American Pageant Chapter 8

Why did the American continue to dent any interning of independence?

1. Loyalty was deeply ingrained. 2. Many Americans continued to consider themselves part of a transatlantic community in which Britain played a leading role. 3. Colonial unity was poor. 4. Open rebellion was dangerous.

What type of persecution did Loyalists experience?

Before the Declaration of Independence in 1776, persecution of Loyalists was minimal. However, they were subject to brutality such as tarring and feathering. After the Declaration of Independence, which largely separated Loyalists and Patriots, harsher methods prevailed. Because of this, many Loyalists were driven away.

What famous Founding Father disowned his eldest son (illegitimate) for remaining loyal to Britain?

Ben Franklin (Patriot) disowned his eldest son, William Franklin (Loyalist) because he was a loyalist.

Thomas Paine is known for the distribution of what famous document? In what year?

Common Sense in 1776.

What was the purpose of Common Sense?

Common sense argued that the colonists were being inconsistent by trying to repair their relation with the British. It argued that it was common sense to fight for independence since a tiny island (Britain) should not control an entire continent (America). It also argued for the superiority of a republic over a monarchy.

Ethan Allen and what other man helped to surprise and capture the British garrisons at Ticonderoga and Crown Point?

Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold surprised and captured the British garrisons at Ticonderoga and Crown Point in upper New York. They secured gunpowder and artillery.

What qualities did Washington posses which convinced the 2nd Continental Congress to choose him as the leader of the Continental Army?

He had outstanding powers of leadership and immense strength of character. He was patient, courageous, disciplined, and had a sense of justice. People trusted him.

What was unique about Washington's military record?

He lost MORE battles than he won.

What did Richard Henry Lee of Virginia do in June 1776?

He moved that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states ..." This motion was passed a month later on July 2, 1776. The passing of this resolution was the formal "declaration" of independence by the colonies. Congress appointed Thomas Jefferson, a brilliant writer, to prepare the statement. After some debate, the Declaration of Independence was formally approved by the Congress on July 4, 1776.

As proof that the colonies were not seeking their independence what last ditch effort was passed in July 1775 which King George III rejected after the Battle of Bunker Hill. Why did he reject the colonies appeal?

In July 1775, the Continental Congress adopted the "Olive Branch Petition," professing American loyalty to the crown and begging the king to prevent further hostilities. But following Bunker Hill, King George III slammed the door on all hope of reconciliation. In August 1775 he proclaimed the colonies in rebellion. The next month he cited many Hessian soldiers.

Were the Hessian soldiers effective?

In a mechanical sense, yes. However, most of them were more interests in the money than their duty. Many of them remained in American to become respected citizens seduced by American promises of land.

What was Paine's definition of a republic?

In a republic, power flowed from the people themselves, not from a corrupt or despotic monarch. He argued that all government officials—governors, senators, and judges—not just representatives in a house of commons, should derive their authority from popular consent.

What did the Declaration of Independence argue?

It argued that because the kind had flouted the colonists' natural rights, the colonists were justified in cutting their connection.

What was the result of the Battle of Lexington and Concord in April of 1775?

It marked the start of the American War of Independence. It got a lot more Americans to support the independence cause.

Which English philosopher did Jefferson use to invoke universal "natural rights"?

John Locke. He incorporated the idea of natural rights.

What was the other name given to the Loyalists in the American Revolution?

Loyalists were called "Tories," after the dominant political factions in Britain.

When did the Second Continental Congress meet?

May 10, 1775

How was the clash of arms between the British and the Americans contradictory?

On one hand, the Americans were affirming their locally to the kind and were voicing their desire to patch up difficulties. On the other hand, they were raising armies and shooting down British soldiers. This inconsistency occurred from April 1775 to July 1776. In July 1776, they wanted to be independent for sure.

What was the alternate name of the Patriots during the American Revolution?

Patriots were called "Whigs," after the opposition factions in Britain.

What statement in the Declaration of Independence will haunt the citizens of the US for generations to come?

That "all men are created equal."

By many accounts how much of the colonial population remained loyal to Great Britain during the Revolution?

The American Revolution was a MINORITY movement. Many colonists were apathetic or neutral. About 16% of the population remained loyal to Britain. Many people of education and wealth remained loyal. Loyalists were most numerous where the Anglican Church was strongest. New York was an example. m Loyalists were least numerous in New England where self-government was strong and mercantilism was weak.

Even though Bunker Hill was a defeat, how did it affect the British?

The Battle of Bunker hill was VERY costly. The British realized that the war with the colonies would be long, tough and costly.

After Boston was evacuated in March 1776 where did the British concentrate their operations?

The British concentrated on New York as a base of operations. Here was a splendid seaport, centrally located, where the king could count on cooperation from the numerous Loyalists who resided.

What major mistake did Britain make concerning the Loyalists?

The British did not make full use of them in the fighting.

How did the Patriot militias win the hearts and minds of people?

The militia units served as effective agents of Revolutionary ideas. They convinced many colonists, even those indif- ferent to independence, that the British army was an unreliable friend and that they had better throw in their lot with the Patriot cause. Rebels were the most numerous where Presbyterianism and Con- gregationalism flourished, notably in New England.

What did the colonists do in Canada in the fall of 1775? Was the effort successful?

The revels daringly undertook a two-pronged invasion of Canada. The American leaders wrongly believed that the conquered French were extremely restless under the British chains. They reasoned that a successful assault on Canada would add a 14th colony, while depriving Britain of a valuable case for striking at the colonies in revolt. Unfortunately, the effort failed. One invading column under General Richard Montgomery pushed up the Lake Champlain route and captured Montreal. They were joined at Quebec by the army of General Benedict Arnold.

The Conservative movement in Congress in May 1775 desired what actions to take place in the colonies?

There was NO well-defined sentiment for independence—merely a desire to continue fighting in the hope that the king and Parliament would consent to a redress of grievances.

Why were the Americans upset about the hiring of the Hessian mercenaries?

They felt that the quarrel was a "family" one. So, they did not like that they were bringing in outside mercenaries.