The American Revolution, 1775-1783
This is the 20 questions from Hippocampus in a nice, easy to use, interface.
- 1.
The purpose of the First Continental Congress was to:
- A.
Consider ways of redressing colonial grievances
- B.
Become a legislative body
- C.
Write the Declaration of Independence
- D.
Decide which of Parliament's taxes the colonies would and would not pay
- E.
Eliminate pro-revolutionary activity
Correct Answer
A. Consider ways of redressing colonial grievancesExplanation
The purpose of the First Continental Congress was to consider ways of redressing colonial grievances. This means that the Congress was convened to discuss and find solutions for the issues and complaints that the American colonies had against British rule. The Congress aimed to address these grievances and potentially negotiate with the British government to resolve the tensions between the colonies and Britain. It did not have the intention of becoming a legislative body, writing the Declaration of Independence, deciding on taxes, or eliminating pro-revolutionary activity.Rate this question:
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- 2.
As the War for Independence began, Britain had the advantage of:
- A.
Political and diplomatic unity throughout Europe
- B.
An alliance with Spain and Holland
- C.
A well-organized and united home government and population
- D.
First-rate generals and a well-supplied professional army in North America
- E.
Overwhelming national wealth and naval power
Correct Answer
E. Overwhelming national wealth and naval powerExplanation
Britain had the advantage of overwhelming national wealth and naval power during the War for Independence. This meant that they had the financial resources to fund their military operations and maintain a strong navy, which was crucial for controlling trade routes and supplying their forces. Their naval power also allowed them to project their military strength across the Atlantic and provide support to their forces in North America. Additionally, their wealth gave them the ability to hire and maintain a well-trained and well-equipped army, which included first-rate generals. This combination of wealth and naval power gave Britain a significant advantage in the war.Rate this question:
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- 3.
As the War for Independence began, the colonies had the advantage of:
- A.
Highly reliable and well-supplied troops
- B.
Potential aid from the France and Spain
- C.
A well-organized, strongly committed, and united population
- D.
Many outstanding civil and military leaders
- E.
An alliance with Canada
Correct Answer
B. Potential aid from the France and SpainExplanation
The colonies had the advantage of potential aid from France and Spain. This means that they had the possibility of receiving support and assistance from these two powerful European nations. This aid could have included military supplies, troops, and financial assistance, which would have greatly strengthened the colonies' position in the war. France and Spain had their own interests in supporting the colonies, as they saw an opportunity to weaken their rival, Great Britain. This potential aid would have been a significant advantage for the colonies in their fight for independence.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The colonists faced all of the following weaknesses in the War for Independence EXCEPT:
- A.
Poor organization
- B.
Sectional jealousy, which constantly interfered with the appointment of military leaders
- C.
Great difficulties in raising money to support the army
- D.
The use of numerous European officers
- E.
A strong Loyalist population in some states
Correct Answer
D. The use of numerous European officersExplanation
During the War for Independence, the colonists faced several weaknesses. Poor organization, sectional jealousy, and great difficulties in raising money to support the army were some of the challenges they encountered. Additionally, a strong Loyalist population in some states posed a threat to the colonists' cause. However, the use of numerous European officers was not a weakness for the colonists. In fact, these officers brought valuable military expertise and experience to the colonial forces, helping to strengthen their position in the war.Rate this question:
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- 5.
African Americans during the Revolutionary War:
- A.
Fought for both the Americans and the British
- B.
Fought only for the British
- C.
Fought only for the Americans
- D.
Supported neither side, as both enslaved them
- E.
Formed wide-scale alliances with Indian groups
Correct Answer
A. Fought for both the Americans and the BritishExplanation
During the Revolutionary War, African Americans had different roles and allegiances. Some African Americans fought for the Americans, joining the Continental Army and militias to fight for independence from Britain. Others fought for the British, who promised freedom to enslaved people who joined their side. Therefore, African Americans fought for both the Americans and the British during the Revolutionary War.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Declaration of Independence did all of the following EXCEPT:
- A.
Invoke the natural rights of humankind to justify revolt
- B.
Catalog the tyrannical actions of King George III
- C.
Argue that royal tyranny justified revolt
- D.
Fail to blame George III for slavery
- E.
Blame the colonies' problems on the British Parliament
Correct Answer
E. Blame the colonies' problems on the British ParliamentExplanation
The Declaration of Independence did not blame the colonies' problems on the British Parliament. Instead, it cataloged the tyrannical actions of King George III, argued that royal tyranny justified revolt, and invoked the natural rights of humankind to justify the revolt. However, it did not directly blame George III for slavery, as this issue was not specifically addressed in the document.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Britain’s generous terms to America in the Treaty of Paris (1783) can best be explained by the fact that Britain:
- A.
Realized that they had been beaten badly
- B.
Wanted to help Spain as well
- C.
Had changed from Whig to Tory
- D.
Were trying to persuade America to abandon its alliance with France
- E.
No longer desired to maintain a new world empire
Correct Answer
D. Were trying to persuade America to abandon its alliance with FranceExplanation
Britain's generous terms to America in the Treaty of Paris (1783) can best be explained by their attempt to persuade America to abandon its alliance with France. By offering favorable terms, Britain hoped to entice America to sever its ties with France and align itself more closely with Britain. This would weaken the alliance between America and France, which was a significant threat to British interests.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Concerning the provisions of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which formally ended the Revolution:
- A.
America faithfully adhered to each one
- B.
France was pleased with the results
- C.
America broke the assurances regarding treatment of the Loyalists
- D.
Spain gained all it wanted
- E.
America gave England more than it received in return
Correct Answer
C. America broke the assurances regarding treatment of the LoyalistsExplanation
The Treaty of Paris (1783) ended the American Revolution, and it included provisions regarding the treatment of Loyalists, who were colonists loyal to the British Crown. The correct answer states that America broke the assurances regarding the treatment of the Loyalists. This means that America did not fulfill its promises to protect and provide fair treatment for the Loyalists after the war. This failure to uphold the agreed-upon terms of the treaty resulted in the mistreatment and persecution of many Loyalists by their fellow Americans.Rate this question:
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- 9.
France failed to provide open assistance to America until after the Battle of Saratoga because the French:
- A.
Had a new government in power that favored assistance
- B.
Had nothing to give the colonies before that time
- C.
Thought the colonists' chances of winning slim before the victory
- D.
Had previously considered an alliance with Britain
- E.
Were forced to wait for Spain’s approval
Correct Answer
C. Thought the colonists' chances of winning slim before the victoryExplanation
France failed to provide open assistance to America until after the Battle of Saratoga because they believed that the chances of the colonists winning were slim before the victory. This suggests that France was hesitant to support the American colonies until they saw evidence of their military capabilities and chances of success. Once the American victory at Saratoga demonstrated their strength, France became more willing to offer assistance.Rate this question:
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- 10.
After the Americans scored a significant win at Yorktown:
- A.
The fighting continued for more than a year
- B.
The war ended within a month
- C.
The French withdrew their assistance as it was no longer needed
- D.
King George III decided to end the struggle
- E.
The French decided to provide military aid for the first time
Correct Answer
A. The fighting continued for more than a yearExplanation
After the Americans scored a significant win at Yorktown, the fighting continued for more than a year. This is because although the victory at Yorktown was a turning point in the Revolutionary War, it did not immediately lead to the end of the conflict. The British still had significant forces and resources, and they continued to fight against the Americans for several more months. It took time for negotiations and diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution to the war, which eventually happened with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The Franco-American alliance allowed the new nation to:
- A.
Gain access to large sums of money
- B.
Double the size of their fighting forces
- C.
Avail themselves of French naval strength
- D.
Improve the morale of the Continental Army
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
The Franco-American alliance allowed the new nation to gain access to large sums of money through loans and financial support from France. It also doubled the size of their fighting forces by providing military aid and reinforcements. The alliance allowed the new nation to avail themselves of French naval strength, which was crucial in securing victories and protecting American interests at sea. Additionally, the alliance improved the morale of the Continental Army, as it provided a sense of support and solidarity in the fight for independence.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The most significant result of the Revolution for white women was that they:
- A.
Permanently gained the right to vote
- B.
Were allowed to serve in the national legislature
- C.
Were elevated to a newly prestigious role as special keepers of the nation's conscience
- D.
Finally gained fully equal status with white males
- E.
Were allowed to serve in several state legislatures
Correct Answer
C. Were elevated to a newly prestigious role as special keepers of the nation's conscienceExplanation
The Revolution elevated white women to a newly prestigious role as special keepers of the nation's conscience. This means that they were seen as moral authorities and were expected to uphold and promote the values and ideals of the nation. While they did not gain the right to vote or achieve fully equal status with white males, they were given a significant responsibility and influence in shaping the nation's moral compass. They were not allowed to serve in the national or state legislatures, which suggests that their role was more symbolic and societal rather than political.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Shays' Rebellion led many of the Founding Fathers to believe the nation needed:
- A.
Lower taxes
- B.
Granting long-delayed bonuses to Revolutionary War veterans
- C.
A vigilante effort by westerners to halt the Indian threat
- D.
A stronger central government
- E.
The vote for women
Correct Answer
D. A stronger central governmentExplanation
Shays' Rebellion was a rebellion led by farmers in Massachusetts in 1786-1787, which highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the lack of a strong central government. The rebellion demonstrated the inability of the national government to effectively respond to domestic unrest and maintain order. As a result, many of the Founding Fathers, who were instrumental in drafting the Constitution, believed that a stronger central government was necessary to prevent future uprisings and ensure stability and security for the nation.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The relationship between the thirteen states under the Articles of Confederation:
- A.
Completely unified the states
- B.
Was good economically but poor politically
- C.
Led to a single currency for all states
- D.
Led to frequent political and economic disputes
- E.
Ended trade disputes
Correct Answer
D. Led to frequent political and economic disputesExplanation
The relationship between the thirteen states under the Articles of Confederation led to frequent political and economic disputes. This is because the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government that lacked the power to effectively resolve conflicts between the states. As a result, disputes over issues such as trade, taxation, and representation were common, leading to ongoing political and economic tensions among the states.Rate this question:
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- 15.
One of the initial sparks that caused Shay’s Rebellion was:
- A.
Fear that the Articles of Confederation government was too strong
- B.
Efforts by wealthy merchants to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new constitution
- C.
A quarrel over the boundary between Massachusetts and Maine
- D.
Foreclosures on the mortgages of backcountry farmers in rural Massachusetts
- E.
A need for more protection against Indian attacks on the frontier
Correct Answer
D. Foreclosures on the mortgages of backcountry farmers in rural MassachusettsExplanation
Foreclosures on the mortgages of backcountry farmers in rural Massachusetts was one of the initial sparks that caused Shay's Rebellion. This means that the farmers were losing their land and livelihoods due to the inability to pay their mortgages, leading to frustration and anger. This economic hardship and injustice likely fueled the rebellion as the farmers sought to protest against the unfair treatment and fight for their rights.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The egalitarian nature of the American Revolution accomplished all of the following EXCEPT:
- A.
The reduction of property qualifications for voting by most states
- B.
The growth of trade organizations for artisans and laborers
- C.
The establishment of the world's first antislavery society
- D.
Full equality between white women and men
- E.
The end of established churches in several states
Correct Answer
D. Full equality between white women and menExplanation
The American Revolution brought about significant changes in society, but it did not achieve full equality between white women and men. While the revolution did challenge traditional gender roles and provide opportunities for women to participate in public life, it did not grant them the same rights and privileges as men. Women were still excluded from political participation, denied access to education and property ownership, and faced significant legal and social restrictions. Therefore, full equality between white women and men was not accomplished during the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The debate between the proponents and opponents of the Articles of Confederation focused on how to:
- A.
Balance states' rights and strong national government
- B.
Provide equality for new states entering the Union
- C.
Abolish slavery yet preserve national unity
- D.
Balance the power of legislative and executive branches of government
- E.
Limit the power of the national judiciary
Correct Answer
A. Balance states' rights and strong national governmentExplanation
The debate between the proponents and opponents of the Articles of Confederation focused on how to balance states' rights and a strong national government. The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government, with most powers residing in the individual states. Some believed that this arrangement was necessary to protect states' sovereignty and prevent the central government from becoming too powerful. Others argued that a stronger national government was needed to effectively govern the country and ensure unity. The debate centered around finding the right balance between these two competing interests.Rate this question:
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- 18.
One of the most enlightened provisions of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787:
- A.
Set aside a section of each township for education
- B.
Abolished slavery in all of the United States
- C.
Prohibited slavery in the Old Northwest
- D.
Kept power in the national government
- E.
Established the concept of judicial review
Correct Answer
C. Prohibited slavery in the Old NorthwestExplanation
The correct answer is "Prohibited slavery in the Old Northwest." The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a significant piece of legislation that established guidelines for the governance and expansion of the Northwest Territory. One of its key provisions was the prohibition of slavery in this territory, which encompassed present-day states such as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This provision reflected a commitment to limiting the spread of slavery and promoting free labor in the newly acquired territories. It was an important step towards the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Unanimous approval of the Articles of Confederation was achieved when:
- A.
A compromise on slavery was reached
- B.
States gave up their right to establish tariffs
- C.
All states claiming western lands surrendered them to the national government
- D.
The states gave up their power to print money
- E.
Three co-equal branches of government were established
Correct Answer
C. All states claiming western lands surrendered them to the national government -
- 20.
Major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation included:
- A.
The lack of an effective executive branch
- B.
The lack of a national judiciary
- C.
The inability to raise taxes
- D.
The inability to raise an army
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
The major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation included the lack of an effective executive branch, the lack of a national judiciary, the inability to raise taxes, and the inability to raise an army. These weaknesses hindered the ability of the government to effectively govern the nation. Without an executive branch, there was no central authority to enforce laws and carry out decisions. The absence of a national judiciary meant that there was no system in place to interpret and apply laws consistently. The inability to raise taxes and an army limited the government's ability to fund and defend the country. All of these weaknesses contributed to the need for a stronger central government, leading to the drafting of the United States Constitution.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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