1.
Who said "Give me liberty or give me death!"?
Correct Answer
D. Patrick Henry
Explanation
Patrick Henry said "Give me liberty or give me death!" This quote is one of the most famous statements in American history and was delivered during a speech to the Virginia Convention in 1775. Henry was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and a strong advocate for independence from Britain. His passionate words became a rallying cry for those who believed in the cause of freedom and helped to inspire the colonists in their fight for independence.
2.
At the second Continental Congress, who was chosen to lead the Continental Army?
Correct Answer
B. George Washington
Explanation
George Washington was chosen to lead the Continental Army at the second Continental Congress because he possessed strong leadership qualities, military experience, and the respect of his peers. He had previously served as a commander in the French and Indian War and had proven himself to be a capable and strategic leader. Additionally, Washington's reputation as a patriot and his commitment to the cause of independence made him a natural choice to lead the newly formed army in the fight against British forces.
3.
What happened at the Battle of Bunker Hill?
Correct Answer
A. The Massachusetts militia lost to the British Army and retreated
Explanation
At the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Massachusetts militia fought against the British Army and ultimately lost the battle. They were forced to retreat from the battlefield. This answer accurately summarizes the outcome of the battle and the defeat of the Massachusetts militia.
4.
Who wrote "Common Sense?"
Correct Answer
C. Thomas Paine
Explanation
Thomas Paine wrote "Common Sense." This pamphlet was published in 1776 and played a significant role in inspiring the American colonists to declare independence from Great Britain. Paine's persuasive and straightforward writing style made complex political ideas accessible to the common people, and his arguments for self-governance and individual rights greatly influenced the American Revolution. His work became immensely popular and helped shape the political landscape of the time.
5.
"Common Sense" tried to persuade colonists to
Correct Answer
A. Fight the British for their liberty and freedom
Explanation
"Common Sense" was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776, which played a significant role in persuading the American colonists to fight for their independence from Britain. Paine argued that it was common sense for the colonists to break away from British rule and establish their own government. He emphasized the importance of liberty and freedom, rallying the colonists to take up arms against the British. Therefore, the correct answer is "Fight the British for their liberty and freedom."
6.
What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition sent by the Second Continental Congress?
Correct Answer
A. To make peace with Great Britain and avoid all out war
Explanation
The purpose of the Olive Branch Petition sent by the Second Continental Congress was to make peace with Great Britain and avoid all-out war. The petition was a final attempt to reconcile with Britain and restore harmony between the colonies and the British government. It expressed the colonists' desire for peaceful resolution and emphasized their loyalty to the British crown. However, the petition was ultimately rejected by King George III, leading to the escalation of hostilities and the eventual declaration of independence by the colonies.
7.
Who drafted the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
D. Thomas Jefferson
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson is the correct answer because he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen by the Second Continental Congress to draft this important document, which outlined the reasons for the American colonies' separation from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent writing and strong beliefs in individual rights and freedom greatly influenced the final version of the Declaration. His contributions to this document solidified his place in history as one of the founding fathers of the United States.
8.
What is the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
D. To inform Britain why the colonies wanted independence
Explanation
The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence is to inform Britain why the colonies wanted independence. It serves as a formal document that outlines the grievances and reasons for the colonies' desire to break away from British rule. By listing the injustices and violations of rights committed by the British government, the Declaration of Independence aims to justify the colonies' decision to seek independence and rally support for their cause.
9.
What debate delayed the approveal of the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
B. If the colonists should blame the king for slavery
Explanation
The debate that delayed the approval of the Declaration of Independence was whether the colonists should blame the king for slavery. This issue was a significant point of contention among the delegates, as some believed that holding the king responsible for slavery would undermine their efforts to gain independence, while others argued that it was necessary to address this moral issue. This debate prolonged the approval process as the delegates had to reach a consensus on this matter before finalizing the Declaration.
10.
What day is celebrated today commemorating the day the Declaration was approved?
Correct Answer
B. Fourth of July
Explanation
The correct answer is Fourth of July. This day is celebrated to commemorate the day the Declaration was approved. The Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule. It is a significant day in American history and is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and other festivities to honor the birth of the United States of America.
11.
At the first Continental Congress, the Colonies decided to unite and form one country.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
At the first Continental Congress, the Colonies did not decide to unite and form one country. The purpose of the first Continental Congress, held in 1774, was to address grievances with the British government and find a peaceful resolution. The idea of forming a separate country did not come until later, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Therefore, the statement that the Colonies decided to unite and form one country at the first Continental Congress is false.
12.
Why did the Proclamation of 1763 anger the colonists?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The Proclamation of 1763 angered the colonists because it prevented them from settling on land that they wanted to farm on. It also slowed down land speculation, which was a way for colonists to profit from buying and selling land. Additionally, the colonists saw the Proclamation as an act of tyranny, as it was an imposition of British authority over their land and limited their freedom to expand and settle in the frontier.
13.
Why did the colonists object to all these acts?
Correct Answer
B. They were taxes without being represented
Explanation
The colonists objected to all these acts because they believed that they should not be taxed without having representation in the British government. They felt that it was unfair for the British to impose taxes on them without giving them a voice in the decision-making process. This lack of representation was seen as a violation of their rights and sparked their resistance against British rule.
14.
What did the Townshend Act do?
Correct Answer
B. Taxed colonists goods from England like paper, tea, and paint
Explanation
The Townshend Act was a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1767. It imposed taxes on various goods imported to the American colonies, including paper, tea, and paint. These taxes were intended to generate revenue for Britain and assert its authority over the colonies. The act sparked widespread opposition and protests from the colonists, who saw it as a violation of their rights and a form of taxation without representation. The Townshend Act played a significant role in escalating tensions between Britain and the American colonies, ultimately leading to the American Revolution.
15.
What did the Stamp Act do?
Correct Answer
A. Taxed all paper products
Explanation
The Stamp Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1765 that imposed a tax on all paper products in the American colonies. This included legal documents, newspapers, playing cards, and even pamphlets. The act required that these items be printed on specially stamped paper, which had to be purchased from British officials. This tax was highly unpopular among the colonists and was one of the contributing factors that led to the American Revolution.
16.
What did the Quartering Act do?
Correct Answer
D. Made colonists provide supplies for British soldiers
Explanation
The Quartering Act was a law that required colonists to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers. This act was passed by the British government in order to reduce the cost of maintaining a standing army in the American colonies. By making the colonists responsible for providing supplies, such as food, bedding, and transportation, the British government hoped to alleviate some of the financial burden of supporting their troops. This act was met with resistance and was one of the grievances that eventually led to the American Revolution.
17.
Check the two towns that the British marched on in order to take colonial militia weapons.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Lexington
E. Concord
Explanation
The British marched on Lexington and Concord in order to take colonial militia weapons.
18.
In 1762, who actually governed most of the colonies?
Correct Answer
D. They were self-governing
Explanation
During the year 1762, most of the colonies were self-governing. This means that they had the power to govern themselves without direct interference from a governor appointed by the king or the king himself. The colonies had established their own systems of government and were able to make decisions and laws independently.
19.
As a result of the French and Indian War, what country lost all its land in North America?
Correct Answer
B. France
Explanation
As a result of the French and Indian War, France lost all its land in North America. This war took place between 1754 and 1763, and it was fought primarily between the French and the British. The British ultimately emerged victorious, leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Under this treaty, France was forced to cede its North American territories to the British, effectively losing all its land in the region. Spain and England also played significant roles in this war, but it was France that suffered the loss of its North American holdings.
20.
In the Revolutionary War the colonists were vastly out-numbered and fought against the strongest military in the world. How did they win against such odds?
21.
Based on the primary documents which were presented in class, explain how Americans experienced or did not experience a new freedom? Identify two examples, and explain their experiences.