The War of Independence

Question 1

Articles of Confederation

Answer 1

• the first constitution drafted in order to bind the 13 colonies together.
• as it required 9/13 votes to pass laws, decision-making was difficult. This resulted in the struggle to fund the war as the army needed supplies.
• the states obtaining too many rights made it difficult.

Question 2

Common Sense (Thomas Paine)

Answer 2

Outlined the American revolution in a simplified way as a way for individuals to be able to understand the ideas.

Question 3

Crossing the Delaware (Christmas night, 1776)

Answer 3

• George Washington and the Continental Army cross the Delaware river in order to surprise attack the Hessians, resulting in a victory.
• significant because it restored their confidence and consolidated Washington’s position.

Question 4

Foreign Involvement

Answer 4

• Continental Army was small and inexperienced, so they sought help from France and Spain.
• John Adams gained France as an ally.
• France despised the British and saw it as an opportunity to get back at British rivals, so they decided to commit to the Americans.

Question 5

Battle of Saratoga (1777)

Answer 5

• a British planned two-prong attack by Burgoyne and Howe on the Continental Army.
• significant because France saw the possibility of America winning so they joined the war.
• US won because France provided them with supplies and an army, ultimately leading to American victory.

Question 6

Valley Forge (1777 - 1778)

Answer 6

• Continental Army settled in Valley Forge winter camp after being driven out of Philadelphia.

Conditions were terrible:

• soldiers dirty, unkempt
• militia undisciplined
• shortages of necessities (food)
• deaths from hypothermia and pneumonia

Question 7

Baron Von Steuben

Answer 7

Joined the Continental Army by recommendation of Benjamin Franklin

• disciplined soldiers
• brought order and hygiene
• changed soldiers attitude

Question 8

The War in the South (Brit Soldiers led by General Clinton and Cornwallis)

Answer 8

British went south because they believed there were more loyalists there, however it resulted in lost support instead, resulting in Clinton leaving.

Cornwallis had different strategies to General Greene (Continental army general)
Clinton - wanted direct confrontation
Greene - wanted to keep army away from direct confrontation

Question 9

Continental Army battle victories

Answer 9

Battle of Cowpens - American victory
Battle of Yorktown - American victory, fooled British into thinking they were attacking NY. (Although Cornwallis surrendered)

Ultimately the end of the war.