Causes of the Revolutionary War

Front

Why did the American colonists go to war to gain their independence?

Back

Because they wanted to govern themselves and have a say in government.

Answer explanation

The American colonists went to war for independence primarily because they wanted to govern themselves and have a say in their government, rejecting British control and taxation without representation.

Front

What was the purpose of the House of Burgesses in Virginia and the Mayflower Compact in Plymouth?

Back

To form a government and make laws

Answer explanation

The House of Burgesses and the Mayflower Compact were both foundational documents that established self-governance and the ability to create laws in their respective colonies, making 'To form a government and make laws' the correct choice.

Front

Why did the American colonists want self-government?

Back

Because they needed a government to deal with everyday problems

Answer explanation

The American colonists sought self-government primarily to address their everyday issues effectively. They believed that a local government would better manage their needs than distant rule from England.

Front

What was the main reason for the British government to tax the American colonists?

Back

To make money fast and pay off war debts

Answer explanation

The main reason for the British government to tax the American colonists was to make money fast and pay off war debts incurred during the French and Indian War, which left Britain in significant financial strain.

Front

What was the Stamp Act and how did the colonists respond to it?

Back

A tax on legal documents and newspapers; the colonists boycotted British goods

Answer explanation

The Stamp Act was a tax on legal documents and newspapers, which angered colonists. They responded by boycotting British goods, uniting against what they saw as unfair taxation without representation.

Front

What did the British government do to the American colonists after the Stamp Act was repealed?

Back

Passed the Declaratory Act and the Townshend Revenue Act

Answer explanation

After the Stamp Act was repealed, the British government passed the Declaratory Act and the Townshend Revenue Act to assert its authority and continue taxing the colonies, which led to further tensions.

Front

Why did the American colonists boycott British goods?

Back

To resist British taxation without representation

Answer explanation

The American colonists boycotted British goods primarily to resist taxation without representation, opposing unfair taxes imposed by Britain, which they felt violated their rights as Englishmen.

Front

What were the Intolerable Acts?

Back

Laws that cracked down on rebellious activity in Massachusetts

Answer explanation

The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws aimed at punishing Massachusetts for its rebellious activities, particularly in response to the Boston Tea Party. They restricted self-governance and increased British control over the colony.

Front

Which statement would BEST complete this chart? Options: Great Britain gained control of Canada and tried to use Canada's tax structure on the 13 colonies., Southern colonies argued with Great Britain over claims to the newly acquired land., France, which was bitter over losing the war with Great Britain, encouraged rebellion in the colonies., Great Britain demanded colonists pay the war debt through taxes, and made new laws and regulations that increased the colonists' anger.

Back

Southern colonies argued with Great Britain over claims to the newly acquired land.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights the Southern colonies' disputes with Great Britain over land claims after the war, which is a key factor in the growing tensions leading to rebellion.

Tags

SS8H3

Front

Taxation without representation meant...

Back

The colonists were not able to be part of the British Parliament but still had to pay taxes.

Answer explanation

Taxation without representation refers to the situation where the colonists had to pay taxes to the British Parliament without having any representatives in it, making the correct choice the one stating they couldn't participate but still had to pay.