Revolutionary War Review

Jefferson was inspired by Enlightenment thinker ___________ _____________, who believed that people have natural rights—rights that belong to them simply because they are human.

• John Locke

• Thomas Paine

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

Answer explanation

Jefferson was influenced by John Locke, an Enlightenment thinker who argued that individuals possess natural rights simply by being human. Locke's ideas on natural rights significantly shaped Jefferson's views in the Declaration of Independence.

On Christmas Day 1775, Washington crossed the Delaware River to surprise Hessian soldiers. The Continental Army won the _________which raised American morale and convinced many American soldiers to stay in the army.

• Battle of Trenton

• Battle of Saratoga

• Battle of Bunker's Hill

• Battle of Yorktown

Answer explanation

On Christmas Day 1775, Washington's surprise attack on Hessian soldiers led to the victory at the Battle of Trenton. This crucial win boosted American morale and encouraged soldiers to continue fighting in the Continental Army.

American victory over British troops in 1777 that was a turning point in the American Revolution. Due to this victory, France agreed to help the Americans with ships, soldiers, supplies and money against their long-time enemy, Britain.

• Battle of Trenton

• Battle of Saratoga

• Battle of Bunker's Hill

• Battle of Yorktown

Answer explanation

The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was a crucial American victory that convinced France to support the colonies with military aid against Britain, marking a significant turning point in the American Revolution.

During the Winter of Valley Forge, hunger, disease, and cold took the lives of 2500 of Washington’s men. A volunteer from Prussia named ____________________________ drilled soldiers, taught them how to use firearms, and created a more disciplined army.

• Marquis de Lafayette

• Baron von Steuben

• Nathanael Greene

• Samuel Adams

Answer explanation

Baron von Steuben was a Prussian volunteer who trained Washington's troops at Valley Forge, improving their discipline and skills with firearms, which was crucial for the Continental Army's effectiveness.

American intellectual, inventor, and politician who was sent to France to ask for military aid and a loan during the American Revolution.

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• John Adams

Answer explanation

Benjamin Franklin was sent to France during the American Revolution to secure military aid and loans, making him a key diplomat. Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams did not fulfill this specific role.

Match the following Enlightenment thinker with their contribution to the Declaration of Independence

• Baron de Montesquieu

• separate branches of government

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• the social contract

• John Locke

• "natural rights"

“. . . I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation, to show, a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived. Our corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for, buy them where we will. . . .” — Thomas Paine, 1776  

In this statement, Thomas Paine suggested that the American colonies should

• negotiate an end to the conflict with England

• form an alliance with England

• declare independence from England

• boycott goods from England

Answer explanation

In this statement, Thomas Paine argues that the American colonies gain no benefits from being connected to Great Britain, implying that they should declare independence to pursue their own economic interests.

Which of these men helped found the Sons of Liberty and took an active role in protesting British taxes?

• John Locke

• Samuel Adams

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

Answer explanation

Samuel Adams was a key figure in the American Revolution, co-founding the Sons of Liberty and actively protesting against British taxation, making him the correct choice for this question.

Which two old English documents advocated for limiting the king's power and served as inspirations for parts of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution?

• Common sense and Magna Carta

• Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence

• Declaration of Independence and the Magna Carta

• Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights

Answer explanation

The Magna Carta (1215) limited the king's power and established legal principles, while the English Bill of Rights (1689) further restricted royal authority. Both documents inspired the framers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Match the following

• Battle of Saratoga

• Washington's troops survived brutal winter

• Valley Forge

• Britain recognizes the independence of The United States of America

• Yorktown

• first shots of the war

• Treaty of Paris

• British army surrendered to Washington

• Lexington and Concord

• convinced the French to join the Americans