American Revolution Pt. @ Flashcards
What happened in June 1775?
Battle of Bunker Hill
A significant early battle in the American Revolutionary War.
Who was in control of Boston during the Battle of Bunker Hill?
The British
Boston was a key city held by British forces.
How many Redcoats fought against the American Colonials at Bunker Hill?
About 2,400 Redcoats
The British forces significantly outnumbered the Americans.
How many American Colonials fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill?
Approximately 1,600 American Colonials
The Americans were outnumbered in the battle.
Where did most of the fighting occur during the Battle of Bunker Hill?
Breeds’ Hill
Despite the name, the battle primarily took place on Breeds’ Hill, not Bunker Hill.
Why is a hill a good place to defend in battle?
The opposing army is on the OFFENSIVE and climbing up the hill
Defenders can shoot down on attackers, giving them a strategic advantage.
What famous instruction did Colonel William Prescott give to his men?
“Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes”
This was to ensure accuracy and conserve ammunition.
Why did the Americans retreat during the Battle of Bunker Hill?
They ran out of ammunition/gunpowder
Ammunition was always in short supply for the American forces.
How many British casualties were caused by the Americans at Bunker Hill?
More than 1,000 British casualties
This was a significant cost for the British despite their victory.
Who was considered a hero at the Battle of Bunker Hill?
Dr. Joseph Warren
He played a notable role in the battle.
What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill?
It showed the British that the war would not be easy to win
The British underestimated the American forces.
Why was General Washington not at the Battle of Bunker Hill?
He had just been appointed Commander and travel took a long time
Washington’s absence was due to logistical challenges of the time.
What were the taxes imposed on the colonists starting in 1763?
All the taxes imposed on the colonists, ending with the Coercive Acts of 1774
This period marked significant unrest and opposition among the colonists.
Who were the Patriots during the American Revolution?
Colonists who felt they could govern themselves and wanted independence from Great Britain
They were also known as Whigs in England.
What were the Loyalists’ beliefs during the American Revolution?
They wanted to remain loyal to Great Britain and the King
They were referred to as Tories in England.
What significant event occurred on April 19, 1775?
Battle of Lexington and Concord, known as the ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World’
This battle marked the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the American colonists.
Who was the Governor of Massachusetts who knew about the colonists storing weapons in Concord?
Thomas Gage
Which two colonial leaders were meeting in Lexington that Gage intended to arrest?
Samuel Adams and John Hancock
What did spies for the Patriot cause discover about Gage’s plans?
Gage was going to arrest Adams and Hancock and seize weapons at Concord
Who arranged the signal lanterns for Paul Revere’s ride?
Robert Newman
What did one lantern signify in the Old North Church’s signal system?
The British were coming by land
What did two lanterns signify in the Old North Church’s signal system?
The British were coming by sea
On what date did Paul Revere make his famous ride to Concord?
April 18, 1775
Who accompanied Paul Revere on his midnight ride?
William Dawes and Samuel Prescott
What was the purpose of Paul Revere’s midnight ride?
To alert the towns that the British regulars were coming
What phrase did the church bells call out to the local militia?
The Regulars are coming out
What happened to Paul Revere during his ride?
He was captured
What happened to William Dawes during his ride?
He lost his horse
Who was the only rider to finish the midnight ride to Concord?
Samuel Prescott
What event is known as the start of the American Revolution?
Battle of Lexington and Concord
This battle is often referred to as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.”
Who commanded the British regulars during the Battle of Lexington?
Major Pitcairn
How many minutemen lined up on Lexington Green?
70 minutemen
What did Captain Parker instruct his men regarding firing?
Don’t fire unless fired upon
What happened after the first shot was fired at Lexington?
8 minutemen lay dead
What did the British find in Concord?
The storehouse empty of weapons
What action did the British take in Concord?
They burned buildings
What was formed at the North Bridge by the militiamen?
A defensive position
What was the outcome when the British tried to return to Boston?
Thousands of minutemen attacked the British column
How many soldiers did the British lose compared to the Patriots?
British lost 70 soldiers; Patriots lost 49 men
Fill in the blank: The first shot fired at Lexington is referred to as the _______.
Shot Heard ‘Round the World
True or False: Major Pitcairn ordered the minutemen to lay down their arms.
True
