Chapter 8: America Secedes from the Empire

Congress Drafts George Washington What were Washington’s faults? What were Washington’s gifts? Why was Washington chosen as leader of the Patriot army? Bunker Hill and Hessian Hirelings Why is the American Revolution considered a war of inconsistencies? Why were the battles of Ticonderoga and Crown point in 1775 significant? Describe the Battle of Bunker Hill and its significance. What was the Olive Branch Petition and how did King George respond to it? Who were the Hessians? How did the colonists feel about them? Why were the Hessians called Hessian flies?

The Abortive Conquest of Canada Why did the colonists attack Canada and how did this go against their initial reason for fighting? In 1775, describe the Canadian fighting campaign. When were the British forced to evacuate Boston and why was this significant? The colonists won two victories in the south in What were the two battles and who did Patriot’s fight? Thomas Paine Preaches Common Sense Why did Americans deny any intention of independence? What actions/activities made some colonists change their minds? What was the main argument of Common Sense and why is it significant?

Paine and the Idea of “Republicanism” Why was Common Sense considered doubly radical? Why did the colonists respond well to the arguments presented in Common Sense? What is civic virtue and why is it fundamental to a successful republican government? Why did some colonists favor a republic ruled by a “natural aristocracy”? Jefferson’s “Explanation” of Independence What did Richard Henry Lee propose on June 7, 1776 and what were the ramifications of this proposal? Describe the main points of the Declaration of Independence. How did a formal declaration of independence “clear the air” for the colonists? Why was the declaration considered a “shout heard round the world”?

Patriots and Loyalists Who was loyal to whom during the War of Independence? Who would be considered a Torie? Who would be considered a Whig? Why was the revolution considered a minority movement? How did the Patriots gain the allegiance and support of the civilian population? Loyalist could be considered “tragic figures” – why? Where were the loyalist strongholds? Where were the patriot strongholds? The Loyalist Exodus How did life change for loyalists after the Declaration of Independence? How was some of the war funded by loyalists? Beyond bearing arms, how else did loyalists help the British cause?

General Washington at Bay Why did the British focus on New York as their base of operations? Describe the British fleet. How did Washington escape after the Battle of Long Island? Why didn’t Howe pursue and crush Washington and his troops? Describe the New Jersey campaign. Burgoyne’s Blundering Invasion Why did the British want to capture the Hudson River Valley in 1777? Describe the plan to capture the Hudson River Valley. What role did Benedict Arnold play in the fight for Lake Champlain? Describe Burgoyne’s troops. What was General Howe doing while he should have been heading to up the Hudson River Valley. Why was this significant? Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered a highly divisive battle?

Revolution in Diplomacy Why was France looking to join the war? Americans had revolutionary views about dealing internationally – what were they? What did the “model treaty” say and why is this important? Describe Ben Franklin and his trip to Paris. After the Battle of Saratoga, how did the British Parliament respond? What was the treaty of alliance and why was it important to the American cause? The Colonial War Becomes a Wider War How did the American Revolution become a world war? Who sided with whom in the war for American Independence? What was the Armed Neutrality and who was involved? How did France’s entrance into the war affect the rebels and the British? Why did Britain decide to evacuate Philadelphia and concentrate on New York City?

Blow and Counterblow How did the French smooth over their relationships with the colonists? What did Benedict Arnold do to be considered a traitor? How did Britain change its plan of attack? Was it successful? Why or why not? What happened in the South to “make the tide turn” in the rebels’ favor? Who was Nathanael Green and why was he significant? The Land Frontier and the Sea Frontier Describe the fighting in the west. Who from the Iroquois Confederacy sided with whom? Why did a majority of the tribes side with Britain? What was the treaty of Fort Stanwix and why was it significant? Why were the British especially vulnerable in Illinois and how did George Rogers Clark take advantage of this situation? How did the American navy contribute to the rebel cause? Why were swift privateers more damaging to the British fleet than the American navy? What were some of the advantages and disadvantages to having privateers involved in the war?

Yorktown and the Final Curtain Why was one of the darkest periods of the war? Describe the battle of Yorktown. Even though Lord North believed the war was “over” how did George III react to the surrender at Yorktown? Where did most of the fighting take place after the Battle of Yorktown? Peace at Paris How was Britain fairing in the rest of the world and in their own country? What Americans were sent to Paris for negotiations and what instructions were they given? What position was France in prior to signing a treaty? Why did John Jay negotiate with the British? What countries were involved in the Treaty of Paris? What did the Americans gain in the Treaty of Paris? What concessions did the Americans give in the Treaty of Paris?

A New Nation Legitimized Why was Britain so generous in the terms of the Treaty of Paris? How did France react to the Treaty of Paris? How did Britain, France and America fair after the Revolutionary War?