8th Grade Social Studies Final Study Guide

Why was the Sugar Act of 1764 a controversial law in the eyes of many colonists?

• It lowered the tax on molasses but raised taxes on other goods.

• It raised taxes on molasses, tea, and other goods important to the colonists.

• It raised the tax on molasses and allowed colonist homes to be seized if they were accused of smuggling, without due process (trial by jury) of law.

• It lowered the tax on molasses but allowed colonist homes to be seized if they were accused of smuggling, without due process (trial by jury) of law.

Which underlying tensions erupted into the violence known as the Boston massacre of 1770?

• In addition to enduring taxes and assumptions of guilt without a trial by jury, colonists were required to feed and house the British soldiers.

• Colonists had demanded the return of all British troops as soon as they arrived; violence broke out immediately.

• Colonists had demanded the repeal of all taxes, the removal of all British troops, and fair and equal treatment for colonists and Native Americans.

What was the immediate cause of the Boston Tea Party?

• The Tea Act gave the British government a near monopoly on the colonists' tea, limiting colonists' purchasing options.

• The British East India Company had begun to struggle financially, threatening Britain's economy.

• The Daughters of Liberty convinced many colonists that the British government was attempting to gain total control of the colonies.

• The Boston massacre caused colonists to rethink their efforts to boycott British imports.

Fill in the blanks using the available answer choices.

Great Britain passed new tax laws in the American colonies to _________________. Many colonists argued that these taxes were unfair because __________________.

• demonstrate Britain's power over the colonies

  they only applied to colonists in New England

• help colonial merchants and companies succeed

  they harmed local merchants' ability to earn money

• regain the money Britain had spent during the French and Indian War

  it did not represent the need and opinions of the colonists

One reason that it was difficult for the Continental Congress to put together a national army was that

• few colonists believed the British could be defeated

• the Congress required soldiers to join the army for the duration of the war

• few colonists owned their own weapons or ammunition

• The Congress lacked the power to raise money to fund the army

People who were loyal to the king.

• Loyalist

• Patriot

People who wanted to be an independent country.

• Patriot

• Loyalist

Sort the ideas contained within the Declaration of Independence

into the order in which they appear in the document:

Choices to Put in Order:

A.) The American colonies are one united nation separate from Great Britain.

B.) The colonists no longer want to be British citizens, they explain why they are forming their own country.

C.) The British government ignored the rights of the colonists.

D.) The colonists state their natural (God-given) rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Fill in the blanks using the available answer choices.

After several early defeats, General George Washington suggested that ___________ be allowed to enlist in the Continental Army. _______________ opposed this idea because they were afraid the enslaved population would _____________.

• African Americans

  Southern colonists

  revolt

• German mercenaries

  Loyalists

  steal property

• single women

  Individual states

  learn a new skill

During the American Revolution, some white Americans began to oppose slavery because

• African American soldiers were more disciplined and efficient than white soldiers

• large numbers of European immigrants began to replace enslaved workers on Southern plantations.

• slavery felt incompatible with the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

• few enslaved people supported the ideals put forth by the Patriots