OW SS 8th: Thirteen Colonies Become a Free Nation

Why did the Continental Congress assign a committee to write the Declaration of Independence?

• A committee would represent several opinions.

• The large groups could not agree on the wording.

• Benjamin Franklin had decided his wit would not apply to this task.

• George Washington was busy leading the troops.

Why was the Declaration of Independence given media attention?

• To persuade many colonists to support the movement

• To let the leaders in other parts of the colony know it was finished

• To allow the public to know what was taking place

• To send the king a message of support for independence

Why was John Hancock’s signature on the Declaration important?

• He was the president and leader of the Congress.

• He was the voice behind all movement for independence.

• He was the one who had originally proposed independence.

• He was the most prominent businessman in the colonies.

Why was the battle of Yorktown successful?

• The French military aid

• The assistance of all European powers

• The military might of Washington and his troops

• The superior numbers of Americans

Why would the United States agree to pay all its prewar debts to England?

• The English threatened to continue the war if the debt was not paid.

• The English were a major trading partner.

• The French would not respect the United States if they did not pay.

• The English were their mother country.

Why would the United States return seized property to the loyalists?

• They had lost the war and were no longer a threat.

• They were afraid of a long court battle.

• There were only a few so it was not a large amount of land.

• They wanted to promote goodwill.

Why did England NOT give the United States New Orleans and Florida when they gave all land east of the Mississippi River in the peace treaty?

• They had too many troops posted in this area.

• They wanted to keep the rich commercial city of New Orleans.

• They wanted to continue to have a foothold in the Americas.

• They did not own New Orleans and Florida.

What was one of the most difficult tasks for England with the peace treaty?

• Recognizing defeat at the hands of the Americans

• Removing all troops from American soil

• Fear of the French reprisals

• Convincing the British people to support peace

To fight against the colonies, King George III hired soldiers from:

• Russia

• Italy

• France

• Germany

In Congress, the first motion for independence was made by:

• Richard Henry Lee

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson