American revolution

Question 1

Who wrote the Olive Branch Petition?

Answer 1

John Dickinson of Pennsylvania

The Olive Branch Petition was an attempt to avoid war with Britain.

Question 2

What did Nathan Hale famously say?

Answer 2

I only regret that I have one life to lose for my country

Nathan Hale was an American spy during the Revolutionary War.

Question 3

Who was Marquis de Lafayette?

Answer 3

French general who is a close friend to George Washington

He sent French soldiers to help the patriots.

Question 4

What was Friedrich Von Steuben’s role in the Continental Army?

Answer 4

Prussian drill commander who trained the Continental Army

He helped improve the army’s discipline and effectiveness.

Question 5

What did Casimir Pulaski train in the American military?

Answer 5

American cavalry

He is known for his contributions to cavalry tactics.

Question 6

What significant works did Thomas Paine write?

Answer 6

The Crisis and Common Sense

Common Sense, published in January 1776, argued for American independence.

Question 7

Who was Bernado de Galvez?

Answer 7

Governor of Spanish Louisiana who secretly supplied patriots

He played a crucial role in supporting the American cause.

Question 8

What is Betsy Ross known for?

Answer 8

Made the first American flag

She is often credited with creating the flag’s design.

Question 9

Who was Molly Pitcher?

Answer 9

Fought at the Battle of Monmouth, fired cannons for her husband

She became a symbol of women’s contributions to the war.

Question 10

What was George Rogers Clark’s contribution during the war?

Answer 10

American frontier fighter who took over Fort Vincennes

His victories helped secure the western frontier.

Question 11

What did John Paul Jones famously say?

Answer 11

I have not yet begun to fight

He was a naval commander known for his daring tactics.

Question 12

Who was Nathanael Greene?

Answer 12

One of America’s best generals, in charge of the Continental Army in the South

He was from Rhode Island and played a key role in the southern campaign.

Question 13

What was Daniel Morgan known for?

Answer 13

American general who helped defend the South, known for his riflemen

He utilized clever tactics in battles.

Question 14

What nickname was Francis Marion known by?

Answer 14

Swamp Fox

He led the South Carolina militia using hit-and-run tactics.

Question 15

What did Benedict Arnold do during the Revolutionary War?

Answer 15

Betrayed America by turning over West Point to the British

His actions made him infamous as a traitor.

Question 16

What significant proposal did Richard Henry Lee make?

Answer 16

Proposed independence on June 7, 1776

This proposal led to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Question 17

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 17

Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1776

The document declared the colonies’ independence from Britain.

Question 18

What did Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys achieve?

Answer 18

Took over Fort Ticonderoga

This was an early victory for the Americans in the war.

Question 19

Who was Comte de Rochambeau?

Answer 19

French general that joined Washington and Lafayette at Yorktown

His leadership was crucial during the final battles.

Question 20

What was Admiral de Grasse’s role in the American Revolution?

Answer 20

Surrounded the British at Yorktown

His naval support was vital for the American victory.

Question 21

Who were the American negotiators sent to Paris?

Answer 21

Ben Franklin, John Adams, John Jay, Henry Laurens

They played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris.

Question 22

What significant event occurred at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

Answer 22

British suffered huge losses while Americans retreated due to lack of supplies

Both sides claimed victory in this early battle.

Question 23

What was the outcome of the Battle of King’s Mountain?

Answer 23

American victory in South Carolina

This battle helped turn the tide of the war in the South.

Question 24

What tactical advantage did the Americans have in the Battle of Cowpens?

Answer 24

Clever tactics employed by Morgan

This battle was a significant American victory.

Question 25

What happened at the Battle of Long Island?

Answer 25

1400 Americans killed, rest fled to Manhattan ## Footnote Howe took over Long Island and NYC after this defeat.

Question 26

What was significant about the Battle of Trenton?

Answer 26

Washington crossed an icy river and won easily against Hessians ## Footnote This victory renewed hope for the Americans.

Question 27

What was the turning point of the war at Saratoga?

Answer 27

Americans defeated the British, leading to French alliance ## Footnote British General Burgoyne faced difficulties in the wilderness.

Question 28

What occurred at Yorktown?

Answer 28

Americans surrounded the British, leading to their surrender ## Footnote This marked the end of major hostilities in the war.

Question 29

What is a traitor?

Answer 29

Person who betrays his or her country ## Footnote Benedict Arnold is a famous example of a traitor.

Question 30

What is a preamble?

Answer 30

An introduction that tells what the document is about ## Footnote It sets the stage for the content of the document.

Question 31

What are natural rights?

Answer 31

Rights that belong to all people from birth ## Footnote These include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Question 32

What is the main argument of Common Sense?

Answer 32

The king was a tyrant, monarchy is wrong, independence is good ## Footnote This book by Thomas Paine was influential in rallying support for independence.

Question 33

Who were the members of the Declaration Committee?

Answer 33

John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman ## Footnote They were responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Question 34

What was Valley Forge known for?

Answer 34

Winter home of the Continental Army where many died of frostbite and starvation ## Footnote It symbolizes the hardships faced by the troops.

Question 35

What does it mean to be neutral?

Answer 35

Uninvolved in a war, taking no sides ## Footnote Neutral countries did not support either side during the conflict.

Question 36

What is a peninsula?

Answer 36

Piece of land surrounded by water ## Footnote Geographically significant in military strategy.

Question 37

Who is considered a patriot?

Answer 37

American colonist rebelling against the British, fighting for liberty ## Footnote Patriots played a key role in the American Revolution.

Question 38

What is a loyalist?

Answer 38

American colonist remaining loyal to Britain ## Footnote They opposed the revolution and supported British rule.

Question 39

What is a refugee?

Answer 39

Someone who flees conflict or persecution ## Footnote Many individuals sought refuge during the war.

Question 40

What is a blockade?

Answer 40

Shutting of a port to keep people or supplies from moving in or out ## Footnote This was a common tactic used by the British.

Question 41

What are mercenaries?

Answer 41

Hired troops from Germany called Hessians ## Footnote They fought for the British during the war.

Question 42

What is a siege?

Answer 42

Occurs when an army surrounds and blockades an enemy position ## Footnote This tactic was used to capture fortified locations.

Question 43

What does ratified mean?

Answer 43

Approved or agreed upon by signing a document ## Footnote The Treaty of Paris was ratified by the United States.

Question 44

What was the Treaty of Paris?

Answer 44

British recognize American independence and America gets land east of the Mississippi River ## Footnote Florida was ceded to Spain, and America agreed to pay loyalists.

Question 45

What was the Second Continental Army?

Answer 45

Met in Philadelphia ## Footnote This assembly coordinated the colonial war effort.

Question 46

Who was the general and commander of the American Army?

Answer 46

George Washington ## Footnote He played a pivotal role in leading the Continental Army.

Question 47

What were the advantages of the patriots?

Answer 47

* Good shots * Washington's great leadership * Fought for a cause and homes ## Footnote These factors contributed to their resilience during the war.

Question 48

What were the disadvantages faced by the patriots?

Answer 48

* Poorly organized * Untrained * Few cannons and supplies * Small to no navy ## Footnote These challenges made their struggle difficult.

Question 49

What were the reasons why Americans won the war?

Answer 49

* America is a huge area * British thousands of miles from home * British captured cities, Americans moved inland * America knew the land well * Help of France and Spain * Patriotic spirit ## Footnote These factors combined to give the Americans an edge.

Question 50

What advantages did the British have during the war?

Answer 50

* Hessians and loyalists * Experienced/trained army * Best navy in the world * Money and stable government ## Footnote These advantages initially helped the British in their military efforts.

Question 51

What were the British disadvantages?

Answer 51

* 3000 miles from home * Not used to wilderness * Red coats * Stubborn generals ## Footnote These factors hindered their effectiveness in the conflict.

Question 52

What city did Benedict Arnold take over for the British?

Answer 52

Richmond, Virginia ## Footnote This act of betrayal was significant during the war.

Question 53

What fraction of the American army was African American?

Answer 53

⅕ of the American army ## Footnote African Americans played an important role in the Revolutionary War.

Question 54

What are the parts of the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 54

Part I: Preamble, Part II: Natural Rights, Part III: King's Wrongs, Part IV: Independence ## Footnote Each part addresses different aspects of the colonies' justification for independence.