Lesson 7 - The War for Independence

Which of these was a weakness of the Continental army at the start of the war?

• supply shortages

• weak commander

• unfamiliar territory

• long travel distances

At the start of the war, what was a weakness of the British troops?

• poor leadership

• understaffed army

• insufficient supplies

• poorly trained soldiers

Why did many of the British people not support the war?

• The king was unpopular.

• They planned to move to America.

• The cost to taxpayers was too high.

• They wanted the Americans to have their independence.

What was the result of the American victories at Trenton and Princeton?

• The Hessians joined the American side.

• It showed that the Americans could defeat the British.

• It proved that General Washington was wrong about his soldiers.

• The British were forced to abandon New York and New Jersey.

Which of these belongs in place of the question mark in the diagram below?

• Slavery was abolished throughout the colonies.

• Several colonies began to take steps to end slavery.

• African Americans who fought were given their freedom.

• African Americans were respected and their brave acts rewarded.

Why did African Americans join the Continental army?

• They had excellent military skills.

• They were generously paid to join the army.

• They blamed Great Britain for their enslavement.

• They hoped independence would lead to an end of slavery.

What caused the American defeat in Brooklyn, New York, in August 1776?

• weak leadership

• unmotivated troops

• undisciplined enemy

• inexperienced soldiers

Which word describes the “summer soldier and sunshine patriot”?

• traitors

• fighters

• quitters

• optimists

Which statement describes Washington’s military strategy after 1776?

• to avoid battles with the British

• to defeat the British in one large battle

• to fight a defensive war and tire the British out

• to prevent food and supplies from reaching the British

Which of these was an effect of the American victory at Saratoga?

• British troops gained confidence.

• General Burgoyne resigned his post.

• Great Britain withdrew from Canada.

• European countries came to the aid of America.