Lesson 3-2: Ideas Start a Revolution Flashcards
When was the Second Continental Congress convened, and where was it located?
May 1775; Philadelphia
What sparked such intense debate at the Second Continental Congress?
- The loyalties that separated Americans/colonists: some were Loyalists, some were Patriots
- Everyone had their own ideas/beliefs about what direction the United States should go
What did John Adams of Massachusetts suggest at the Second Continental Congress?
1) Each colony should set up its own government
2) The government should declare the colonies independent
3) The soldiers/militiamen besieging Boston should be considered the Continental Army
4) The Continental Army should have a general to lead them.
What two clauses did the Second Continental Congress agree to?
1) The soldiers camped in/around Boston were recognized at the Continental Army
2) George Washington, a 43-year-old veteran of the French and Indian War, was appointed as the commander of the Continental Army.
What did Congress do at this convention in which it acted like an actually independent government?
- Organized the printing of paper money to pay the troops
- Organized a committee to deal with foreign relations
Where did the Battle of Bunker Hill take place?
Boston
Who was the British general at the Battle of Bunker Hill?
General Thomas Gage
What was General Gage trying to do?
Fire at militiamen who had dug into Breed’s Hill (which was near Bunker Hill, but not Bunker Hill itself)
What was the disadvantage of the British soldiers?
They were fighting uphill, and were shooting upward at the Patriots.
How many assaults did the British carry out?
Three
- The first and second failed, while the third succeeded.
Why did the Patriots lose this battle?
Because they were low on ammunition.
How many fatalities did the Patriots suffer?
450
How many fatalities did the British suffer?
Over 1,000
Just before and at the beginning of the war, who did the colonists blame for the need for revolution?
The King’s ministers, NOT the King himself (George III)
The Olive Branch Petition: When and What?
- When: July 8, 1775
- What: A document sent to the King of England urging for “a return to the former harmony” between England and the colonies.
How did the King react to the Olive Branch Petition?
He flatly and blatantly denied it; he issued a statement officially declaring the colonies in a state of rebellion.
- He urged Parliament to order a naval blockade of the American coast.
Common Sense
The document written by Thomas Paine that attacked King George III.
When did Thomas Paine state that his revolt against the King began?
The battle of Lexington and Concord
What was the main message of Common Sense?
- It was time for the colonists to proclaim an independent republic
- It was time for the colonists to form their own government
Paine argued that independence was America’s _______________.
“destiny”
What did Paine argue that independence would allow the Americans to do?
Trade with foreign nations for guns and ammunition that would help them win the war against Great Britain.
- He also argued that independence would allow the Americans to receive foreign aid.
What was the final, and one may argue, the most important, thing that Paine argued independence would allow the Americans to do?
Give them the chance to create a better society; one free of tyranny and consisting of equal social and economic benefits for all.
How many copies of Common Sense sold?
Around 500,000
How did Common Sense affect the colonists?
- It relieved some of their doubts about separating from Britain.
- It made the colonists think about the better lives and country they could create for themselves separate from the King/Great Britain.
By the summer of 1776, which states had already declared themselves independent?
- North Carolina
- Many Virginians stated that they wished for independence
After several events took place, what did the Congress FINALLY do?
Ordered the colonies to create their own governments.
Thomas Jefferson
A Virginia lawyer who was known for his broad knowledge and skillfully crafted prose; was chosen to express the committee and America’s points/reasons for action/rebellion against the King.
From whom did Jefferson draw much inspiration for the Declaration of Independence (especially the clause pertaining to “unalienable rights”)?
English Enlightenment philosopher John Locke
What were John Locke’s natural rights?
- Life, liberty, and property
- All men are born with these rights, and they cannot be taken away under any circumstances
- A government’s job is to protect these natural rights
- If a government fails to protect these rights, then the people have a right to overthrow that government and create a new, more just one.
What were Jefferson’s “unalienable rights”?
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness
In keeping with Locke’s ideas, with the consent of whom does the government operate?
The PEOPLE
What does the phrase “all men are created equal” really mean?
That all FREE CITIZENS were political equals.
- Therefore, naturally, this statement did not apply to minorities, such as women, African American slaves, and Native Americans
There was originally a clause in the Declaration attacking slavery. What happened to it?
It was dropped in order to gain the votes of two prominent slave states: Georgia and South Carolina.
On what day did the delegates at the Second Continental Congress VOTE that the colonies were free?
July 2, 1776
On what day was the Declaration of Independence ADOPTED?
July 4, 1776
When the delegates were creating a formal copy of the Declaration, what was going on outside?
It was being read aloud to a crowd that had gathered in front of Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall).
Patriots
Supporters of independence; those who wanted to break away from Britain.
What divided Americans most at the beginning, middle, and even even of the Revolutionary War?
The fact that they had to choose sides: they could either be a Patriot, and support breaking away from the Crown, or they could choose to be a Loyalist who favored remaining with the Crown.
- The decisions the colonists made created stark divisions within states, communities, and families.
How many Loyalists were there?
We do not actually know; many with Loyalist sympathies changed sides during the war.
Why did some people feel a special tie to King George III?
Because they had been royal governors, councilors, and judges.
Why did the majority of Loyalists chose to remain loyal to King George III?
Because they were afraid that the British were going to win the war and punish the colonists.
- Remember, if the colonies lost, their leaders were to be hanged for treason.
- It’s only treason if you lose!
Still, why did some other Loyalists choose to remain on the side of the King?
Because they thought that the King could better protect their rights than the new colonial governments.
While the Patriots made up about half of the population, many Americans still remained ___________________.
Neutral
Who were some of the people that the Patriots accepted?
1) Merchants
2) Elected officials
3) Artisans
4) Landowners
5) Farmers
What group of people did the conflict present serious dilemmas for?
The Quakers; they generally supported the Patriots but did NOT fight in the war because they were pacifists.
Why did some African Americans join the British?
Because they (the British) often promised freedom to slaves that fought for the Crown.
Why did many Native Americans support the British?
Because they viewed the colonial settlers as bigger threats to their land.
What TWO wars were the colonies really fighting?
1) A war for independence
2) A civil war between Americans with differing opinions
