Thomas Cushing and the American Revolution

The video discusses Thomas Cushing, a key figure in Massachusetts politics during the pre-Revolutionary period. It focuses on the Hutchinson Letters Affair, where Benjamin Franklin obtained and sent controversial letters implicating Governor Thomas Hutchinson back to Cushing. Despite Franklin's request not to publish them, the letters were leaked, leading to significant political fallout for Franklin. Cushing, although not a radical, played a crucial role in the Continental Congress and Massachusetts politics, contributing to the state's early constitutions. The affair was a significant precursor to the Revolutionary War.

What position did Thomas Cushing hold in the Massachusetts colonial assembly?

• Governor

• Speaker

• Treasurer

• Secretary

Who was the agent for Massachusetts in London with whom Thomas Cushing corresponded?

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• Paul Revere

• Benjamin Franklin

What was the main content of the letters that Benjamin Franklin sent to Thomas Cushing?

• Military strategies

• Trade agreements

• Strategies to control Boston

• Plans for a new tax

Who was eager to publish the Hutchinson letters despite Franklin's warning?

• John Hancock

• Sam Adams

• Paul Revere

• Thomas Jefferson

What was the consequence for Benjamin Franklin after the publication of the Hutchinson letters?

• He lost his position as postmaster

• He was promoted

• He was knighted

• He was exiled

What event occurred in London as a result of the Hutchinson Letters Affair?

• A royal decree

• A peace treaty

• A duel

• A public protest

What significant event happened shortly after the duel related to the Hutchinson Letters Affair?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The First Continental Congress

• The Battle of Bunker Hill

• The Boston Tea Party

What role did Thomas Cushing play in the Massachusetts government after the American Revolution?

• Senator

• Lieutenant Governor

• Governor

• Mayor

Which constitution did Thomas Cushing help draft that was considered too democratic?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Virginia Constitution

• The Massachusetts Constitution of 1778

Who replaced Thomas Cushing in the Second Continental Congress due to his stance on independence?

• Samuel Adams

• Elbridge Gerry

• John Adams

• John Hancock