American Revolution Review

Which of the following was NOT a name of the colonists during the Revolutionary War?

• Rebels

• Patriots

• Continental Army

• Redcoats

Answer explanation

Redcoats was a nickname for the British soldiers because they wore redcoats

Who was the lead general for the Continental Army?

• Preston Brooks

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Andrew Jackson

Answer explanation

George Washington helped America gain its independence from the British... no wonder he was also chosen as the first President of this country!

What was the Olive Branch Petition?

• One last attempt at trying to regain peace with Great Britain

• A statement of the colonists complaints about the British

• The official declaration of war against the British

• The treaty that ended the American Revolution

Answer explanation

Remember, an Olive Branch is a symbol of PEACE. The war had already started with a few small battles but the colonists still hoped maybe the British would call it off... sadly King George III rejected this letter! Therefore, the war would continue

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

• To explain the reasons they needed a compromise with the British

• To end the American Revolution

• To declare that the colonies would now independent from Great Britain (officially declaring war)

• To create an alliance with the French

Answer explanation

When the colonists wrote the Declaration of Independence it was official. They were committing to the war (no more talks of peace.) They also were stating that the goal of the war was to gain their independence from Great Britain

What were TWO major principles that the colonists argued for their reasons for declaring independence?

• Their inalienable rights had been violated

• They believed they should have a say in government but they were denied representation in Parliament

• They were denied the right to form armies for their own defense

• They were not able to make money through trade

• They wanted to be a colony of France instead

Answer explanation

Inalienable Rights and Consent of the governed were two main ideas in the Declaration of Independence. The colonists believed these rights had been violated by the British, so they wanted to be independent

Which of the following were TWO strengths of the Americans in the American Revolution?

• Passion and determination

• A large army

• A professional, experienced army

• Support from European allies

• Loyalist allies

Answer explanation

The Americans were motivated to gain their independence

Also they got help from the French which helped them to win the war

Which of the following was a major weakness of the British in the American Revolution?

• Inexperienced soldiers

• Long distances for supply lines (from Great Britain and Canada)

• A disorganized government

• Limited troops

Answer explanation

The British had to ship their supplies from Great Britain or from their Canadian colonies which took too long

Which of the following was an effect of the battle of Saratoga?

• The colonies declared their independence from Great Britain

• It started the American Revolution

• It caused the British to surrender and end the war

• It convinced the French that the Americans were strong, so they agreed to ally with them

Answer explanation

If you don't remember much about the battle of Saratoga this video should remind you!

Which of the following describes George Washington during the Revolutionary War?

• An inexperienced leader who made many mistakes

• A strong leader who motivated his troops and never gave up

• A general who allowed his troops to take charge and lead for him

• A leader who had trouble uniting his troops and keeping them motivated

Answer explanation

Watch this helpful video on George Washington's Leadership!

Which of the following describes the winter at Valley Forge?

• A challenging time for the Continental Army and a test of their dedication

• A success for the Continental Army and a display of their better strategies

• An important victory which helped the colonists get the support of the French

• A display of creative strategy

Answer explanation

Valley Forge was the winter camp for the Continental Army in 1777. Everyone please watch this short video, since its been awhile since we learned about Valley Forge!