American Suvery (S5) The Academic MindEra Center

British Reforms and Colonial Resistance (1767-1772)

Stamp Act Aftermath: Even after its repeal, grievances persisted due to British policies like the Quartering Act of
1765, which required colonists to house British soldiers. The presence of British troops without consent and lack of
local representation led to resentment.

"Virtual Representation" vs. Actual Representation: Colonists began demanding direct representation, rejecting
Britain’s idea of “virtual representation” in Parliament.

Townshend Duties (1767): Imposed taxes on imported goods like paper, tea, and glass, seen as another unjust way to
raise revenue. This spurred protests, leading to a boycott of British goods in major cities.

Customs Commissioners and Colonial Tensions: British customs officials, tasked with enforcing trade laws, faced
hostility, especially in Boston, where their enforcement actions led to public resentment.

Boston Massacre (1770): Tensions escalated when British soldiers clashed with colonists, resulting in the death of five
colonists. This event was heavily publicized, symbolizing British oppression and rallying resistance.

First Shots of War (1775)

Colonial Preparations: As British threats increased, colonists began stockpiling weapons and training militias. General
Thomas Gage planned to disarm colonists by seizing weapons in Concord.

Paul Revere and Early Warnings: Patriots like Paul Revere warned colonists of British troop movements, allowing
the militias to prepare.

Battle of Lexington and Concord: British forces clashed with colonial militias in Lexington and Concord. This marked
the beginning of armed conflict, with colonial forces harassing British troops on their retreat to Boston.

Impact on Public Opinion: The colonial narrative framed these events as British aggression, fueling unity and support
for the Patriot cause.

Creating a Continental Army

Washington's Strategy: George Washington aimed to build a disciplined and organized army capable of facing British
forces, advocating for the Continental Congress to support a regular army.

Militia vs. Regular Army: Washington believed that while the militia was courageous, only a permanent, professional
army could sustain the fight against Britain.

Challenges and Morale: Washington faced organizational challenges but inspired troops by emphasizing discipline,
order, and a higher purpose in fighting for liberty.

Revolutionary War: Northern Front (1775-1777)

British Strategy and Washington’s Anticipation: Washington anticipated that the British might target New York, a
strategic location. Despite his efforts, the British captured New York in 1776.

Continental Army Struggles: Washington’s forces suffered setbacks in battles around New York and New Jersey,
facing a better-equipped British army.

Turning Point at Trenton and Princeton: Washington’s surprise attacks in December 1776 and January 1777
revitalized the American cause and restored faith in his leadership.

European Observers: Washington’s resilience was noted by European leaders, bolstering his reputation internationally.
 Key Figures and Perspectives on Independence

Diverse Opinions on Independence: Key figures like Samuel Adams and John Dickinson represented a range of views
on independence, from immediate independence to conciliation.

British Actions Fueling Independence: British attempts to control colonial trade, recruit foreign troops, and impose
blockades led more colonists to favor independence as negotiations failed.

Revolutionary War: The Turning Point (1776-1777)

British Strategic Mistakes: Despite their strength, the British made key errors in executing their plans to campaign
through the Hudson River Valley, intending to split the colonies.

Battle of Saratoga (1777): The failed British coordination allowed the Americans to win a decisive victory,
particularly with defeats at Saratoga, which discouraged Loyalist support and encouraged French alliance.

French Alliance: American victories, especially at Saratoga, convinced France to join the war, significantly shifting
the balance by introducing French military and financial support.

Revolutionary War: Southern Phase (1778-1781)

British Shift to the South: After the French alliance, the British refocused on Southern colonies, expecting Loyalist
support and easier victories.

Key Southern Battles: The British captured Savannah and Charleston, but their strategy faltered at battles like
Camden due to logistical challenges and Patriot guerrilla tactics.

Failure of Southern Strategy: The British overestimated Loyalist support and underestimated the difficulty of
sustaining campaigns in the interior, leading to the ultimate failure of their Southern strategy.

Revolutionary War: The Home Front

Native American Alliances: Many tribes were divided in their support. Some sided with the British fearing colonial
expansion, while others remained neutral or allied with the Patriots.

African Americans: The war meant freedom for some enslaved people, with many escaping to British lines.
However, full freedom and rights remained limited after the war.

Role of Women: Women took on significant responsibilities, managing farms and businesses, and supporting the war
effort by joining camps, providing supplies, and maintaining morale.

Economic Challenges: The Continental Congress struggled financially, issuing paper currency (the "Continental")
that eventually lost value, causing economic strain.

Revolutionary War: Groping Toward Peace (1781-1783)

Battle of Yorktown (1781): British General Cornwallis was trapped by American and French forces at Yorktown,
leading to his surrender and signaling the effective end of the war.

Peace Negotiations: The Treaty of Paris negotiations were complex, with American diplomats ensuring French
cooperation but also negotiating directly with the British for favorable terms.

Finalization of Peace: Preliminary peace articles were signed in 1782, with final peace achieved in 1783, recognizing
American independence.
 Quiz: American Revolution and Colonial Resistance

Multiple Choice: What was the purpose of the Quartering Act of 1765?

o A. To impose a tax on newspapers

o B. To require colonists to house British soldiers
o C. To create a colonial government
o D. To restrict colonial trade

Short Answer: Explain the concept of "virtual representation" and why American colonists opposed it.

True or False: The Townshend Duties taxed only American-made goods.

Fill in the Blank: The event in 1770 where British soldiers killed five colonists in Boston is known as the ________.

Multiple Choice: Who alerted the colonial militias of the British march toward Lexington and Concord?

o A. Thomas Jefferson
o B. Paul Revere
o C. George Washington
o D. Samuel Adams

Short Answer: What was the significance of the battles at Lexington and Concord?

True or False: The British successfully confiscated all the weapons and supplies stored by the colonists in Concord.

Fill in the Blank: George Washington believed that in order to stand against Britain, the colonies needed a ________
rather than just a militia.

Multiple Choice: Washington faced several challenges in creating the Continental Army. Which of the following was
NOT one of those challenges?

o A. Lack of funding
o B. Lack of experienced military officers
o C. Poor motivation among soldiers
o D. An excess of food supplies

Short Answer: Why did Washington stress discipline and regularity in the Continental Army?

Multiple Choice: What city did the British capture in 1776 that was a major blow to the American forces?

o A. Philadelphia
o B. New York City
o C. Boston
o D. Charleston

True or False: Washington’s counterattacks in Trenton and Princeton boosted American morale.

Short Answer: How did Washington's victories at Trenton and Princeton change the course of the Revolutionary
War?

Multiple Choice: Which battle convinced France to join the American side?

o A. Battle of Trenton
o B. Battle of Yorktown
o C. Battle of Saratoga
o D. Battle of Bunker Hill
Fill in the Blank: General John Burgoyne’s defeat at ________ was a critical turning point in the war.

Short Answer: What strategic mistake did British General Howe make in 1777, and how did it affect the British
campaign?

True or False: The British succeeded in gaining significant Loyalist support in the South, which ensured their control
over the region.

Multiple Choice: What was a key factor that led to the failure of the British Southern strategy?

o A. Overestimated Loyalist support

o B. Lack of British funding
o C. French withdrawal from the war
o D. Washington’s retreat to New York

Short Answer: Describe how guerrilla tactics used by American forces in the South contributed to the British defeat.

Fill in the Blank: The Continental Congress relied on printing paper money known as the ________, which
eventually became worthless.

Multiple Choice: How were Native Americans divided during the Revolutionary War?

o A. All supported the British

o B. All supported the American colonists
o C. Some tribes supported the British, others remained neutral or sided with the colonists
o D. They refused to take any sides

Short Answer: Explain the impact of the Revolutionary War on women’s roles in society.

Multiple Choice: The final significant battle of the Revolutionary War was the:

o A. Battle of Saratoga
o B. Battle of Yorktown
o C. Battle of Camden
o D. Battle of Bunker Hill

True or False: The Treaty of Paris was signed immediately after Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown.

Short Answer: What role did the French play in the American victory at Yorktown?

Fill in the Blank: The ________ Articles of Peace were signed in 1782, marking the preliminary steps toward ending
the war.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following figures was known for strongly advocating independence early on?

o A. John Dickinson
o B. Samuel Adams
o C. William Howe
o D. Nathanael Greene

Short Answer: Describe the differing views within the Continental Congress on declaring independence.