2. The American War of Independence

Question 1

Sugar Act

Answer 1

(1764): Taxed molasses and sugar, vital to the colonial economy.

Question 2

3. Boston Tea Party and British Retaliation

Answer 2

o Protesters, disguised as Indigenous people, dumped East India Company tea into Boston Harbor (1773).
o Britain responded with the Coercive Acts (1774), or Intolerable Acts:
 Boston Port Act: Closed Boston Harbor until damages were repaid.
 Massachusetts Government Act: Suspended the colonial assembly, escalating tensions over political representation.

Question 3

1. Proclamation Line of 1763

Answer 3

o Prohibited settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflicts with Indigenous tribes.
o Seen by colonists as stifling their natural right to expand and exploit new lands for economic gain.

Question 4

2. Mutiny and Quartering Acts

Answer 4

1765
o Required colonists to house and supply British troops stationed in America.
o Viewed as an infringement on personal liberties and property rights.

Question 5

Boston Massacre

Answer 5

1770
o British soldiers, stationed in Boston to enforce tax laws, clashed with locals, killing five.
o Colonial leaders used the event as propaganda, labeling it a “massacre” to inflame public sentiment against British rule.

Question 6

“No taxation without representation”

Answer 6

o Colonists resented being governed by a distant Parliament in which they had no representation.
o “No taxation without representation” became the rallying cry for resistance.

Question 7

Albany Congress

Answer 7

1754
* Purpose: The Albany Congress was convened to discuss colonial defense and the growing French threat (French and Indian War). It was the first serious attempt at intercolonial unity.
* Outcome: The “Albany Plan of Union” was proposed by Benjamin Franklin. The plan suggested creating a unified colonial government to coordinate defense, taxation, and Indian affairs. Rejected because colonies didn’t want to give up their autonomy.
* Importance: It was a critical first step towards colonial unity, even though it didn’t pass. The failure made clear that colonists weren’t ready to merge their interests yet, but it was a foreshadowing of later efforts to unite against Britain.

Question 8

Olive Branch Petition

Answer 8

1775
* Aim: The Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III to avoid full-scale war. It asked for peace and sought to restore the colonies’ relationship with Britain.
* Content: It was a conciliatory letter affirming loyalty to the King but also requesting the repeal of oppressive acts (like the Intolerable Acts) and the protection of colonial rights.
* King’s Reaction: George III rejected the petition, calling the colonists rebellious and declared the colonies in a state of rebellion. This escalated tensions and moved the colonies closer to open conflict.
* American Response: The rejection made it clear that reconciliation with Britain was impossible. It radicalized many colonists and solidified their desire for independence.

Question 9

Albany Congress & Plan of Union

Answer 9

1754
Colonial representatives meet to discuss defense and unity. The Albany Plan of Union is proposed by Benjamin Franklin, but it is rejected.

Question 10

Seven Years’ War

Answer 10

1756-1763
Britain defeats France, securing dominance in North America and leading to new economic policies.

Question 11

Post-1763:

Answer 11

Britain ends “salutary neglect” and enforces mercantilist policies via the Navigation Acts, limiting colonial trade.

Question 12

Stamp Act and response to it

Answer 12

1765
Imposed taxes on all printed materials, from newspapers to legal documents.
Sparked the Stamp Act Congress (1765): Nine colonies united in NYC to draft the Declaration of Rights, marking the first significant colonial collaboration.

Question 13

Navigation Acts & Mercantilism:

Answer 13

The Navigation Acts were British laws that restricted colonial trade to benefit England’s economy, enforcing mercantilism—the economic theory that wealth equates to power, aiming to maximize exports and minimize imports to benefit the mother country.

Question 14

Declaration of Rights:

Answer 14

A document produced by the First Continental Congress in 1774, asserting colonial rights and grievances against British policies.

Question 15

Armies in the War for Independence:

Answer 15

The American Continental Army (led by George Washington) and the British Redcoats.

Question 16

Proclamation Line of ………
date and what it was about

Answer 16

1763
o Prohibited settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflicts with Indigenous tribes.
o Seen by colonists as stifling their natural right to expand and exploit new lands for economic gain.

Question 17

Townshend Acts

Answer 17

1767
Taxes on imported goods.

Question 18

What happened in 1770 regarding the imposed taxes?

Answer 18

Partial Repeal of Townshend Acts - Tea Tax remains.

Question 19

Committees of Correspondence

Answer 19

1772-1773
Establish communication networks to organize colonial resistance.
o They united the colonies in resistance (i.e., against the Sugar and Stamp Acts).
o They played a critical role in organizing the Boston Tea Party and other protests.
o Fact: They formed the foundation for the Continental Congress because they were already organizing the colonies’ responses to British actions.

Question 20

Intolerable Acts

Answer 20

The Intolerable Acts (also known as the Coercive Acts) were a series of punitive laws passed by Britain in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. They aimed to punish the Massachusetts colony and tighten British control. Key measures included closing Boston’s harbor, limiting town meetings, and allowing royal officials accused of crimes to be tried in Britain. These acts intensified colonial resentment and helped spark the American Revolution.

Question 21

Loyalists vs. Patriots

Answer 21

o Loyalists (“Tories”): Supported continued allegiance to Britain.
o Patriots: Advocated for independence and self-governance.

Question 22

Imperial context aka brief British POV

Answer 22

o Britain’s actions reflected broader European struggles for empire and control over lucrative colonies.
o Policies were driven by the need to recover war debts and maintain global dominance.

Question 23

First Continental Congress

Answer 23

1774
Colonists convene to address grievances and coordinate a boycott of British goods.

Question 24

Continental Congress (1774-1789) broader implications

Answer 24

• Establishment: Formed in response to the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) in 1774, largely led by representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies (Georgia didn’t show up).
• Purpose: It was originally meant for colonial resistance to Britain’s policies, but over time it became the de facto government of the colonies during the Revolution.
  o Did they address the King?: Yes, but later their actions shifted toward governing independently from Britain.

Question 25

Second Continental Congress

Answer 25

1775
Managed the Revolutionary War effort, created the Continental Army (with George Washington as General), and eventually declared independence in 1776.

Question 26

Lexington and Concord

Answer 26

1775 - Beginning of the Revolutionary War.
* What Happened: The British Army tried to seize colonial arms and arrest leaders in Lexington and Concord. The shot heard round the world was fired, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
* Significance:
o Military Action: The British were met by local militias. Despite the British being more equipped, the Americans’ hit-and-run tactics were effective, using guerrilla warfare.
o Impact: Sparked the wider conflict of the American Revolution, galvanizing militias across the colonies.

Question 27

Battle of Bunker Hill

Answer 27

1775
* What Happened: The first major battle of the Revolution, fought on Breed’s Hill (though mistakenly called Bunker Hill). The British won but at a heavy cost (1,000 casualties).
* Key Figures:
o British: General William Howe
o Colonial: Colonel William Prescott (famous for saying, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”)
* Significance:
o While a British victory, it was a Pyrrhic victory; it proved that colonists could stand up to the British.
o The psychological boost for the colonists and a warning to the British that the conflict would be prolonged and bloody.

Question 28

British Prohibitory Act

Answer 28

1775
Closes American ports to foreign trade, further escalating the conflict.
o By blocking trade entirely, Britain further alienated the colonies. The colonists relied heavily on trade, so this move worsened their situation and made rebellion a matter of survival.
o The Act made it clear that Britain was no longer willing to negotiate, leaving the colonies with no choice but to escalate their resistance to full-scale rebellion.
o This action intensified smuggling and alienated neutral colonists, pushing even more of them towards supporting independence.

Question 29

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Answer 29

• Content: Paine’s pamphlet argued for American independence, saying that it was unnatural for a small island (Britain) to control a vast continent. He also attacked the monarchy itself, calling it a corrupt system.
• Impact:
  o It shifted public opinion significantly in favor of independence.
  o Framed the Revolution as a moral and just cause, making it more palatable to the average colonist, not just the elite.

Question 30

Declaration of Independence

Answer 30

Officially adopted on July 4, 1776.
Aims:
o Political independence from Britain.
o Legal recognition of the colonies as independent states, which was key for establishing diplomatic relations with foreign powers like France and Spain.
o Philosophical Influences: The Enlightenment ideals of natural rights (Locke’s philosophy: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).
Key Grievances:
o British interference in colonial self-governance.
o Taxation without representation.
o Military occupation of the colonies.
o King George’s tyranny in denying the colonies their rights.
* International Impact: The Declaration was a bold move to solidify alliances, especially with France, and inspired other independence movements around the world.

Question 31

George Washington

Answer 31

o Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and first President of the US. His leadership was crucial in the survival and eventual victory of the American cause. Washington’s strategy relied on a defensive war of attrition, avoiding large-scale confrontations with the British until they made mistakes.
o Famous for crossing the Delaware River and his victory at the Battle of Trenton (1776), which revived American morale.

Question 32

John Adams

Answer 32

o A fierce advocate for independence and a key diplomat. Adams played a pivotal role in securing French support and in drafting the Declaration of Independence. His diplomacy helped rally European powers to the American cause.
o Later became the second President of the United States, furthering the cause of republicanism.

Question 33

Benjamin Franklin

Answer 33

o An iconic American polymath and diplomat, Franklin was instrumental in securing French military and financial aid. His personal charisma and diplomatic skills won France’s support, which proved decisive in the war.
o He was a key negotiator of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which ended the war.

Question 34

Marquis de Lafayette

Answer 34

o A French aristocrat and military officer who played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Lafayette became one of George Washington’s trusted generals and helped solidify French support. His efforts were pivotal in the victory at Yorktown.

Question 35

British military advantages and unslay factors

Answer 35

o Superior Military Power: The British Army was the best in the world at the time, highly disciplined and well-equipped. Their Navy dominated the seas, allowing them to control supply lines and attempt blockades.
o Logistical Challenges: Fighting in an unfamiliar territory, the British struggled with long supply lines across the Atlantic, making it difficult to maintain a steady stream of resources and reinforcements.

Question 36

Colonial military strengths

Answer 36

o Motivation: Colonists were fighting for their homes, freedom, and self-governance, giving them a powerful incentive to resist.
o Guerrilla Tactics: The Continental Army, aided by local militias, adapted guerrilla warfare and unconventional tactics, targeting British supply lines and avoiding pitched battles.

Question 37

Major Battles and Turning Points

Answer 37

• Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775):
  o The first major battle of the Revolution, though technically a British victory, it proved the Americans could stand up to the British Army. The heavy British casualties were a morale boost for the colonists.
• The Siege of Boston (April 1775 - March 1776):
  o Washington’s first major military engagement. The British were forced to evacuate Boston after the Continental Army laid siege to the city, symbolizing the beginning of a long, drawn-out conflict.
• Saratoga (October 17, 1777):
  o American Victory: This was the turning point in the war, as it convinced France to formally ally with the Americans. General Burgoyne’s surrender marked a shift in momentum, as the Americans demonstrated their ability to win decisive battles.
• Valley Forge (Winter of 1777-1778):
  o A brutal winter for the Continental Army, but Washington’s leadership during this time, combined with the training of Baron von Steuben, transformed the Continental Army into a more disciplined and effective fighting force.
• Battle of Yorktown (October 19, 1781):
  o The final major battle of the war. With the help of the French Army and Navy, General Washington cornered British General Cornwallis at Yorktown, leading to his surrender. This marked the effective end of the war, though fighting continued for a while.

Question 38

Foreign Alliances:

Answer 38

• France:
  o After Saratoga, France formally entered the war, providing essential military aid, soldiers, and naval support. Their involvement was pivotal in the final victory at Yorktown. The French Navy’s intervention in the Chesapeake Bay sealed the British forces’ fate.
• Spain:
  o Although Spain did not officially join the war, it secretly provided financial and military aid to the American cause, including significant funds and supplies. Spain also fought British forces in the Mississippi Valley and the Gulf Coast, distracting British resources.
• The Dutch:
  o Dutch loans were critical in financing the revolution. Though the Dutch government officially remained neutral, their merchants and financial institutions supported the American cause through significant loans.

Question 39

The Treaty of Paris

Answer 39

1783
* Formally recognized the independence of the United States.
* Granted the new nation significant territorial gains.

Question 40

Articles of Confederation

Answer 40

(1781-1789)
* Structure:
o First written constitution of the U.S.
o Created a unicameral Congress with limited authority.
o States retained sovereignty, forming a “league of friendship” rather than a cohesive nation.
* Weaknesses:
o No power to tax: Congress could only request funds from states (good luck with that).
o No regulation of trade or commerce: States acted like 13 chaotic mini-nations.
o No national army: Shays’s Rebellion (1786-1787) exposed how useless this system was in maintaining order.
o Lack of executive leadership: It was designed to avoid monarchy but left the government directionless.

Question 41

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

Answer 41

• Inability to manage debt, regulate commerce, or defend the nation.
• The states fought over policies and often ignored Congress (thirteen sovereignties tugging at the federal head, as Washington lamented).
• Internal disorder and economic instability proved a decentralized government wasn’t cutting it.

Question 42

Constitutional Convention

Answer 42

(1787)
* Why It Happened:
o After Shays’s Rebellion and mounting chaos, delegates realized the Articles were irredeemable.
* What It Did:
o Created a federal government with the power to tax, regulate trade, and maintain a national defense.
o Balanced power between states and the national government (federalism) and among branches (separation of powers with checks and balances).
o Solved representation disputes through The Great Compromise: bicameral Congress with the House (population-based) and Senate (equal representation).

Question 43

Ratification Drama (1788):

Answer 43

• Required approval from 9 of 13 states.
• Federalists vs. Antifederalists:
  o Federalists (Madison, Hamilton, Jay) wanted a strong central government and wrote the Federalist Papers to hype it up.
  o Antifederalists feared tyranny and demanded guarantees of individual rights.
• Resolution:
  o The Constitution was ratified, but only after promising to add the Bill of Rights (1791) to appease skeptics.

Question 44

The Bill of Rights

Answer 44

1791
o The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteed fundamental individual rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
o The Bill of Rights was a key concession that secured ratification of the Constitution.

Question 45

Federal responsibilities based on the Constitution

Answer 45

o Handles national defense, foreign policy, and interstate commerce.
o Creates and enforces laws for the whole country (e.g., immigration, currency regulation).
o Ensures constitutional rights through judicial review and amendments.

Question 46

State responsibilities based on the Constitution

Answer 46

o Oversee education, public health, local law enforcement, and elections.
o Maintain powers not explicitly granted to the federal government (10th Amendment).
o Can legislate on issues like infrastructure, civil law, and policing.

Question 47

Montesquieu’s Influence on the Constitution

Answer 47

• Advocated for separation of powers to prevent tyranny, which inspired the division into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• Championed checks and balances, ensuring no branch becomes too powerful.
• His ideas are visible in mechanisms like the presidential veto, Congressional oversight, and judicial review.

Question 48

The Type of Federation in the U.S.

Answer 48

• Dual Federation Model:
  o Powers divided between federal and state governments, each operating within its jurisdiction.
  o Early U.S. federalism (layer cake) emphasized clear distinctions, evolving into cooperative federalism (marble cake) with overlapping roles.
  o Exemplifies a constitutional federation, where powers are explicitly listed in the Constitution and amendments dictate changes.

Question 49

The First Model Democracy:

Answer 49

o The new republic was based on principles of self-governance, individual rights, and the consent of the governed.
o It established a federal system with a separation of powers to prevent tyranny.
o The Constitution provided a framework for a stable and functioning republic with the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

Question 50

Flaws and Challenges of this Democracy

Answer 50

o The Articles of Confederation were too weak to effectively govern the new nation.
o The original Constitution did not address equality adequately.
o The emergence of the first political parties reflected deep divisions over the role of the government.