American Revolution Key Events and Figures

In 1776, tensions between Britain and its American colonies escalated due to high taxes and military presence, leading to events like the Boston Massacre. In response, colonists organized protests, including the Boston Tea Party. That summer, delegates met in Philadelphia to declare independence, tasking Thomas Jefferson with drafting the Declaration. After careful revisions, the document was signed on July 2nd, 1776, and publicly read on July 4th, marking the first Independence Day.

What was one of the main reasons for the worsening relations between Britain and its American colonies?

• The colonies declared war on Britain.

• Britain banned all colonial assemblies.

• Britain imposed high taxes on the colonies.

• The colonies refused to trade with Britain.

What event involved British soldiers firing on a crowd, resulting in five deaths?

• The Boston Tea Party

• The Boston Massacre

• The Lexington Incident

• The Concord Skirmish

How did some colonists respond to the continued British taxation?

• By tarring and feathering a customs agent

• By boycotting British goods

• By organizing a peaceful march

• By sending a petition to the King

What was the Boston Tea Party?

• A protest where colonists dumped tea into the harbor

• A gathering to draft the Declaration of Independence

• A celebration of British rule

• A meeting to discuss trade agreements

Where did delegates from the colonies meet to declare their independence?

• Charleston

• Philadelphia

• Boston

• New York

Who was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

How long did Thomas Jefferson take to draft the Declaration of Independence?

• 25 days

• 30 days

• 18 days

• 10 days

On what date was the Declaration of Independence signed?

• July 2nd, 1776

• July 4th, 1776

• August 2nd, 1776

• September 4th, 1776

What event marked the first celebration of the 4th of July?

• The Boston Massacre

• The Boston Tea Party

• The reading of the Declaration

• The signing of the Declaration