American Independence Part 2

Match the following important individual contributions to the Revolutionary War:

• Bernardo de Galvez

• British general who surrendered to the Patriots at the Battle of Yorktown.

• Charles Cornwallis

• Scottish sailor who bested a British war ship. Responsible for the creation of the U.S. navy.

• James Armistead

• French nobleman who commanded troops as general for the colonists against British forces.

• John Paul Jones

• Spaniard who helped gain access to the port of New Orleans where vital supplies could be shipped to colonial forces.

• Marquis De Lafayette

• Was a spy who used his runaway slave position to gather intel for the patriot cause.

Reorder the following events:

• Battle of Yorktown

• Battle of Saratoga

• Treaty of Paris 1783

• Battles Lexington & Concord

• Valley Forge

Where was the first shots of the Revolutionary War?

• Yorktown

• Saratoga

• Trenton

• Lexington

Answer explanation

Remember that Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the Revolutionary War. This was called the "Shot Heard Around the World."

The Battle of Trenton was when:

• The colonial troops occupied Bunker Hill in order to not lose access to the Boston Harbor.

• Washington crossed the Delware River and led a surprise attack on the Hessian Army.

• The colonial victory convinces the French to become allies with the colonists.

• Colonists and the French surround the British forces on the peninsula which led to them surrendering.

Answer explanation

Battle of Trenton was when Washington led the Continental Army, on Christmas Day, across the Delaware River for a surprise attack. The strategy proved beneficial as the colonists won against the Hessian mercenaries.

What was a major factor in the American victory over the British in the Revolutionary War?

• The British colonists had more soldiers and better weapons than the British.

• The British colonists had the support of Loyalists who provided intel during the war.

• The British colonists were more familiar with the geography of the lands where the battles were fought.

• The British soldiers were better trained and had more battle experience than the British soldiers.

Answer explanation

Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered a turning point in the American Revolution?

• The British Army's victory forced George Washington and his troops to retreat to Valley Forge.

• The British Army's defeat convinced Baron De Stueben to train the Continental Army sodliers.

• The Continental Army's victory convinced the British to recognize the United States' Independence.

• The Continental Army's victory convinced the French to support the United States against Great Britain.

Answer explanation

Remember that this proved to France that they had a chance to win the war. They proved to be good allies.

The battle of Yorktown was on a piece of land considered a:

• island

• peninsula

• plateau

Answer explanation

A peninsula is a piece of land almost surrounded by water. (surrounded on three sides)

What is the name of the thirteen colonies army?

• Red Coats

• Minutemen

• Continental Army

• British Army

A _______ is a colonist who rejected British rule over the colonies during the American Revolution.

Answer explanation

A ________ is a colonist who supported the king of England and the British during the American Revolution.

Answer explanation