Exploring the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson discusses the events of 1776 at the Second Continental Congress, highlighting the formation of the Continental Army and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. He reflects on King George's taxation policies, which led to colonial discontent and events like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. These actions escalated tensions between the colonists and British, setting the stage for the American Revolution.

What was a significant achievement of the Second Continental Congress?

• Establishment of the first American bank

• Creation of the Continental Army

• Formation of the first American university

• Signing of the Treaty of Paris

Who was elected to lead the Continental Army?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

• George Washington

Who was initially hoped to draft the Declaration of Independence?

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

What was the main reason for King George's taxation policies?

• To fund the construction of new colonies

• To pay off debt from the Seven Years War

• To support the American Revolution

• To build a new palace

What did the Stamp Act of 1765 tax?

• Everyday paper

• Postal stamps

• Tea

• Sugar

What items were taxed under the Townshend Acts of 1767?

• Clothing, shoes, and hats

• Paint, glass, lead, and paper

• Books, ink, and quills

• Tea, sugar, and coffee

What event involved Bostonians confronting British soldiers and resulted in the death of five colonists?

• Battle of Bunker Hill

• Lexington and Concord

• Boston Massacre

• Boston Tea Party

Who defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

What was the colonists' reaction to the Tea Act of 1773?

• They wrote a letter of complaint to King George

• They accepted the tax without protest

• They boycotted British goods

• They threw a party and destroyed tea crates

What was the result of the Boston Tea Party?

• The East India Company went bankrupt

• The colonists were granted representation in Parliament

• King George closed the Boston Harbor

• The British reduced the tea tax