Word Splash

1. Word Splash • Colonists • Paul Revere • Lexington and Concord • Revolutionary War

2. The Battle of Saratoga • This was one of the biggest American victories in the war. • It became the turning point in the war when French agreed to help the colonists gain their freedom from Britain.

3. France • The alliance with France was a huge advantage for the colonists. • France gave money, troops and use of their navy to help to defeat the British. • This also helped because the British had to defend itself in Europe as well as in North America.

4. Marquis de Lafayette • He was a French general who helped the Patriots during the war. • He was experienced at fighting the British and used that knowledge to the advantage of the Patriots.

5. Benjamin Franklin • He was integral in getting the French to join the Revolutionary War on the side of the Patriots. • After the war, Franklin negotiated the peace treaty with the British. • He gained more land for the United States because he cut the French out of the negotiations.

6. Of what importance were men such as the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben to the American cause? • They served as spies. • They provided expertise. • They assisted the British. • They served in Congress.

7. Why was the Battle of Saratoga an important turning point in the American Revolution? • It brought Spain into the war on the side of the British. • It created a new alliance between the British and the French. • It allowed the British to secure New York. • It motivated the French to offer military and financial assistance.

8. The US victory at Saratoga was especially important for which of the following reasons? • It was the first US victory of the American Revolution. • It was the result of a daring move by General Washington on Christmas night 1776. • It convinced France that the US could win the war, thereby giving the US a crucial ally. • It resulted in Britain's immediate surrender and served as the final decisive battle of the war.

9. Why was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the American Revolution? • It was followed by a formal alliance with France to support the American fight for independence. • It resulted in the capture of thousands of British soldiers, along with their pledge to no longer fight against the Americans. • It showed the military skill of Benedict Arnold, though he would soon change sides. • It gave Congress reason to change command of the Continental Army from General George Washington to General Horatio Gates

10. France’s role in the American Revolution can best be described as which of the following? • Crucial, because the US could not have won without France’s help • Beneficial to the US, but not necessary to achieving victory • Limited, because France entered the war so late • Neutral, because France would only fight Britain in Europe

11. France’s decision to help the American colonies during the Revolutionary War was MOST LIKELY driven by its desire to • End the power of monarchies in Europe. • Re-capture the Ohio Valley for France. • Humiliate their old adversary, the British. • Form an alliance with the Americans because it was clear that the US was becoming the strongest nation on earth.

12. George Washington • He was the commander of the Revolutionary Army. • He had great leadership skills. • He won the Battle of Trenton which helped with the morale of the entire resistance. • At Valley Forge, he showed the ability to lead his men through hard times and prepare them for the rest of the war.

13. Which of the following is the best description of George Washington as a military leader? • He was a weak leader who had trouble winning the respect of his men. • He was a gifted leader who never lost a single battle during the revolution. • Although Congress did not want him to serve as general, he was elected to that post by the army and surprise everyone with his skill as a commander. • He was an exceptional leader who somehow overcame defeats and hardships to lead the US to victory.

14. Who was the Virginian chosen to command the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War? • George Washington • Lord Cornwallis • Benjamin Franklin • Marquis de Lafayette

15. D

16. The Battle of Yorktown • It was the final battle of the Revolutionary War. • Washington was able to pin the British between his army and the French navy. • Lord Cornwallis was forced to surrender.

17. The Treaty of Paris (1783) • The treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War. • It was signed by Great Britain, France, Spain, and the United States.

18. The Treaty of Paris (1783) • Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States. • The northern border of the United States was set primarily along the great lakes. • The Mississippi River was set as the western border of the United States. • Florida was given back to the Spanish by the British. • Great Britain would remove its troops from the United States territory. • The rights and property of American Loyalists was returned.

19. The Impact of the Revolution • The traditional ideas about women were now challenged. • The principle of equality as included in the Declaration of Independence provided an argument for the Anti-Slavery cause. • The Iroquois and other Native American tribes were destroyed, and were continually persecuted by the Americans for decades to come. • The greatest effect of the war was the diffusion around the world of the idea that “all men are created equal”.

20. How did the Treat of Paris 1783 change the political map of North America? • Great Britain gained land. • The US claimed land that had been under British control. • France ceded Florida to Spain. • The US gained Florida from Spain.

21. What did the US gain as a result of the Treaty of Paris 1783? • The island of Cuba • Part of Quebec • Land west to the Mississippi River • Texas and Florida

22. Which statement describes the Battle of Yorktown? • It allowed American and French forces to trap Cornwallis and 8,000 British troops. • It created a new alliance between Great Britain and Spain. • It was a significant British defeat over the Continentals. • It was a surprise attack by British troops over cold and starving Continentals.

23. Answer these questions in your notes • What is the purpose of government? • Do you think we would be better off with no government? If so, what may be the consequences?

24. The Articles of Confederation • The first official government of the United States. • It established a limited federal government. • Single branch-legislative • One state-One vote • “Super Majority” needed for laws • No power to tax or regulate commerce • It gave significant power to the states. • Remember, the key was to avoid the power of the monarch we had just left

25. Weaknesses of the Articles • One vote for each state, regardless of size. • Congress cannot collect taxes. • This led to the government to issue worthless paper money that caused inflation • Congress powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce. • This restricted growth of interstate commerce and trade • No separate executive branch to enforce acts of Congress. • No national court system to interpret laws. • Amendment only with consent of all the states. • A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. • Articles only a “firm league of friendship” • These weaknesses were demonstrated by Shay’s Rebellion

26. Causes of Shay’s Rebellion • The wealthy investors that had paid for the Revolution wanted their money back. • The states raised taxes to pay the debt. • Poor farmers rioted in protest of the raised taxes. • Massachusetts didn’t have the money to raise an army to stop the riots. • Congress didn’t have the power to tax to raise a national army to stop the riot.

27. Effects of Shay’s Rebellion • People would defy any government that acted against their wishes. • It showed America that the federal government had to be strengthened to avoid civil unrest.