American Revolution Review

American Revolution Review

After the events of Lexington and Concord, delegates from the colonies met in Philadelphia, in May of 1775.

​​Second Continental Congress

Members wanted to figure out how to defend themselves against the British, and how would they pay for this.

​​Goals

They hoped to achieve independence from Great Britain. In order to do so, they built an army and began printing money.

​​Achievements

Multiple Choice

The Second Continental Congress met in May of ____?

• 1778

• 1775

• 1776

• 1777

Multiple Choice

What was one goal of the Second Continental Congress meeting?

• They wanted to decide if women could partake in the war

• They wanted to decide who was responsible for paying for the war

• They wanted to decide how to defend themselves against the British

• They wanted to talk about the Boston Tea Party

Multiple Choice

What did the Second Continental Congress hope to achieve?

• To plan their next meeting

• To give in to the British

• Independence from Great Britain

• To meet with the British government

George Washington was chosen to lead the Continental Army. Thanks to his previous experience in the British Army, he was familiar with British war tactics. These would later be used to the Continental Army's advantage.

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George Washington

​The British Army was one of the best militaries in the world, making them tough competition for the Continental Army. The British were professionals, unlike the Colonists who were made up of about 15,000 volunteers.

Continental Army

Multiple Choice

The Continental Army began with about _____ volunteers that represented all 13 colonies.

• 10,000

• 12,000

• 15,000

• 20,000

In order to prevent British ships from entering the Boston Harbor, colonists knew they needed to secure high ground. Under the command of Colonel William Prescott they secured Breed's Hill. On June 17, 1775 the British attacked the Colonists, who soon ran out of ammo and were forced to retreat. As a result, the British took complete control over Boston.



Did you know? This is known as the bloodiest battle of the war.

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​Battle of Bunker Hill

The colonists wanted peace.

​What was hoped to be achieved?

The Olive Branch was an appeal to King George III, since many members of the Second Continental Congress didn't want to go to war.

In this petition, they pledged their loyalty to the king, and asked that they receive the same rights as British citizens living in England. The king and parliament were outraged by colonists actions and denied the petition. He then sent mercenaries to the colonies to control their population, and banned trade with the colonies.

What was it?

The Olive Branch Petition

Open Ended

True or False: The Olive Branch Petition was an appeal to King George III, and asked for Colonists to receive the same rights as British citizens in England.

Who were the members?

Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Benjamin Franklin
Roger Sherman
Robert Livingston

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The Committee of Five

Multiple Choice

Who was NOT a member of the Committee of Five?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• Robert Livingston

​The Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson served as the primary author of The Declaration of Independence. Within this document, he expressed that all people are born with rights that should never be taken away. A few of these being, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". It was believed the government should protect these rights, and respect the ideas of its citizens. On July 4th, 1776 they formally were declared independence from Great Britain.

By July 1776, the colonists were officially at war with Great Britain. The Continental Army was much smaller than their opponents.

In order to keep the family together, George Washington knew the colonists needed a victory. On Christmas day, the colonists crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey and defeated the Hessians.

The Battle of Trenton boosted the morale of the troops and convinced many to continue fighting for independence.

The First War of Winter

Multiple Choice

What river did Washington and his forces cross, where they then defeated the Hessian forces to retake New Jersey?

• Delaware River

• Hudson River

• Mississippi River

• Potomac River