APUSH 3.5

“Let us now, if you please, take a view of the other side of the question. Suppose we were to revolt from Great-Britain, declare ourselves Independent, and set up a Republic of our own-what would be the consequence?—I stand aghast at the prospect—my blood runs chill when I think of the calamities, the complicated evils that must ensue, and may be clearly foreseen—it is impossible for any man to foresee them all. . . .”

“But as soon as we declare for independency . . . Ruthless war, with all its aggravated horrors, will ravage our once happy land—our seacoasts and ports will be ruined, and our ships taken. Torrents of blood will be split, and thousands reduced to beggary and wretchedness.”

-Source: Charles Inglis, The True Interest of America Impartially Stated in Certain Strictures on a Pamphlet Intitled Common Sense, 1776

A historian would most likely use this passage to illustrate which of the following?

• the influence of the Enlightenment on colonial attitudes

• the faction of Loyalist opposition to the American Revolution

• the ideological commitment of the colonists to the revolution

• the impact of foreign aid on the outcome of the war

“His Brittanic Majesty acknowledges the said United States . . . to be free, sovereign and independent States; that he treats with them as such; and for himself his heirs and successors, relinquishes all claims to the gouvernment, propriety and territorial rights of the same, and every part thereof. . . .”

-Source: Treaty of Paris, 1783

What role did George Washington play in the events referenced by the text?

• His influential status as a writer led to increased colonial support for the war.

• His diplomatic leadership helped successfully negotiate the Treaty of Paris.

• His military leadership forced the British to surrender.

• His diplomatic relationship with the French led to their assistance in the war.

“If your majesty has no more skillful man to employ, I am ready to take the matter in charge and will be responsible for the treaty without compromising anyone persuaded that my zeal will better supplement my lack of dexterity than the dexterity of another could replace my zeal. The Americans are as well placed as possible; army, fleet, provisions, courage, everything is excellent; but without powder and engineers how can they conquer or how even can they defend themselves? Are we willing to let them perish rather than loan them one or two millions? Are we afraid of losing the money?”

-Source: Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, letter to the King of France, 1776

• convince the French monarchy to help the Patriots in the American Revolution

• assure the French monarchy that the French colonial holdings were secure from the American colonists

• persuade the King of France to stop supporting the American forces because it was too costly

• dissuade the King of France to remain neutral during the Revolutionary War

“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger. . . The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. . . . The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.”

-Patrick Henry, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” 1775

Henry most likely wrote his account for which of the following reasons?

• to persuade Patriot rebels to lay down their weapons and surrender

• to influence colonial separation from the British and start the American Revolution

• to encourage the Continental Congress to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict

• to advocate for the end of slavery and the release of enslaved people of African descent

“If your majesty has no more skillful man to employ, I am ready to take the matter in charge and will be responsible for the treaty without compromising anyone persuaded that my zeal will better supplement my lack of dexterity than the dexterity of another could replace my zeal. The Americans are as well placed as possible; army, fleet, provisions, courage, everything is excellent; but without powder and engineers how can they conquer or how even can they defend themselves? Are we willing to let them perish rather than loan them one or two millions? Are we afraid of losing the money?”

-Source: Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, letter to the King of France, 1776

The ideas in the excerpt most directly contributed to which of the following?

• the creation of a path to colonization for French citizens to the Americas

• the provision of foreign aid and provisions for American troops

• the French proclamation of neutrality

• the Declaration of War on Britain in 1775

"Could it be made a decree in nature, or an edict registered in heaven, and man could know it, that virtue and wisdom should invariably appertain to hereditary succession, the objection to it would be removed; but when we see that nature acts as if she disowned and sported with the hereditary system; that the mental characters of successors in all countries, are below the average of human understanding; that one is a tyrant, another an idiot, a third insane, and some all three together, it is impossible to attach confidence to it, when reason in man has power to act.”

-Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791

The excerpt is best understood as a result of which of the following historical developments?

• Revolution of 1800

• Great Awakening

• Enlightenment

• abolitionist movement