Question 1: When did the Declaration of Independence occur?

Answer: 1776

Question 2: Who was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army?

Answer: George Washington

Question 3: Which event marked the start of open warfare between Britain and the colonies?

Answer: The Battles of Lexington and Concord

Question 4: Explain the significance of the Treaty of Paris 1783.

Answer: It ended the war, recognized American independence, and established borders for the new nation.

Question 5: Name one major American victory during the Revolutionary War.

Answer: Battle of Saratoga

Question 1: Source: '[A letter from a colonial soldier describing their feelings about the British army]' What can you infer about the colonial soldiers' attitude towards the British forces based on this source?

Answer: The soldiers likely viewed the British as a formidable enemy, but also as oppressors. The tone suggests determination and a desire for independence, indicating morale and resolve despite hardships.

Question 2: Who was the intended audience of this letter, and how might that influence its content?

Answer: The audience was likely fellow colonists or supporters. The content aims to motivate and rally support for the cause, emphasizing patriotism and shared grievances.

Question 3: Evaluate the reliability of this source. What are some limitations?

Answer: As a personal account, it provides insight into individual feelings but may be biased, overly patriotic, or incomplete. It may not fully represent the wider colonial sentiment.

Question 1: Explain why the Boston Tea Party was a significant event in the lead-up to the Revolution.

Answer: The Boston Tea Party symbolized colonial resistance to British taxation without representation. It escalated tensions, led to punitive Acts like the Coercive Acts, and united colonists against Britain, fueling revolutionary sentiments.

Question 2: Describe how the Enlightenment influenced colonial ideas about government during the Revolution.

Answer: Enlightenment ideas emphasized liberty, equality, and the right to challenge unjust authority. These influenced colonial demands for self-governance and justified rebellion against monarchical rule.

Question 3: Explain the role of foreign aid in the American victory.

Answer: Foreign aid from France, especially military support and supplies, was crucial. It provided the Patriots with resources and strategic advantages, helping to secure victory.

Question 1: To what extent was economic hardship a primary cause of the American Revolution?

Answer: Economic hardship, caused by British taxes, trade restrictions, and acts like the Stamp Act and Townshend Duties, significantly fueled colonial resentment. However, ideological factors like Enlightenment ideas and political grievances also played vital roles. A balanced view recognizes economic struggles as a catalyst, but not the sole cause.

Question 2: How far do you agree that the Revolution was primarily a fight for independence rather than economic or social change?

Answer: While the primary aim was independence from British rule, economic grievances and social changes also motivated revolutionaries. The desire for self-governance was intertwined with economic freedoms and social equality, such as the push against taxation without representation and the desire to expand democratic participation. A nuanced argument recognizes the complexity of motives, with independence being a unifying goal that encompassed economic and social aspirations.