American Independence and the Articles of Confederation

The video discusses the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking America's freedom from British rule. It highlights the challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation, such as lack of a central authority and financial issues. Shays' Rebellion exposed these weaknesses, leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where a new constitution was drafted to create a stronger federal government.

What significant event in 1776 marked America's assertion as a free nation?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Boston Tea Party

• The Battle of Bunker Hill

• The signing of the Treaty of Paris

What year did the Revolutionary War end, freeing the American colonies from British rule?

• 1790

• 1781

• 1776

• 1783

What was a major flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

• It established a strong federal military

• It lacked a central authority to resolve disputes

• It provided too much power to the central government

• It allowed states to print their own money

Why did Massachusetts face economic difficulties after the Revolutionary War?

• The state had no debts to pay off

• The governor reduced taxes significantly

• Farmers were given tax exemptions

• The state incurred huge debts from the war

What was the main reason for the increased taxes in Massachusetts post-war?

• To support the British monarchy

• To pay off war debts

• To fund a new military campaign

• To build new infrastructure

Who led the rebellion against economic injustices in Massachusetts?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Daniel Shays

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

What was the main outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

• It strengthened the Articles of Confederation

• It caused the dissolution of the Continental Congress

• It led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution

• It resulted in a new tax policy in Massachusetts

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

• To declare war on Great Britain

• To revise the Articles of Confederation

• To establish trade agreements with France

• To elect a new president

Which two major topics were considered at the Constitutional Convention?

• Abolishing slavery and women's rights

• Creating a strong central government and a federal military

• Establishing state borders and trade tariffs

• Electing a new king and queen

What did the failure of the Articles of Confederation lead to?

• The drafting of the U.S. Constitution

• The end of the Revolutionary War

• The signing of the Treaty of Paris

• The establishment of a monarchy