans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of Fort Necessity?

<p>Washington retreated and surrendered (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did the British government believe the colonies should face after the French and Indian War?

<p>They should pay higher taxes for their protection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Proclamation Act of 1763 do?

<p>Prohibited settlers from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which act led to the phrase 'No Taxation Without Representation'?

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

What was the primary purpose of the Sons of Liberty?

<p>To undermine British rule and organize protests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Boston Massacre?

<p>Colonial resistance gained its first martyrs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event did the Boston Tea Party symbolize?

<p>Resistance against British taxation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the First Continental Congress determine about Parliament's authority?

<p>Parliament had no right to tax the colonies without consent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sparked the Battles of Lexington and Concord?

<p>British troops' efforts to seize colonial arms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one promise made by King George III in response to the colonial unrest?

<p>Colonists must either submit or triumph (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Daughters of Liberty?

<p>They boycotted British goods and promoted home production (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the effects of the Intolerable Acts?

<p>Boston Harbor was closed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Britain's deep debt influence its policies toward the colonies?

<p>It resulted in higher taxes and tighter control over colonial finances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

French & Indian War

The French began building forts in the Ohio River Valley, causing tensions with British colonists, leading to the armed conflict known as the French & Indian War.

Fort Duquesne

British troops built a fort at the strategic fork of the Ohio River, but were quickly ousted by the French, who constructed Fort Duquesne in its place.

Battle of Fort Necessity

A 1754 battle where George Washington's inexperienced Virginia troops clashed with a French Regiment, ending in a retreat and a surrender of Fort Necessity.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

The treaty that ended the French & Indian War, giving Britain major territorial gains in North America, effectively removing France.

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Pontiac's Rebellion (1763)

A major uprising of Native American tribes against British rule in the Great Lakes region, fueled by resentment and frustration.

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Proclamation Act of 1763

A proclamation by the British Parliament to forbid colonial westward expansion beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

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Loyalists

A group of colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the Revolution.

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Patriots

Advocates for American independence during the Revolutionary period, emphasizing their rights as colonists.

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Republicanism

A political philosophy that emphasizes civic virtue, popular sovereignty, and limited government. It heavily influenced the American Revolution.

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Sugar Act (1764)

A tax imposed by the British Parliament on imported sugar, molasses, and other goods, intended to raise funds for the British Empire.

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Stamp Act (1765)

A tax levied on all paper goods in the colonies, from legal documents to newspapers, sparking strong colonial resistance.

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No Taxation Without Representation

A powerful slogan that encapsulated colonial opposition to British taxation without representation in Parliament.

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Sons of Liberty

A secret resistance organization formed in the colonies to protest unjust taxes and British policies, using acts of defiance and sabotage.

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Boston Massacre (1770)

An incident in which British soldiers fired on a crowd of colonists in Boston, escalating tensions and resulting in widespread outrage.

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Boston Tea Party

A 1773 act of defiance in which American colonists disguised as Native Americans boarded British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.

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Battle of Saratoga

British General John Burgoyne attempted to capture, but American General Horatio Gates surrounded and ultimately forced British forces to surrender on October 17, 1777, marking a turning point in the war.

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Articles of Confederation

The first official government of the United States, established after the Declaration of Independence, granted significant powers to Congress, including foreign affairs, war, and peace.

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Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence from Britain, emphasizing the need to break free from tyrannical monarchy and the dangers of monarchical rule.

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Natural Rights

The principle that men are born with natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in George Mason's Virginia Declaration of Rights.

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Declaration of Independence

A document written primarily by Thomas Jefferson that outlined the reasons for the American colonies' declaration of independence from Great Britain, focusing on grievances against British rule and advocating for self-governance.

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Who was George Washington?

A pivotal leader during the American Revolution. He was elected as head commander of the Continental Army in June 1775, playing a critical role in the fight for independence.

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Continental Currency

The Continental Army's primary form of currency during the American Revolution. Its value fluctuated due to wartime inflation. It was used by the government to pay troops and finance the war effort.

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British Capture of New York

Following the Declaration of Independence, the British aimed to capture New York City to sever New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe, the British commander, hoped to defeat the Continental Army. The battle resulted in a British victory, forcing Washington to retreat.

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French Alliance

The pivotal moment in the American Revolution, where France recognized the United States and joined the war as an ally, ultimately contributing to American victory. This was a turning point that shifted the balance of power in favor of the young American nation.

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Second Continental Congress

The body of representatives from the thirteen colonies that assumed the role of a revolutionary government during the American Revolution. It played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and organizing the war effort.

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Parliament's Peace Efforts

After the British defeat at Saratoga, Parliament attempted to appease the American colonies by offering concessions, essentially granting their demands before declaring independence. This attempted peace effort signaled a shift in British strategy, recognizing the potential for a drawn-out and costly war.

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American Congress's Stance

Although Parliament offered concessions, the American Congress refused to negotiate until Britain formally recognized American independence or withdrew its forces completely. This stance reflected the growing confidence and resolve of the American colonists in their struggle for independence.

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Change in British Command

General Howe resigned his command after the British defeat at Saratoga, and Sir Henry Clinton took over as the new commander. This marked a turning point in the war, with British strategy now focusing on gaining control of the South in hopes of bolstering Loyalist support.

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British Southern Strategy

The Southern strategy aimed to capitalize on the perceived strength of Loyalists in the region. King George believed that by deploying British forces in the South, they could easily rouse a rebellion among the Loyalists and secure the region.

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Backfire of British Strategy

The British underestimated the strength of Loyalist support in the South, and their harsh behavior actually drove many Loyalists away, alienating potential allies and turning them against the crown. This backfired on the British, exacerbating the conflict instead of mitigating it.

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Importance of Southern Colonies

Southern colonies were crucial for the British due to their production of vital agricultural goods like tobacco and rice. The British were aiming to secure these resources, both economically valuable and strategically important.

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Greene's Role in Southern Campaign

Under the command of Nathanael Greene, American forces effectively countered British control in the Deep South, limiting their hold to Charleston and Savannah. This marked a turning point in the war, demonstrating American resilience and tactical prowess.

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Cornwallis's Move to Virginia

General Cornwallis shifted his focus to Virginia, aiming to neutralize it as a source of reinforcement for the American forces in the Carolinas. This move was intended to weaken the American stronghold in the South and secure the region for the British.

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Cornwallis's Choice of Yorktown

Cornwallis chose Yorktown as a defensive site believing it would effectively shield his troops from a potential siege due to Washington's forces being occupied elsewhere and the British navy's dominance on American waters. He underestimated the resilience and resourcefulness of the American forces.

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French Naval Victory

The French navy, under the command of Admiral de Grasse, gained control of the Chesapeake Bay after Washington's persuasive efforts. This decisive victory for the French provided critical support for the American and French forces assembled at Yorktown.

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Study Notes

The French and Indian War (1754-1783)

  • The French and Indian War sparked the Revolutionary Movement.
  • French colonists allied with Native Americans.
  • They built forts in the Ohio River Valley.
  • In 1753, the Virginia governor sent George Washington to warn the French about trespassing.
  • Washington's mission failed; the French refused to leave.
  • The British built a fort (Pittsburgh), but were forced out and the French built Fort Duquesne.
  • Washington, with Virginia troops, encountered French forces in 1754.
  • This resulted in the Battle of Fort Necessity, where Washington surrendered.
  • The British ultimately won the war.
  • The Treaty of Paris removed France from North America.
  • Britain accumulated significant war debts, believing the colonies should contribute.
  • Native Americans were negatively impacted by the removal of the French, as Britain now focused on them.

Pontiac's Rebellion (1763)

  • Native resistance against British expansion along the Appalachian Mountains.
  • The Proclamation Act of 1763 was passed to prevent further attacks.
  • It restricted colonial settlements west of the Appalachians.
  • Colonists were upset and ignored the Proclamation Line, considering the land rightfully theirs.

Prelude to Revolution: Three Camps

  • Colonists divided into Loyalists (loyal to Britain), Patriots (seeking independence), and Neutrals.
  • Republicanism, emphasizing voting rights, gained popularity, influencing figures like Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin.
  • Britain imposed taxes to recover war costs (Sugar Act, Stamp Act).
  • Colonial resistance grew, rallying under the slogan "No Taxation Without Representation".
  • Britain argued "Virtual Representation".
  • The Declaratory Act affirmed Parliament's authority.
  • Following that, the Townsend Acts and Tea Act imposed taxes on various goods including tea, further provoking conflict.

Intolerable Acts

  • Response to the Boston Tea Party, these acts included closing Boston Harbor, restricting colonial voting rights, and the Quartering Act (housing British soldiers).

Sons & Daughters of Liberty

  • The Sons of Liberty formed a secret organization to fight British policies.
  • The Sons of Liberty played a key role in unified resistance.
  • Daughters of Liberty also organized protests and boycotts, making their own clothes to oppose British goods.

Boston Massacre

  • On March 5, 1770, British soldiers fired on a crowd protesting, killing five colonists.
  • This event further fueled colonial resentment.
  • Crispus Attucks was amongst the victims of the Boston Massacre.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

  • Colonists dressed as Natives and dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor.
  • Britain responded by closing Boston Harbor and implementing restrictive measures.

First Continental Congress (1774)

  • Delegates from all colonies except Georgia met in Philadelphia to address grievances.
  • They claimed equal rights for Americans as English citizens.
  • Militias, known as minutemen, were established.
  • A full separation from Britain wasn't seriously debated, and another meeting was scheduled.

Lexington and Concord (1775)

  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
  • British troops were partially successful at Lexington, but faced greater Patriot resistance at Concord.
  • The British suffered significant casualties, whereas Patriot casualties were also significant although smaller.
  • The British declared freedom to slaves who fought for them.

Second Continental Congress (1775)

  • The Second Continental Congress assumed a revolutionary government role.
  • George Washington was named commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
  • Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" influenced the move towards declaring independence.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

  • On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
  • It outlined American grievances against Britain.
  • It established important founding principles that are now recognized as fundamental American ideals.

Articles of Confederation

  • The Articles of Confederation established the first US government.
  • It granted limited power to Congress, primarily concerning foreign affairs, and western territories.
  • It lacked effective enforcement mechanisms.

War for Independence

  • British forces focused on New York, Philadelphia, and the South.
  • The American victory at Saratoga (1777) was a turning point, leading to French support.
  • French and American forces joined efforts in their fight against the British
  • The British lost control of Chesapeake waters to the French Navy.
  • The final conflict took place at Yorktown, VA, where Cornwallis surrendered in 1781.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

  • Britain recognized American independence.
  • The Western border was left ambiguous, but roughly along the Mississippi River.
  • The US agreed to repay British debts and restore Loyalist property.

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