The American revolution 1774-1783

Question 1

The first continental congress

Answer 1

September all colonies except Georgia sent at least one delegate Philadelphia

John Adams believe Congress was divided between radicals and moderates

Congress declared the coercive acts null and void and called for non-importation unless repealed

Acknowledge their allegiance to the crown but subject to their authority
Congrats desponded at the end of

October 1774 but agreed to meet again May 1775


Question 2

British response after first continental congress

Answer 2

General gauge November 1774 wrote to North recommending to suspend coercive acts ( didn’t happen)

February 1775 parliament declared Massachusetts in state of rebellion in March limited New England trade with Britain
General gauge told by parliament to arrest and his supporters of rebellion


Question 3

Colonial response after the first continental congress

Answer 3

Local production encouraged due to non importation 
Punished people who didn’t enforce boycott
Massachusetts 1770 4GB authority broke down. Mob action.

1775 committees and extralegal convention to replace traditional assemblies.
Colonies stockpiled ammo and train militias
Not all colonies supported it in New York remain loyal to Britain most Americans hope to find a solution that would continue relationship

Question 4

The second continental congress

Answer 4

65 delegates attended 55 returning newcomers included Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson

Voted to take charge on hostilities shield responsibility for army around Boston.

Equator placed on each colony to enable them to raise a continental army of 20,000 men

Issued $2 million in paper money for army

Question 5

Second continental congress appointment of George Washington

Answer 5

Unanimously appointed him to command army
He had a military experience in seven years war
From Virginia which thought with cement colonial unity
Wealthy tobacco plant a member of the elite 

Question 6

The second continental congress: Efforts to reconcile with Britain

Answer 6

Adopted national government but reluctant to Asume role
Conventions instructed delegates to seek reconciliation with Britain

Olive branch petition to George the third begged him to prevent further hostile measures

GW was this inclined to hear appeals from an illegal body so dismissed Olive branch petition



Question 7

1775 is a war started which side was more successful: general gage

Answer 7

Sent spies to Massachusetts to discover strength of colonies and where weapons where
Sent troops Sees ammo but outnumbered in Boston
Gauge receive no help no instructions from Britain was later told to rest rebels leaders

Question 8

Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Lexington

Answer 8

April 18th-700 men to Concord to seize arms.
April 19th- GB troops path was barred by 70 minute minute Lexington shots were fired and eight colonist were killed British pushed onto Concord

4000 minute man assemble to block path of British retreat

Question 9

Which side of more successful the War Concord

Answer 9

GB in counted larger military force heavy exchange of fire

Destroyed military stores but failed to arrest rebel leaders

On return Americans fired from covering stonewalls

Treating troops saved from surrender by reinforcement suffered 272 casualties America only lost 92



Question 10

Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Bunker hill

Answer 10



Question 11

Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Washington takes control

Answer 11

Question 12

Which side was more successful in the first year the war invasion of Canada

Answer 12

Question 13

Which side is more successful in the first year of the war: Stand-off in Boston

Answer 13

Question 14

Which side was more successful in the first year the war war in the south

Answer 14

Question 15

Which side is more successful first year of the war.  Evacuation of Boston

Answer 15

Question 16

Why were the two sides unable to compromise
Why did Britain and colonists continue to fight

Answer 16

Question 17

Why did the colonies declare independence?

Answer 17



Question 18

Declaration of Independence 1776

Answer 18

Oh royal governors replaced by makeshift rebel governments

Support for independence grew more when it was confirmed George third higher German mercenaries

Continental congress made wall issuing money preparing to get negotiate treaties


Question 19

Drafting the declaration of Independence

Answer 19

Jefferson Drew from principles set forth by lock and Virginia declaration of rights

Case against King derived from a summary of rights of British America and 1776 draft Virginia constitution

It was important it was made for all colonies to agree

Question 20

Declaring independence

Answer 20

On July 4 colonies voted to adopt declaration of Independence “we hold the truths to be self evident, at all men were created equal”
“ Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness”
Asserted American people have the right to change the government if it violated the rights
List of the wrongs committed against colonists
The British had been gathering more treats and had 32,000 ready for a major assault

Question 21

Why did the continental congress declare independence on GB
Economic factors

Answer 21

 Americans benefited from merchantalism
Americans not taxed high it was principle not economic hardship

Question 22

Why did the continental congress declare independence from Britain
Ideology

Answer 22

Similar to eng constitution
Rights and liberties of reborn Englishman attacks without consent so same apply to Americans

View that small click of British ministers aim to destroy America liberties

Question 23

Why did continental congress declare independence from Britain
Actions of the British

Answer 23

Squeezed money from irritated colonies
GB forced issue of their power and caused conflict
Parliament back down twice bar into American pressure the BTP


Question 24

What did the continental congress declare independence from Britain
In defence of the British

Answer 24

Failed to anticipate the rebel no British minister actually wanted to diminish American liberties

Gov Acted in accordance with the understanding of British constitution

Britain’s determination torrent colonies was understandable tutor or materials and trade


Question 25

Role of the British colonists in Y continental congress declared independence from Britain

Answer 25

Question 26

Which side seemed likely to win in 1776 Who supported the British

Answer 26

Question 27

Which side seemed likely to win in 1776 Who supported the Americans

Answer 27

Question 28

Who seemed more likley to win in 1776? Strengths of the British

Answer 28

Question 29

Which side seemed likely to win in 1776? Weaknesses of the British

Answer 29

Question 30

Which side seemed likely to win in 1776? Strengths of colonists

Answer 30

Question 31

Which side seemed likely to win in 1776? Colonist weaknesses

Answer 31

Question 32

What were the GB Strategic problems in The war

Answer 32

Faced hostile population, relied on Britain for supplies. Army had to protect British-controlled American ports, limiting available forces No political or economic center for British armies to capture. destruction of the Continental Army prioritized over territory, British leaders recognized the need for a large army to maintain order after restoration of colonial rule, which would impose a substantial tax burden.

Question 33

What were Americas strategic probelms during the war

Answer 33

Washington's options: guerrilla war (rejected), war of posts, offensive strategy with entire force. Washington attempted to create a traditional army following British methods. Washington opposed the war of posts strategy, as it acknowledged British superiority and involved sacrificing key cities. British occupation of American territory would damage morale and support loyalists. Washington favored engaging the British in battle to demonstrate contempt.

Question 34

who were the loyalists and what was their role

Answer 34

1/3 active rebels, 1/3 loyalists, 1/3 neutral (more likely 2/5 active, 1/5 loyalists, 2/5 neutral). Loyalists often belonged to minority groups, such as southern backfarmers Geographical distribution: more loyalists in southern/middle colonies. Some African Americans supported Britain in exchange for promises of freedom, Rebels fought for independence and self-government, while loyalists primarily stood against this. Loyalists relied on British leadership and protection but were left vulnerable when British forces departed. Patriot neighbors targeted loyalists with imprisonment, expulsion from homes, loss of land and property, and sometimes violence.

Question 35

What were the British strategic problems in the war

Answer 35

Hostile population dependent on Britain for supplies Only part of army available as protecting American ports No place to capture  destruction of continental army was more important than possession of towns British leaders hoped of British rule 

Question 36

What were the British strategic problems in the war

Answer 36

Hostile population dependent on Britain for supplies Only part of army available as protecting American ports No place to capture  destruction of continental army was more important than possession of towns British leaders hoped of British rule 

Question 37

Battles 1776-77 New York

Answer 37

 Howe planned attack landing in Staten island to learn Washington to battle defeat and negotiate GW 20,000 men so should’ve retreat How one 2000 casualties for colonists 6times the GB Washington retreated to mainland as how wanted to negotiate peace

Question 38

Battles of 1776-1777 New Jersey

Answer 38

There was a stalemate several weeks November 16 GB captured Fort Washington - 3000 US prisoners and a lot of weapons Three straight weeks US Army in for a treat and many army went home when crossed Delaware river (3000) 

Question 39

The battles of 1776-1777 Trenton and Princeton

Answer 39

How didn’t March on giving GW time to regroup. 25th of December they reinforced an attack that unsuspecting Garrison at Trenton New Jersey Captured 1000 prisoners Breathing new life into American cause

Question 40

How’s mistakes at Trenton and Princeton

Answer 40

Reluctant to make Moves and courses to continue attacking Americans when they were vulnerable – not marking on Philadelphia

Question 41

Changes to Washington strategy by the end of 1776

Answer 41

Defensive strategy didn’t risk his army at one battle

Question 42

Philadelphia/Germantown

Answer 42

How one Brandywine Creek but missed a chance to destroy Washington’s army He captured Philadelphia but had no strategic value GW launched a counter-attack at Germantown but he lost 1000 men How evacuate Delaware river and spent winter in Philadelphia

Question 43

Burgoyne southern March

Answer 43

General Burgoyne left Canada and headed south his army found it difficult. Spent a month collecting supplies +600 troops killed on a mission Presence of army created rebels have neutrals

Question 44

Burgoynes campaign in saratoga

Answer 44

Burgoyne aimed to reach Albany, Gates replaced by Schuler. American successes attracted New England militiamen to join Gates, totaling 7,000 men. Clashes occurred, and Burgoyne was in a precarious position, lacking supplies and facing a growing enemy army. Burgoyne expected support from General Clinton but retreated to Saratoga instead. Surrounded by twice as many troops and no sign of Clinton, Burgoyne negotiated with Gates. Despite good terms, Congress rejected the negotiated terms, and Burgoyne's troops became prisoners of war.

Question 45

peace at saratoga

Answer 45

Lord North dispatched a diplomat to explore ending the war. Parliament passed North's Conciliatory Propositions, repealing Coercive Acts and renouncing the right to tax Americans. Peace Commission created, but Britain's denial of American independence hindered successful negotiations.

Question 46

French involvement in the war and saratoga

Answer 46

French entry into the war boosted American morale. French began taking the American cause seriously. French involvement signaled a significant development in the war

Question 47

Why the war involved France:

Answer 47

Revenge for the outcome of the Seven Years' War. supply arms, gunpowder, and support officers to the Americans. Saratoga victory eased French concerns about American collapse. Franklin used French fears of Anglo-American reconciliation to gain French support. February 1778, France and the USA signed defensive alliance treaties. USA started being treated as an independent country.

Question 48

why spain and holland were involved

Answer 48

April 1779: Spain joins the war as an ally of France. Goal: Regain possessions lost to Britain (Florida, Minorca, Gibraltar, Jamaica). Spanish Support: Spain supplies resources to the USA. League of Neutrality: Agreement to remain neutral in the conflict but continues trading with the USA. 1780: Britain declares war on the Netherlands for aiding France and Spain.

Question 49

problems affecting clinton in 1777-79

Answer 49

General Howe was replaced by General Clinton, who was instructed to focus on French possessions in the Caribbean. Clinton lost 5,000 troops and received orders to evacuate Pennsylvania and concentrate on New York. Despite a failed American attack by General Charles Lee, Clinton successfully reached New York. Admiral d'Estaing's 4,000 French troops attempted but failed to capture Newport, Rhode Island, and then moved to the Caribbean. Both sides exercised caution throughout 1778-1779. Britain still held coastal posts, had opportunities in the South, and could launch offensives into the interior.

Question 50

What problems affected general Washington in 1777-79

Answer 50

Collect food fuel and shelter. 3000 men died Some feared he might lead a military dictatorship and questioned his abilities 1778 his army increased to 12,000 with better training 

Question 51

In what ways were the following low points for the continental army between 1779 and 81

Answer 51

Question 52

Native Americans support for the British strengths 

Answer 52

100,000 choose to fight with GB Motive to drive back American settlers 

Question 53

Native American support for the British weaknesses

Answer 53

Unreliable and divided Savage attacks astonished neutrals and loyalists

Question 54

The southern campaign Georgia 

Answer 54

1778 Campbell captured Savannah and Augusta capturing 500 American prisoners 1779 pm on further victories However George’s population remain divided 

Question 55

Yorktown

Answer 55

April 1781 Cornwallis -> Virginia Benedict Arnold led raids General Phillips Also arrived with 2000 men supporting Cornwallis move toward to see to maintain communication with Clinton constructive base at Yorktown Coast guarded by 20 French ships 

Question 56

Cornwallis in the surrender at Yorktown

Answer 56

May 1781 Washington change his focus French-American for 16,000 reach Virginia and trapped Cornwallis GB Navy tried to reinforce Cornwallis but it was too late After three weeks each Cornwallis 8000 men army surrendered

Question 57

Consequences of Yorktown

Answer 57

Call Melissa surrender shot Britain’s and Lord North he resigned GBGav discontinued offensive operation Seven 1972 parliament resolve to end military measures 

Question 58

Treaty of Paris The peace of Paris 

Answer 58

France wanted peace as lack of € GB wanted to protect GB colonists and remain trading While not losing places to France/ spai USA no trust in Europe as selfish Signed between GB USA France Spain and Holland September 1783 

Question 59

the terms of the treaty of Paris

Answer 59

GB recognise USA independence. 1000s of colonists fled to Canada New republic waged war on Native A Us Honour forgein debts GB gave Florida to Spain

Question 60

Consequences of the treaty of Paris

Answer 60

France or GB had a huge cost of war Treaty opposed GB France huge cost of war—> French Revolution USA gained independence and new opps for expansion

Question 61

How the GB government helped Britian lose the war

Answer 61

Attack plans lacked clarity Poorly planned campaigns (Burgoyne) Undermisated colonists Faced France and spain

Question 62

How GB military leadership lost GB the war

Answer 62

War from home Over ambitious plans Control of large areas with hostel population was hard The troops had no cause How was overly cautious lacking decisive strategy 

Question 63

How Britian lost the war of independence? Hessians and native Americans

Answer 63

The brutality turned neutrals to Patriots Not loyal only wanted money and natives deserted

Question 64

How loyalists helped Britain lose the war

Answer 64

Not unified due to various backgrounds/motivations Motivated by local concerns not national Relied on GB protection Many homeless deprived of property or killed by Patriots

Question 65

How did GW help America win the war

Answer 65

Maintenance of discipline movements of forces keeping army intact and good morale Aggressive tactics such as Trenton outflanking of British forces He could not stop GB taking Philadelphia at Brandywine any attack at Germantown was costly and ineffective

Question 66

Have a French and Spain’s g help the Americans win the war

Answer 66

French wanted revenge and territorial gains Initially just secretly for weapons and finance France persuaded Spain to join war mean in Britain with thinly spread France supplied 11,000 men at Yorktown and artillery French contribution was affective 

Question 67

How the Patriots have the America win the war

Answer 67

Committed to the glorious cause The butchery of British tactics towards prisoners and patriots motivation State minute service political police intimidating those loyal to Britain as well as contributing to the force over 100,000 American service sometime

Question 68

How revolutionary was the American revolution? Republicanism Revolution its rapid fundamental change as one set of power relationships replaced by another

Answer 68

 rebels resisted unreasonable claims of Britain no intention for revolution Not identical to democracy by implied form of government which represented the whole people The principles rested on Central proposition of popular sovereignty ‘ Oh power is vested in and consequently derived from the people’