UNIT 1: Colonial America & The American Revolution (Before 1776)

Question 1

Why did people come to America?

Answer 1

• Religious freedom (Pilgrims & Puritans didn’t like England’s rules).
• Economic opportunity (New land = money).
• Freedom & a fresh start (People escaping debt, prison, or problems in Europe).
  ( REF – religious, economic, freedom)

Question 2

13 Colonies (OG states)

Answer 2

• New England (Massachusetts, Rhode Island) → Cold, shipbuilding, trade.
• Middle Colonies (New York, Pennsylvania) → Mix of farming & trade.
• Southern Colonies (Virginia, Georgia) → Warm, big farms (plantations), slavery.

Question 3

Why Did the Colonies Break Away?

Answer 3

No Taxation Without Representation!” – British taxed colonies without letting them vote.
* Boston Massacre (1770) – British soldiers killed colonists.
* Boston Tea Party (1773) – Colonists dumped British tea in protest.

Question 4

The American Revolution (1775-1783) Events

Answer 4

• Declaration of Independence (1776) – Written by Thomas Jefferson, officially said, “We quit, England!”
• Major Battles: Lexington & Concord (1st shots), Saratoga (turning point), Yorktown (final battle).
• U.S. WINS! Treaty of Paris (1783) makes America officially independent.