The American Revolution

Question 1

The Seven Years War (1756-1763)

Answer 1

Britain’s success a major cause of the American Revolution. War was very expensive so Britain began taxing North American colonists to raise more revenue for the army. Colonists felt unrepresented with Britain having a tradition of taxation having to be approved by those being taxed (Magna Charta).

Question 2

King George III

Answer 2

Seen as a tyrant to colonists. He resented parliament for stealing power from the monarchy. Preoccupied trying to assert power.

Question 3

The First Continental Congress 1774

Answer 3

Colonists gather for the first time to ask Britain for limited self-government, not independence. Wanted colonist representation, rather than being governed from across the sea.

Question 4

Common Sense - Thomas Paine

Answer 4

Brought complaints together in Britain and America. First person to articulate full independence for America. By 1775, independence was the goal and war broke out.

Question 5

The Declaration of Independence (1776)

Answer 5

Obvious influence from Locke - the people had a right to overthrow government if it went too far. Asserted that America can become independent because the British government threatened them.

Question 6

War for Independence

Answer 6

Expensive war for both side. Britain struggled to get resources overseas, while colonists struggled to raise resources. George Washington led revolutionaries until the French arrived to aid them.

Question 7

Battle of Yorktown (1781)

Answer 7

Final battle of the revolution in which the British were defeated with help from the French Navy. A peace treaty is signed in 1783 in which Britain ceded America. Resulted in many calls in Britain for reform.

Question 8

The Constitutional Convention (1787)

Answer 8

Newly founded America was struggling to unify independent “states”. Used Montesquieu’s Separation of Powers to establish the Congress, Presidency, and Supreme Court.