Revolutionary War Questions

1.  What actions did the Second Continental Congress take in 1775?

On June 15^th, the Second Continental congress decided to raise an army, and appointed George Washington to lead it. They chose Washington because he was from the South, and they needed to win the delegates from the south. They also created a committee for the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. The Second continental congress also established the Olive Branch petition to reconcile with Britain. 

2.  What traits did Washington display as commander of the Revolutionary Army?

He had military experience, and was in the second continental congress. Also, he showed that he wanted to be a commander because he wore his old military uniform to the Philadelphia meeting. Washington had outstanding leadership and patience. He realised that the war only required him to live out the British, not necessarily to defeat them. 

3.  What was important about the colonial invasion of Canada in 1775?

The colonists invaded Canada for three primary reasons. One, they thought that Canada would become a 14th colony. Two, they wished to boot out the British's foothold in North America. Three, by taking Canada, the colonists would have more supplies to fight the British with. The colonists hoped that the Canadians would rise up against Britain as well. The invasion was almost successful, unfortunately the battle of quebec was lost because Benedict Arnold had to wait for Montgomery to arrive. 

4.  When did England consider America to be in rebellion?

England considered America to be in rebellion after the Boston Tea Party. As King George said to his Prime Minister, “The colonies must either submit or triumph.” In August 1775 the King declared that the colonies were in rebellion.

5.  Why did the colonists delay declaring independence until July, 1776?

The colonists delayed declaring independence until July 1776 due to two reasons. One, they still felt a sense of attachment to their mother country causing them to attempt at reconciliation. Two, the colonists were worried that they would not be able to contend with the major super power of Britain. 

6.  What were the three parts of the Declaration of Independence (read it from the back of your book)?  

The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and approved by congress. It allowed Americans to appeal for foreign aid and served as an inspiration for later revolutionary movements worldwide (such as the French Revolution). The three parts that the Declaration of Independence states that people have natural rights, list grievances against the kings, and declares the colonies free and independent.  

7.  Who proposed the idea of independence to the Continental Congress?

The Idea of Independence was actually John Adam's but because he knew that people wouldn't vote for it if he was the proposer he asked Richard Henry Lee to do it. Richard Henry Lee proposed the idea of independence to the continental congress on June 7, 1776 but it wasn’t adopted until July 2,1776.

8.  What were the major points of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was an influential pamphlet that challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. He spoke in simple language that allowed common people to understand him. His main points was that governments, in order to be successful, must be simple (Britain's was not), any government with check and balances could not be trusted, hereditary rights such as the passing of titles is not okay because it takes away the rights from your grandchildren to vote. He used these examples to urge a break from Britain and to form a democratic Republic. 

9.  What is a republic?

A republic is a form of government where the people, not a monarch, is in charge. 

10.  What percentage of Americans supported the revolution?

15 to 20 percent of Americans supported the revolution.

11.  What were the characteristics of those who continued to support Britain?

Supporters of Britain were often called "loyalists" or "Tories". The general Tory was of an older generation (they often had closer ties to Britain) and of the upper social class. After all, if you are rich and have been living in your way for most of your lifetime, why revolt? The Loyalists felt that they would be the first to get back in with the crown's good graces and that the revolutionists were simply rebel rousers looking for trouble. 

12.  What was the British military strategy early in the war?

The British wanted to separate the colonists from any possible income (ie trading). They blockaded certaina reas from trade. The British wanted to make the colonists distrust, and dislike each other (Loyalists vs Americans) . They tried to get the Indians on their side so that the Americans would have less allies. Furthermore, the British took the large cities thinking that that would stop the colonists, but they instead stayed the back country. 

13.  What battle convinced the French that the Americans could win the war?

The Battle of Saratoga proved to the French that the Americans could win the war. This led to foreign aid from the French which greatly helped combat the British navy

14.  What was the impact of French assistance during the Revolutionary War?

The French had three hugely important things to help the Americans fight the British. First off, they had a Navy, whom baited the British Navy away from Yorktown. Secondly, they had money. The colonists' economy was in the fritz and a wealthy benefactor like France allowed them to bank roll the revolution. Thirdly, the French supplied troops to the depleting American forces. One of the most important generals was La Fayette a french officer. 

15.  Why did Native Americans generally support the British?

The Native Americans thought that they would be able to keep their land if the British won because the British had issued the Proclamation of 1763. The Iroquois are divided during the revolutionary war. The Iroquois confederacy is split (2 tribes joined the Americans 4 tribes joined the British) After the war they never powerful again. 

16.  What battle effectively ended the war? How long did fighting continue after the battle?

The battle at Yorktown ended the war, but small skirmishes and fighting continued up to two years afterwards. 

17.  What were the instructions given by the Continental Congress to American diplomats working on the peace treaty with Britain? Did they listen?

The three people who negotiated the Treaty of Paris were Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams. It resulted in the end of the revolutionary war. It recognized the United States as it's own country. In addition they gave the United States generous boundaries from Mississippi to Great Lakes to Florida. The Yankees were allowed to maintain a share of the fisheries in Newfoundland. The Canadians were deeply displeased with that decision. The continental congress told the diplomats to work with the French, but the diplomats did not listen. 

18.  Why were the British so generous in their peace terms with the Americans?

The British hoped to reestablish good relationship terms with the Americans so that they could continue trade with the colonies. 

19.  What happened to the Loyalists following the Revolution?

The Peace Treaty of Paris made sure that the Loyalists would not be persecuted for their siding with the British. However, many fled to Canada or foreign countries to live under British rule. Some also stayed in America.