Clashes —> Struggle for Independence

• What event marked the beginning of the struggle for independence in the thirteen colonies?

  The introduction of the Coercive Acts
• Where did the first military engagements of the American War of Independence occur?

  Massachusetts
• What was the purpose of the Continental Congress?

  To draft and reach agreement for a Declaration of Independence
• When did the Continental Congress first meet?

  September 1774
• What did the Continental Congress call upon Massachusetts to do?

  To arm for defense
• How did the Coercive Acts affect the colonial assemblies?

  Colonial assemblies continued to meet in defiance of British authority
• What did the Committees of Correspondence evolve into by early 1775?

  Committees of Safety
• What was the significance of the events on 9 February 1775?

  Britain declared Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion
• Who proposed the removal of all restrictions on America, including the Sugar Act?

  The Earl of Chatham
• What prompted General Gage to attempt to seize rebel weapons from Concord?

  A letter from Lord Dartmouth
• What were the first shots of the American War of Independence fired during?

  The confrontation at Lexington
• What was the outcome of the British attempt to seize weapons at Concord?

  They were met by 75 volunteers and faced heavy resistance
• How many British casualties were reported after the confrontation at Concord?

  273
• What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

  It demonstrated the Americans' ability to inflict heavy casualties on the British
• What was the date of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

  17 June 1775
• What was the result of the British forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

  They suffered significant casualties, losing over 1,000 men
• How did the British response to the early battles affect the political process in America?

  It supported the political process towards revolution and the creation of a new nation
• When did the second Continental Congress meet?

  10 May 1775
• What was the immediate necessity for the Continental Congress in June 1775?

  To finance and organize an army
• Who was appointed as the commander of the new Continental Army?

  George Washington
• What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?


  To declare the colonies' independence from Britain
• How did the approach of the Continental Congress towards independence evolve?

  It shifted from seeking reconciliation to declaring independence
• What was the most widely read pamphlet during the period leading to independence?

  Common Sense by Thomas Paine
• What was the central demand of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?

  Independence from Britain
• When was the Declaration of Independence formally adopted by Congress?

  4 July 1776
• What was the Articles of Confederation designed to do?

  Create a national government with limited central authority
• When were the Articles of Confederation ratified by all states?


  1781
• What powers did Congress have under the Articles of Confederation?

  Declare war, borrow money, and draw up treaties
• Why was there no president or prime minister under the Articles of Confederation?

  Each state had one vote regardless of size, reflecting fears of central authority
• What was the significance of the requirement for nine states to agree on treaties and alliances?

  It highlighted the challenges of achieving consensus among the states
• What was the main concern of the patriots regarding a central authority?

  They feared it would lead to tyranny similar to British rule