The American Revolution - Impacts Flashcards
Who had won most of the battles during the American War of Independence?
The British.
Where and when was the decisive battle of the American War of Independence?
Yorktown in 1781
American troops had reinforced themselves with how many extra men for the battle of Yorktown?
3000 extra men.
Who did the Americans have the support of during the Battle of Yorktown?
The French
What did the French secure control of for the Americans in Yorktown and why was this important?
They had secured control of the waters around Yorktown which was important as the British needed to get their supplies in from the sea.
Who was the British commander?
Charles Cornwallis.
How had Cornwallis unwittingly helped the Americans at Yorktown?
By moving his troops onto a peninsula as they awaited supplies.
Name 4 good consequences for America:
-They had defeated the most powerful country in the world using their determination
-The Americans set up their own constitution, a parliament (congress) and President. This system still exists today
-Americans now had the representation they desires
-By the early 20th century, America had developed into the most powerful independent country in the world
What was the significance of the Battle of Yorktown?
It saw the immediate defeat of the British and the end of the War of Independence. America was now an independent country. It showed what could be achieved with a clear cause against an opponent that underestimated your ability.
Name 5 bad consequences for America:
-Many people could not vote, including poor farmers, African-Americans, indigenous Americans or women
-Rich, white men were represented, but no one else
-Slavery still existed
-Indigenous Americans were still widely discriminated against, losing more land to colonists
- Many Americans were unhappy with the changes so moved to Canada which was still under the control of Britain
Name 5 bad consequences for Britain:
-Britain had spent a lot of money on the war
-Britain had lost a lot of men
-The involvement of France on America’s side worsened relations between the 2 powers
-America had been used a penal colony where criminals were sent to work on plantations, Britain now turned to Australia and New Zealand to send convicts
-The main problem for Britain’s leaders was that the idea of overthrowing authority was one that made spread to Britain itself - with a growing working-class population this was a worry
Name 3 good consequences for Britain:
-Relations with America improved as years went on and the 2 countries started to trade with each other
-The loss of America was not an issue by the late 19th century because by then Britain had a colony in every time zone of the world
-America had once been considered the most important of the colonies but it was soon replaced by India
Give 1 consequence for the world:
The success of America inspired the most important events in European history- the French Revolution. This would go on to inspire the working class in Britain when it came to their voting rights and representation in parliament.
