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THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE - Questions & Answers

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. Britain set up its first colony in Virginia North America.

2. The colonists resented the taxes imposed on them and raised the slogan, "No taxation without representation".

3. The Currency Act sought to ban the prevalent Bills of Exchange and paper currency of the American colonies.

4. In the American War of Independence, the British forces were led by Lord Cornwallis and the American forces by George Washington.

5. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress was written by Thomas Jefferson.


II. Match the following:

1. The Quartering Act — (c) Obliged the colonies to pay for the expenditure of British troops deployed in the colonies.

2. The Currency Act — (e) Banned the prevalent Bills of Exchange and paper currency.

3. The Stamp Act — (a) Imposed a tax on legal documents.

4. The Sugar Act — (b) Banned the import of rum from overseas countries except from England.

5. The Boston Tea Party — (d) Organised under the guidance of Samuel Adams.


III. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

A. Choose the correct option.

1. Which of the following was not one of the direct causes of the American Revolution?

(c) The German and French occupation of American colonies

2. With reference of the Intolerable Acts (1774) which of the following are true?

(d) All of the above

3. Arrange the following in chronological order.
(1) Declaration Charter
(2) First Continental Congress
(3) Declaration of Independence
(4) Second Continental Congress
(5) Treaty of Paris

(a) (2) (1) (4) (3) (5)

4. Which of the following sets is incorrect?

(d) Sugar Act: Duty on import of sugar.

5. No taxation without representation meant

(c) Both (a) and (b)

6. The American War of Independence began with (A) and ended with (B)

(b) A: Boston Tea Party B: Treaty of Paris


IV. Answer the following questions:

1. What was the Mercantilist Policy of the British?

Britain followed a mercantile policy according to which the colonies existed merely to serve the mother country. Under this policy, the colonies provided raw materials and supplies that could not be produced in Britain and served as markets for finished British goods. This policy was also opposed to the establishment of self-government in the colonies.

2. How did the British attitude towards the American colonies lead to the war of American Independence?

The British believed that America was their colony and that the colonists, being English natives, were required to serve their mother country. Consequently, the government in the colonies was brought under royal control. The Americans, however, no longer wanted to remain subservient and sought to protect their developed American identity, leading to a contest between imperialism and colonial home rule.

3. What made the American colonists to raise the slogan, "No taxation without representation"?

The slogan was raised because the British Parliament passed acts like the Stamp Act (1765) to tax the colonies without their consent. The colonists argued that they should only be taxed by their own elected assemblies and not by the British Parliament, where they had no representatives.

4. State briefly the Boston Tea Party incident.

In 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act, allowing the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies. In protest, a group of Americans disguised as porters, led by Samuel Adams, boarded East India Company ships at Boston port and threw 340 boxes of tea into the sea. This event triggered the American War of Independence.

5. What was the significance of the Declaration of Independence adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776?

The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, emphasized that all men are born equal and have inalienable rights to life and liberty. It asserted the people's right to form their own government and declared that the American colonies were free to make independent decisions regarding war, peace, and trade as an independent state.

6. Summarise the factors which led to the American Revolution.

The factors included the influence of Enlightenment philosophers; the restrictive Mercantilist Policy; the removal of the French threat after the Seven Years' War; the British insistence on royal control; restrictions on the manufacture and sale of colonial goods; and the imposition of unpopular taxes such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act.

7. How was the American Revolution a contest between imperialism and colonial home rule?

It was a contest because Britain sought to maintain imperial dominance and economic exploitation of the colonies for its own benefit (imperialism). Meanwhile, the colonists, who had been governing their local matters through elected assemblies, sought autonomy and the right to govern themselves (home rule), leading to a direct clash.

8. What is federalism? Explain how it operates.

Federalism is a system of government characterized by the separation of powers between a central (federal) government and individual state governments. It operates through a written constitution that defines the specific powers of each level and includes a system of checks and balances to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

9. Explain the significance of the American Revolution.

The revolution led to the independence of the 13 colonies and the birth of the USA. It established a democratic system based on a written constitution and federalism. It affirmed principles of liberty and equality, gave citizens the right to vote, and inspired subsequent anti-colonial movements and the French Revolution.


V. Picture Study

Study the picture and answer the following questions:

(a) Name the event depicted in the picture. When and where did this event take place?

The event depicted is the Boston Tea Party. It took place in 1773 at the Boston port.

(b) How was this event associated with the American War of Independence?

This event was the immediate trigger for the American War of Independence, representing the first major act of defiance by the colonists against British taxation policies.

(c) What was the impact of this event on the British government? How did it react to this event?

The British government was severely angered and retaliated by passing the "Intolerable Acts" in 1774 to punish the colonists. These acts included closing the port of Boston, reorganizing the government of Massachusetts, and allowing British troops to be quartered in private homes.

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Multiple Choice Questions - Test your understanding with these MCQs. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer.

Question 1The 17th and 18th centuries in Europe are often described as the:

Correct Answer: Age of Enlightenment

Question 2Which philosopher mentioned in the text talked about individual freedom and democracy?

Correct Answer: John Locke

Question 3Where did Britain set up its first American colony in 1607?

Correct Answer: Virginia

Question 4How many British colonies were established along the eastern coast of North America within 100 years of 1607?

Correct Answer: 13

Question 5What percentage of the population in the American colonies was British?

Correct Answer: 90%

Question 6What was the main occupation throughout the English-speaking colonies?

Correct Answer: Agriculture

Question 7Who managed the plantations that formed the basis of the colonial economy?

Correct Answer: Slaves

Question 8Each American colony had which of the following governmental structures?

Correct Answer: An elected Legislative Assembly

Question 9In which area did the colonists NOT have a say in their own governance?

Correct Answer: Trade with other European countries

Question 10The British 'Mercantile Policy' dictated that colonies existed to:

Correct Answer: Serve the mother country

Question 11What did the colonies provide to Britain under the mercantilist policy?

Correct Answer: Raw materials and supplies

Question 12Which war (1756-63) removed the threat of the French from the American colonies?

Correct Answer: The Seven Years War

Question 13Why did the removal of the French danger make the colonists more rebellious?

Correct Answer: They no longer needed British military protection

Question 14The British government restricted the manufacture of which item in the colonies?

Correct Answer: Iron works

Question 15Which products were colonists forced to export ONLY to England?

Correct Answer: Cotton, sugar, and tobacco

Question 16The Stamp Act of 1765 imposed a tax on:

Correct Answer: Legal documents and newspapers

Question 17What famous slogan was raised by the colonists regarding British taxes?

Correct Answer: No taxation without representation

Question 18Which group drew up a memorandum of protest against the British Crown?

Correct Answer: The Sons of Liberty

Question 19The Quartering Act (1765) required colonists to:

Correct Answer: Pay for British troops' maintenance

Question 20What did the Currency Act seek to ban in the colonies?

Correct Answer: Bills of Exchange and paper currency

Question 21The Sugar Act (1764) specifically banned the import of rum from overseas except from:

Correct Answer: England

Question 22Which act claimed the British Parliament had the power to levy both internal and external taxes?

Correct Answer: The Declaratory Act

Question 23What event triggered the American War of Independence?

Correct Answer: The Boston Tea Party

Question 24In what year did the Boston Tea Party take place?

Correct Answer: 1773

Question 25Who was the leader that guided the Americans during the Boston Tea Party?

Correct Answer: Samuel Adams

Question 26How many boxes of tea were thrown into the sea during the Boston Tea Party?

Correct Answer: 340

Question 27How did the Americans disguise themselves during the Boston Tea Party?

Correct Answer: As porters

Question 28The British retaliated against the Boston Tea Party by passing the:

Correct Answer: Coercive (Intolerable) Acts

Question 29Which port was closed by the Intolerable Acts of 1774?

Correct Answer: Boston

Question 30The First Continental Congress (1774) met in which city?

Correct Answer: Philadelphia

Question 31What was the initial objective of the First Continental Congress?

Correct Answer: Autonomy in internal affairs

Question 32In April 1775, a fight broke out between the colonists and British troops led by:

Correct Answer: Lord Cornwallis

Question 33Who led the American colonial army?

Correct Answer: George Washington

Question 34On which date was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

Correct Answer: July 4, 1776

Question 35Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Correct Answer: Thomas Jefferson

Question 36The Declaration of Independence asserted that all men are born:

Correct Answer: Equal

Question 37According to the Declaration, which rights cannot be denied to men?

Correct Answer: Life and Liberty

Question 38Besides the French, which other European force joined the Americans against Britain?

Correct Answer: Spanish

Question 39In 1781, Lord Cornwallis and the British forces were finally defeated at:

Correct Answer: Yorktown

Question 40The War of American Independence ended in 1783 with the:

Correct Answer: Treaty of Paris

Question 41The Treaty of Paris fixed the boundary of America along which river?

Correct Answer: Ohio

Question 42In 1787, a Constitutional Convention met under the chairmanship of:

Correct Answer: George Washington

Question 43The newly-drafted Constitution of the USA came into force on:

Correct Answer: June 21, 1788

Question 44How many pages did the original newly-drafted U.S. Constitution contain?

Correct Answer: Four

Question 45The American Constitution established which system of government?

Correct Answer: Federal system

Question 46What does 'Federalism' involve?

Correct Answer: Separation of powers between Central and State governments

Question 47Which system of government did the Americans adopt, unlike Britain?

Correct Answer: Presidential system

Question 48The American Revolution inspired people in which continent to gain independence from Spain and Portugal?

Correct Answer: South America

Question 49Which major European revolution was greatly influenced by the American Revolution?

Correct Answer: The French Revolution

Question 50The new American Constitution gave the public the right to:

Correct Answer: Vote
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True or False Questions - Determine whether each statement is true or false. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer.

Statement 1The 17th and 18th centuries in Europe are described as the 'Age of Enlightenment'.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 2John Locke was a philosopher who discussed individual freedom and democracy.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 3The American Revolution was the first political revolution where people overthrew foreign rule.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 4Britain established its first American colony in Virginia in 1607.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 5By 1707, there were 15 British colonies along the eastern coast of North America.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 6About 90% of the population in the American colonies was British.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 7Agriculture based on plantations managed by slaves was the main occupation in the colonies.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 8Each American colony had an elected Legislative Assembly to govern local matters.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 9The colonists had full control over their trade with other European countries.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 10The British Crown controlled the levying of extra taxes in the colonies.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 11The American struggle for freedom was primarily a conflict of economic interests.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 12Mercantilist policy meant that colonies existed to serve the mother country.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 13The colonies provided finished goods to Britain under mercantilism.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 14The Seven Years War took place between 1756 and 1763.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 15After the defeat of France, colonists felt they no longer needed British military protection.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 16The British encouraged the manufacture of iron works within the American colonies.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 17Colonists were allowed to export cotton and tobacco to any country at their own prices.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 18The Quartering Act of 1765 required colonies to pay for British troop maintenance.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 19The Currency Act sought to promote the use of American paper currency.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 20The Sugar Act of 1764 banned the import of rum from overseas except from England.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 21The Stamp Act of 1765 imposed a tax on legal documents and newspapers.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 22Colonists raised the slogan 'No taxation without representation'.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 23The 'Sons of Liberty' was a group that protested against the British Crown.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 24The British Parliament withdrew the Stamp Act but passed the Declaratory Act.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 25The Declaratory Act removed the British Parliament's right to levy internal taxes.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 26The Boston Tea Party took place in 1773.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 27Samuel Adams guided the Americans during the Boston Tea Party.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 28Americans disguised as British soldiers threw tea into the Boston port.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 29During the Boston Tea Party, 340 boxes of tea were thrown into the sea.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 30The Intolerable Acts of 1774 were passed to punish the colonists.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 31The Intolerable Acts allowed the port of Boston to remain open for trade.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 32The First Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia in 1774.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 33The First Continental Congress immediately demanded complete independence.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 34A Declaration Charter drafted in 1774 included a threat to boycott British goods.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 35The Second Continental Congress met in May 1775.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 36George Washington led the American colonial army.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 37Lord Cornwallis led the British troops during the war.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 38King George III declared the colonies to be in rebellion in August 1775.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 39The Declaration of Independence was written by George Washington.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 40The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 41The Declaration stated that all men are born equal.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 42The war for independence ended when Cornwallis was defeated in 1781.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 43Spanish and French forces supported the British against the Americans.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 44The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 45The Treaty of Paris fixed the boundary of America along the river Ohio.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 46A Constitutional Convention met in 1787 under George Washington's chairmanship.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 47The newly drafted U.S. Constitution contained 50 pages.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 48The U.S. Constitution came into force on June 21, 1788.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 49The U.S. Constitution declared America to be a monarchy.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 50Federalism is a system where power is shared between Central and State governments.

Correct Answer: True
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Fill in the Blanks - Complete the sentences by filling in the missing words. Click "Show Answer" to check your response.

Question 1The 17th and 18th centuries in Europe have been described as the Age of ______.

Correct Answer: Enlightenment

Question 2Philosophers like Montesquieu and John Locke fostered the spirit of ______, giving priority to human freedom.

Correct Answer: humanism

Question 3Britain set up its first American colony in ______ in 1607.

Correct Answer: Virginia

Question 4By the early 18th century, there were ______ British colonies established along the eastern coast of North America.

Correct Answer: 13

Question 5The main occupation in the English-speaking colonies was ______ based on plantations.

Correct Answer: agriculture

Question 6American plantations were primarily managed by ______.

Correct Answer: slaves

Question 7Each American colony had an elected ______ Assembly to govern local matters.

Correct Answer: Legislative

Question 8The British ______ controlled important matters like trade and the levying of extra taxes.

Correct Answer: Crown

Question 9The American Revolution is considered the first political revolution in which people overthrew the yoke of ______ rule.

Correct Answer: foreign

Question 10The ______ policy of Britain meant that colonies existed merely to serve the mother country.

Correct Answer: mercantilist

Question 11According to mercantilism, colonies provided ______ materials and served as markets for finished goods.

Correct Answer: raw

Question 12The ______ were a constant source of danger for the American colonists until their defeat in 1763.

Correct Answer: French

Question 13England defeated France in the ______ War, which lasted from 1756 to 1763.

Correct Answer: Seven Years

Question 14The British government restricted the manufacture of items like ______ works and woolen goods in the colonies.

Correct Answer: iron

Question 15Colonists were forced to export products like cotton, sugar, and ______ only to England.

Correct Answer: tobacco

Question 16The ______ Act of 1765 obliged colonies to pay for the maintenance of British troops.

Correct Answer: Quartering

Question 17The ______ Act sought to ban the use of paper currency in the American colonies.

Correct Answer: Currency

Question 18The ______ Act of 1764 banned the import of rum from overseas countries except England.

Correct Answer: Sugar

Question 19The ______ Act of 1765 imposed a tax on legal documents and newspapers.

Correct Answer: Stamp

Question 20American colonists raised the famous slogan, 'No ______ without representation.'

Correct Answer: taxation

Question 21A group of protestors known as the ______ of Liberty drew up a memorandum against the Crown.

Correct Answer: Sons

Question 22Through the ______ Act, the British Parliament claimed the right to levy both internal and external taxes.

Correct Answer: Declaratory

Question 23The American War of Independence was triggered by an incident known as the ______.

Correct Answer: Boston Tea Party

Question 24In 1773, the British Parliament passed the ______ Act, favoring the British East India Company.

Correct Answer: Tea

Question 25The Boston Tea Party was carried out under the guidance of ______.

Correct Answer: Samuel Adams

Question 26During the Boston Tea Party, ______ boxes of tea were thrown into the sea.

Correct Answer: 340

Question 27The British retaliated against the tea protest by passing the ______ Acts in 1774.

Correct Answer: Intolerable

Question 28The Intolerable Acts led to the closure of the port of ______.

Correct Answer: Boston

Question 29The First ______ Congress was organized in Philadelphia in 1774.

Correct Answer: Continental

Question 30The Second Continental Congress met in May ______.

Correct Answer: 1775

Question 31In the war, British troops were led by Lord ______.

Correct Answer: Cornwallis

Question 32The American colonial forces were led by ______.

Correct Answer: George Washington

Question 33King ______ III declared the colonies to be in rebellion in August 1775.

Correct Answer: George

Question 34The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, ______.

Correct Answer: 1776

Question 35The Declaration of Independence was written by ______.

Correct Answer: Thomas Jefferson

Question 36The Declaration emphasized that all men are born ______.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 37The War of American Independence ended in 1783 with the Treaty of ______.

Correct Answer: Paris

Question 38The Treaty of Paris fixed the boundary of America along the river ______.

Correct Answer: Ohio

Question 39A Constitutional Convention met in 1787 in the city of ______.

Correct Answer: Philadelphia

Question 40The American Constitution provided for a ______ system of government.

Correct Answer: federal

Question 41The U.S. Constitution came into force on June 21, ______.

Correct Answer: 1788

Question 42The new Constitution declared America as a ______.

Correct Answer: republic

Question 43Federalism involves the ______ of powers between the Central and State governments.

Correct Answer: separation

Question 44The system of ______ and balances was a key feature of the American Constitution.

Correct Answer: checks

Question 45Unlike Britain, the Americans adopted the ______ system of government.

Correct Answer: Presidential

Question 46The American Revolution gave birth to the ______ system which gave citizens the right to vote.

Correct Answer: democratic

Question 47The American Revolution inspired people in ______ America to gain independence from Spain and Portugal.

Correct Answer: South

Question 48The American Revolution provided a great fillip to the ______ Revolution in Europe.

Correct Answer: French

Question 49A ______ is a group of people who are not professional soldiers but have military training.

Correct Answer: militia

Question 50The policy of domination over another country's structures without taking government control is called ______.

Correct Answer: imperialism
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Short Answer Questions - Practice concise answers to these questions. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the response.
Question 1

What is the 17th and 18th century period in Europe called?

Answer:
Age of Enlightenment
Question 2

What spirit did writers of the Enlightenment foster?

Answer:
Humanism
Question 3

Which philosopher wrote about individual freedom and democracy?

Answer:
John Locke
Question 4

What revolution did the Enlightenment pave the way for in America?

Answer:
American Revolution
Question 5

Where did Britain set up its first colony in 1607?

Answer:
Virginia
Question 6

How many colonies were established on the eastern coast of North America?

Answer:
13
Question 7

What was the main occupation in the English colonies?

Answer:
Agriculture
Question 8

Who managed the agricultural plantations in the colonies?

Answer:
Slaves
Question 9

What body did each American colony have to govern local matters?

Answer:
Legislative Assembly
Question 10

Who controlled colonial trade and extra taxes?

Answer:
British Crown
Question 11

What policy stated colonies exist to serve the mother country?

Answer:
Mercantilism
Question 12

What was the duration of the Seven Years War?

Answer:
1756-1763
Question 13

Victory against which country removed the threat to the colonies?

Answer:
France
Question 14

What was the American struggle primarily a conflict of?

Answer:
Economic interests
Question 15

Which act (1765) forced colonies to pay for British troop maintenance?

Answer:
Quartering Act
Question 16

Which act sought to ban paper currency in the colonies?

Answer:
Currency Act
Question 17

Which act (1764) banned rum imports from overseas except England?

Answer:
Sugar Act
Question 18

Which act (1765) taxed legal documents and newspapers?

Answer:
Stamp Act
Question 19

What was the famous slogan against British taxation?

Answer:
No taxation without representation
Question 20

Which group drew up a memorandum of protest against the Crown?

Answer:
Sons of Liberty
Question 21

Which act gave Parliament the right to levy internal and external taxes?

Answer:
Declaratory Act
Question 22

What 1773 incident triggered the American War of Independence?

Answer:
Boston Tea Party
Question 23

Under whose guidance was the Boston Tea Party organized?

Answer:
Samuel Adams
Question 24

How many boxes of tea were thrown into the sea at Boston?

Answer:
340
Question 25

What was the collective name for the coercive acts of 1774?

Answer:
Intolerable Acts
Question 26

Which port was closed by the Intolerable Acts?

Answer:
Boston
Question 27

Where did the First Continental Congress meet in 1774?

Answer:
Philadelphia
Question 28

What document was drafted at the First Continental Congress?

Answer:
Declaration Charter
Question 29

Who led the British troops during the war?

Answer:
Lord Cornwallis
Question 30

Who led the American colonial army?

Answer:
George Washington
Question 31

Which King declared the colonies to be in rebellion in 1775?

Answer:
King George III
Question 32

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

Answer:
July 4, 1776
Question 33

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Answer:
Thomas Jefferson
Question 34

Which treaty ended the war in 1783?

Answer:
Treaty of Paris
Question 35

Along which river was the American boundary fixed in 1783?

Answer:
Ohio
Question 36

Who chaired the 1787 Constitutional Convention?

Answer:
George Washington
Question 37

When did the US Constitution come into force?

Answer:
June 21, 1788
Question 38

How many people signed the new Constitution?

Answer:
51
Question 39

What system of government was proposed in the 1787 Convention?

Answer:
Federal system
Question 40

What does a Republic mean for America?

Answer:
Independent state
Question 41

What principle divides power between Central and State governments?

Answer:
Federalism
Question 42

The US Constitution ensured the separation of what?

Answer:
Powers
Question 43

What system ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful?

Answer:
Checks and balances
Question 44

Unlike Britain, what system of government did the US adopt?

Answer:
Presidential
Question 45

What right did the democratic system give the American public?

Answer:
Right to vote
Question 46

Which European revolution was influenced by the American one?

Answer:
French Revolution
Question 47

What is a group of non-professional trained soldiers called?

Answer:
Militia
Question 48

What is the policy of acquiring political control over another country?

Answer:
Colonialism
Question 49

What is the form of government where people elect representatives?

Answer:
Democracy
Question 50

What concept emphasizes the importance of man in the world?

Answer:
Humanism
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Long Answer Questions - Practice detailed answers to these comprehensive questions. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the response.
Question 1

Discuss the influence of the 'Age of Enlightenment' and its philosophers on the American Revolution.

Answer:
The 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, known as the 'Age of Enlightenment' or 'Reason', played a crucial role in fostering the spirit of the American Revolution. 1. Spirit of Humanism: Writers and thinkers of this period freed people from superstitions and encouraged the criticism of everything unreasonable. 2. Priority of Freedom: Philosophers like Montesquieu, John Locke, Rousseau, Voltaire, Emmanuel Kant, and Thomas Paine advocated for individual freedom, political independence, and democracy. 3. Motivation for Self-Government: Their ideas motivated the American colonists to demand equality and autonomous rule, eventually leading them to justify resistance against the mother country when their rights were suppressed.
Question 2

Explain the British Mercantilist Policy and how it led to resentment among the American colonists.

Answer:
Britain followed a mercantile policy where the colonies existed primarily to serve the economic interests of the mother country. 1. Resource Exploitation: The colonies were forced to provide raw materials and supplies that could not be produced in England. 2. Market for Finished Goods: The colonies served as captive markets for finished British products. 3. Opposition to Self-Rule: Mercantilism was inherently against the establishment of self-government, as autonomous rule would threaten British economic control. The colonists resisted this policy of colonial exploitation because it hampered their own economic development and favored British manufacturers over American settlers.
Question 3

What was the significance of the removal of the 'French Danger' in the context of the American Revolution?

Answer:
The presence of the French in North America was a constant threat to the security of the American colonies. 1. Dependency on British Protection: As long as the French posed a military threat, the colonists needed British military protection and were hesitant to challenge the mother country. 2. Impact of the Seven Years War (1756-63): England's victory against France removed this fear. 3. Shift in Power Dynamics: Once the French threat was eliminated, the colonies no longer felt the need for British military presence. This gave them the confidence to stand up against British imperial policies, as they no longer feared a possible Anglo-French alliance against them.
Question 4

Describe the British restrictions on manufacture and sale in the colonies and their impact on the settlers.

Answer:
The British government imposed several economic restrictions that frustrated the American colonists. 1. Manufacturing Bans: Restrictions were placed on the manufacture of items like iron works, woolen goods, and felts in the colonies. 2. Forced Imports: The law required these goods to be imported from Britain, and imports from other countries were heavily taxed. 3. Export Controls: Colonists were required to export essential products like cotton, sugar, and tobacco exclusively to England. 4. Price Fixing: Prices for these exports were fixed by the British government, often to the disadvantage of the colonists. These measures convinced Americans that Britain was deliberately sabotaging their economic growth.
Question 5

Detail the various 'Unpopular Acts' passed by the British Parliament following the war with France.

Answer:
To recover the financial losses from the war with France, Britain passed several acts that were highly unpopular in the colonies: 1. The Quartering Act (1765): Required colonists to pay for the maintenance of British troops stationed in America. 2. The Currency Act: Banned the use of local paper currency and Bills of Exchange, forcing the use of English currency. 3. The Sugar Act (1764): Banned the import of rum from overseas except from England and enforced strict customs controls. 4. The Stamp Act (1765): Imposed a tax on legal documents, newspapers, and other printed materials. These acts were seen as a direct violation of the colonists' rights to manage their own finances.
Question 6

Analyze the meaning and importance of the slogan 'No taxation without representation'.

Answer:
The slogan 'No taxation without representation' became the rallying cry of the American Revolution. 1. Right to Self-Taxation: The colonists argued that since they were not represented in the British Parliament, that body had no legal right to impose taxes on them. 2. Authority of Assemblies: They claimed that only their own elected Legislative Assemblies had the right to levy taxes. 3. Demand for Political Equality: It was not just about the money, but about the principle of democratic consent. Groups like the 'Sons of Liberty' used this slogan to organize protests and draw up memorandums against the Crown, asserting their status as Englishmen who deserved the same rights as those living in Britain.
Question 7

Provide a detailed account of the Boston Tea Party incident of 1773.

Answer:
The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal event that triggered the American War of Independence. 1. Cause: In 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act, allowing the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, which the colonists saw as an attempt to maintain the tea tax. 2. The Protest: Under the leadership of Samuel Adams, a group of Americans disguised themselves as porters and boarded East India Company ships docked at Boston port. 3. Action: They threw 340 boxes of tea into the sea. 4. Public Support: This act of defiance was supported by a large section of the public and signaled that the colonists were ready for open rebellion against British trade policies.
Question 8

What were the 'Intolerable Acts' and how did the colonists react to them?

Answer:
The 'Intolerable Acts' (or Coercive Acts) were passed in 1774 as a punishment for the Boston Tea Party. 1. Measures: The acts closed the port of Boston, reorganized the government of Massachusetts to give more power to the British, and allowed British troops to be quartered in private homes. 2. Colonial Opposition: Rather than subduing the colonies, these acts unified them. 3. Committees of Correspondence: Citizens established committees all over the colonies to coordinate opposition. 4. First Continental Congress: The reaction eventually led to the meeting of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia to demand the restoration of self-government.
Question 9

Discuss the role and significance of the First Continental Congress held in 1774.

Answer:
The First Continental Congress was a major step toward American unity. 1. Assembly: It was composed of representatives from the colonies who met in Philadelphia. 2. Objectives: The primary goal was to persuade the British Parliament to restore self-government and autonomy in internal affairs, rather than demanding full independence at that stage. 3. Declaration Charter: The Congress drafted a charter that included a threat to boycott all British goods. 4. Intercontinental Organization: Its most significant contribution was the creation of a formal organization to enforce commercial boycotts against Britain, setting the stage for future collective action.
Question 10

Explain the events of the Second Continental Congress and the start of the armed conflict.

Answer:
The Second Continental Congress met in May 1775 as tensions reached a breaking point. 1. Government in Exile: The Congress began to function as a central government for the colonies. 2. Military Organization: It organized a colonial army and navy to defend against British aggression. 3. Leadership: George Washington was appointed to lead the American forces against the British troops led by Lord Cornwallis. 4. Escalation: King George III declared the colonies to be in open rebellion in August 1775, effectively starting the War of Independence.
Question 11

Discuss the 'Declaration of Independence' adopted on July 4, 1776.

Answer:
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in human history. 1. Authorship: It was written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress. 2. Core Principles: It emphasized that all men are born equal and possess inalienable rights to life and liberty. 3. Right to Government: It asserted that people have the right to form their own government if the existing one becomes oppressive. 4. Sovereignty: The document declared that Americans were now free to make independent decisions regarding war, peace, and trade, formally breaking all ties with the British Crown.
Question 12

Describe the final phase of the war and the significance of the Treaty of Paris (1783).

Answer:
The war for independence lasted several years after the Declaration of 1776. 1. Military Turning Point: The struggle continued until 1781, when the British forces under Lord Cornwallis were defeated by George Washington's army. 2. International Support: The Americans were aided by Spanish and French forces who joined the fight against Britain. 3. The Treaty: The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. 4. Terms: Under the treaty, Britain recognized the independence of the 13 colonies and fixed the new nation's boundary along the Ohio River, marking the official birth of the United States of America.
Question 13

Summarize the significance of the American Revolution for the human race.

Answer:
The American Revolution had far-reaching consequences beyond North America. 1. Birth of a New Nation: It led to the formation of the United States of America. 2. Affirmation of Rights: It affirmed the principles of freedom, democracy, and equality. 3. Pattern for Liberation: It set a pattern for future independence movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 4. Practical Lessons: It gave the world practical lessons in constitution-making and the implementation of a federal system. 5. Global Inspiration: It infused vigor into anti-colonial struggles worldwide and directly influenced the French Revolution by instilling a spirit of self-confidence in the people.
Question 14

Explain the concept of 'Federalism' as established by the American Constitution.

Answer:
Federalism was a novel system of government introduced by the American founders. 1. Power Sharing: It transformed a loose confederation of 13 colonies into a single federal system. 2. Division of Authority: Power was strictly separated between the Central (Federal) government and the individual State governments. 3. Sovereignty: Each level of government has its own sphere of influence and responsibilities. 4. Checks and Balances: The system was designed to ensure that no single entity or branch of government could exercise absolute power, a concept that has since been adopted by many democratic nations.
Question 15

How did the American Revolution lead to the defeat of imperialism and the birth of nationalism?

Answer:
The revolution was a historic blow to the old imperial order. 1. Overthrowing Foreign Rule: It was the first time a colony successfully overthrew a major European power to win the right of self-government. 2. Rejection of Subservience: It ended the idea that colonies existed solely to serve a mother country. 3. American Identity: Through the struggle, the colonists developed a distinct American identity separate from their British roots. 4. Rise of Nationalism: This sense of belonging to a new, independent nation created the concept of nationalism, which would soon spread to other parts of the world and challenge empires globally.
Question 16

List and explain the fundamental rights given to Americans by their new Constitution.

Answer:
The new American Constitution provided several significant rights to its citizens: 1. Freedom of Speech: The right to express opinions without government interference. 2. Freedom of the Press: Allowing the media to operate and report independently. 3. Freedom of Religion: Ensuring that individuals could practice their faith without state compulsion. 4. Right to Justice: The right to be treated according to the law and a fair judicial process. 5. Right to Vote: The birth of a democratic system that, for the first time, gave the public the power to elect their leaders.
Question 17

Contrast the American Presidential system with the British system of government as mentioned in the text.

Answer:
The framers of the American Constitution intentionally chose a different path from Britain. 1. Executive Leadership: Unlike Britain’s parliamentary system, Americans adopted a Presidential system where the head of state is separate from the legislature. 2. Written vs. Unwritten: America adopted a written Constitution, whereas Britain’s is unwritten and based on tradition. 3. Source of Power: The American system is a republic where power rests with the people/voters, whereas the British system at the time was a monarchy. 4. Separation of Powers: The American system emphasized a clear separation of powers with checks and balances, providing a practical lesson in governance to the rest of the world.
Question 18

What was the role of the 'Committees of Correspondence'?

Answer:
The Committees of Correspondence were vital for the revolutionary movement. 1. Communication Network: They were established by citizens critical of Britain to share information across the 13 colonies. 2. Organized Opposition: They played a key role in organizing opposition to British policies, such as the Intolerable Acts. 3. Unity: These committees helped bridge the geographical gaps between the colonies, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective grievance. 4. Foundation for Congress: They were the organizational precursors that eventually led to the meeting of the First Continental Congress in 1774.
Question 19

Describe the demographics and social structure of the American colonies in the 1700s.

Answer:
The 13 colonies were diverse but largely British in origin. 1. Population: About 90% of the population was British, with the remaining 10% consisting of Dutch, Germans, French, and Portuguese immigrants. 2. Labor Force: The economy, especially the plantation system, relied heavily on the labor of enslaved people. 3. Local Governance: Despite being colonies, they had developed their own elected Legislative Assemblies and militias. 4. Identity: Over 100 years, the settlers began to view themselves less as transplanted Europeans and more as Americans with their own distinct interests and culture.
Question 20

How did the American Revolution impact the French Revolution?

Answer:
The American Revolution served as a catalyst for the French Revolution in 1789. 1. Inspiration: The success of the Americans in overthrowing a monarchy inspired the French public. 2. Self-Confidence: It instilled a new spirit of self-confidence in the French people to stand up against autocracy and aristocracy. 3. Ideological Spread: The principles of equality and liberty championed by the Americans resonated deeply with French thinkers. 4. Practical Example: It provided a real-world example of how a people could successfully draft a constitution and establish a republic based on Enlightenment ideals.
Question 21

What were the primary economic causes of the American Revolution?

Answer:
The American struggle was essentially a conflict over economic control. 1. Mercantilist Exploitation: Britain treated the colonies as a source of raw materials and a market for finished goods, ignoring colonial interests. 2. Trade Restrictions: Colonists were forbidden from trading with other European nations and had to export key crops like tobacco and cotton only to England. 3. Manufacturing Bans: British laws prohibited colonies from developing their own industries, such as iron works, to protect British manufacturers. 4. Unfair Taxation: Britain attempted to pay off its war debts by imposing taxes (Stamp Act, Sugar Act) on the colonists without their consent.
Question 22

Detail the composition and the result of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Answer:
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held to create a more stable government for the new nation. 1. Leadership: It met in Philadelphia under the chairmanship of George Washington. 2. Participation: The convention included representatives who debated the structure of the new government, resulting in a document signed by 51 persons. 3. Outcome: They drafted a Constitution that established a federal system with three branches of government. 4. Ratification: The Constitution came into force on June 21, 1788, creating a strong central government while preserving the rights of the 13 states.
Question 23

Explain how the American Revolution was a contest between 'imperialism' and 'colonial home rule'.

Answer:
The conflict represented two opposing views of governance. 1. British Imperialism: The British believed that the colonies were their property and that the colonists, as English natives, must remain subservient to the mother country. 2. Colonial Home Rule: The Americans, having governed themselves in local matters for decades, wanted to expand that autonomy to include trade, taxes, and economic policy. 3. Royal Control: Britain tried to bring the colonial governments under tighter royal control, while Americans fought to protect the independent identity and self-governance they had developed over a century.
Question 24

What role did Samuel Adams play in the beginning of the Revolution?

Answer:
Samuel Adams was a key revolutionary leader and organizer. 1. Protest Leader: He was the primary figure behind the 'Boston Tea Party', guiding the group that destroyed the British tea. 2. Organizing Resistance: He helped mobilize public opinion against the Tea Act and other British taxes. 3. Political Strategy: He was instrumental in pushing the colonies toward organized opposition and was a major influence in the early meetings of the Continental Congress. 4. Radical Influence: His actions and leadership helped transition the movement from peaceful protest to active, coordinated rebellion.
Question 25

Define the term 'Democracy' as used in the context of the American Revolution.

Answer:
In the context of the American Revolution, democracy was the revolutionary idea of a 'government by the people'. 1. Elected Representatives: It is a form of government where citizens elect representatives to run the government on their behalf. 2. Popular Sovereignty: The power of the government comes from the consent of the governed, not from a hereditary monarch. 3. Right to Vote: The revolution established a system that gave the American public the right to participate in their government through voting. 4. Contrast to Autocracy: It stood as the direct opposite of the autocracy and aristocracy prevalent in Europe at the time.
Question 26

Discuss the significance of the 13 colonies joining together after the war.

Answer:
The unification of the 13 colonies was a historic milestone. 1. From Colonies to States: The 13 separate entities joined together to form a single sovereign nation, the United States of America. 2. Strength in Unity: Unification allowed them to establish a common defense, a unified trade policy, and a single currency. 3. Federal Experiment: It proved that diverse colonies with different economic interests (like Northern agriculture vs. Southern plantations) could coexist under a single federal framework. 4. Global Power: This union laid the foundation for the USA to eventually become a major world power.
Question 27

How did the views expressed by philosophers justify colonial resistance?

Answer:
Philosophers provided the intellectual framework for the revolution. 1. Political Independence: They argued that political independence was a natural right. 2. Resistance to Tyranny: Philosophers justified resistance to the 'mother country' if it failed to protect the rights of the citizens or became oppressive. 3. Equality: By advocating that all men were born equal, they challenged the divine right of kings and the hierarchy of the British Empire. 4. Motivation: These ideas transformed a trade dispute into a moral and philosophical struggle for human freedom.
Question 28

Explain the significance of George Washington in the American Revolution.

Answer:
George Washington was the central figure of the American struggle. 1. Military Leadership: He led the colonial army and navy against the professional British troops, eventually securing victory in 1781. 2. Unifying Force: His leadership provided a sense of stability and unity to the disparate colonial militias. 3. Political Leadership: He served as the Chairman of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, guiding the creation of the new government. 4. Symbol of the Republic: He represented the ideal of a leader who fought for liberty and helped establish a nation where power was based on law, not birthright.
Question 29

Describe the impact of the American Revolution on Latin America.

Answer:
The revolution had a profound effect on the southern part of the Western Hemisphere. 1. Anti-Colonial Vigour: It infused a new vigor into revolutionaries who wanted to overthrow colonial rule. 2. Model for Independence: It provided a successful model of how colonies could defeat a European superpower. 3. Specific Influence: It directly inspired the people of South America to gain independence from the foreign rule of Spain and Portugal. 4. Spread of Republicanism: It helped spread the ideals of republican government and democracy throughout the Americas.
Question 30

What were the 'Bills of Exchange' mentioned in the Currency Act?

Answer:
In the context of the colonies, Bills of Exchange were important financial tools. 1. Definition: They were paper documents used as a form of currency or a promise of payment in business transactions. 2. Economic Independence: Their use allowed colonies to conduct trade without relying solely on British gold or silver. 3. British Ban: The Currency Act sought to ban these along with other forms of paper currency. 4. Impact: By banning them, Britain intended to force the use of English currency, thereby tightening its control over the colonial economy and hampering local business.
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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
The 17th and 18th centuries have been described as the 'Age of _____'.
Answer
Enlightenment
Question
What was the main occupation of people throughout the English speaking colonies in America?
Answer
Agriculture, with plantations managed by slaves.
Question
Name three prominent writers and thinkers of the Enlightenment period who influenced the American Revolution.
Answer
John Locke, Rousseau, Voltaire, Emmanuel Kant, and Thomas Paine.
Question
How did the American colonists govern themselves in all local matters?
Answer
Each colony had an elected Legislative Assembly, a Council, and its own militia, run by their elected representatives.
Question
The American Revolution is considered the first political revolution in which people overthrew what type of rule?
Answer
Foreign rule.
Question
In what year did Britain establish its first colony in Virginia?
Answer
1607.
Question
By 1733, how many colonies had Britain set up along the eastern coast of North America?
Answer
Thirteen.
Question
The British-followed economic policy according to which the colonies existed to serve the mother country was known as what?
Answer
Mercantilist Policy.
Question
Under the Mercantilist Policy, what was the primary purpose of the colonies for Britain?
Answer
To provide raw materials and serve as markets for finished goods.
Question
What event, which concluded with the Seven Years War (1756-63), removed the constant source of danger for the American colonists from the French?
Answer
The Removal of French Danger.
Question
Why did the colonists resent the restrictions on the manufacture of items like iron works, woollen goods, and felts?
Answer
These restrictions forced them to import these goods from Britain, hampering their own economic development.
Question
Goods like sugar, cotton, and tobacco could only be exported to what country from the American colonies?
Answer
England.
Question
The _____ (1765) obliged the colonies to pay a small portion of the expenditure incurred upon the maintenance of British troops.
Answer
Quartering Act
Question
Which act sought to ban the prevalent Bills of Exchange and paper currency, so that only the English currency could be used for business transactions?
Answer
The Currency Act.
Question
Which act from 1764 banned the import of rum from overseas countries except England?
Answer
The Sugar Act.
Question
What did the Stamp Act of 1765 impose a tax on?
Answer
It imposed a tax on legal documents and certain other items such as newspapers.
Question
What famous slogan did the colonists raise to protest taxes imposed without their consent?
Answer
No taxation without representation.
Question
What right did the colonists claim they alone had regarding taxation?
Answer
The right to tax themselves through their assemblies, as they were not represented in the British Parliament.
Question
The war for American Independence continued till 1781, when the British forces led by _____ were defeated by the American forces.
Answer
Lord Cornwallis
Question
Who led the American forces that defeated the British at the end of the War of Independence?
Answer
George Washington.
Question
Which two European powers also joined the American forces in their struggle against Britain?
Answer
The Spanish and the French.
Question
The American War of Independence ended in 1783 with the signing of which treaty?
Answer
The Treaty of Paris.
Question
What did Britain recognise in the Treaty of Paris (1783)?
Answer
The independence of its 13 colonies.
Question
In what year and city did the Constitutional Convention meet to frame a new government?
Answer
In 1787, in Philadelphia.
Question
Who was the Chairman of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
Answer
George Washington.
Question
The Constitution of the United States of America came into force on what date?
Answer
June 21, 1788.
Question
What did the new American Constitution establish the United States of America as?
Answer
A republic.
Question
One significant outcome of the American Revolution was the independence of the 13 colonies, which combined to form the _____.
Answer
United States of America (USA)
Question
The Declaration of Independence affirmed that all men are born equal and cannot be denied the rights to what three things?
Answer
Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
Question
The American Revolution led to the emergence of a novel system of government, specifically a _____.
Answer
federalism
Question
How did the new federal system in America separate powers?
Answer
It created a separation of powers between the Central and the State governments.
Question
Unlike Britain, the American framers of the Constitution adopted what system of government?
Answer
The Presidential system of government.
Question
What significant rights did the new American Constitution give to its citizens?
Answer
The freedom of speech, press, and religion and the right to get justice according to the law.
Question
The American Revolution gave birth to which system of government, giving the American public the right to vote?
Answer
The democratic system.
Question
The American Revolution marked the defeat of _____ and brought forward the concept of nationalism.
Answer
imperialism
Question
What global effect did the American Revolution have on other nations under foreign rule?
Answer
It infused a new vigour into the anti-colonial revolutionaries in the entire world.
Question
Which major European revolution did the American Revolution provide a great fillip to?
Answer
The French Revolution.
Question
Term: Militia
Answer
Definition: A group of people who are not professional soldiers but who have had military training and can act as an army.
Question
Term: Enlightenment
Answer
Definition: A European intellectual movement of the late 17th and 18th centuries which emphasised reason and individualism rather than tradition.
Question
Term: Humanism
Answer
Definition: The concept that developed during the Renaissance period in Europe and emphasised the importance of man in the affairs of the world.
Question
Term: Democracy
Answer
Definition: The form of government in which the people elect their representatives to run the government.
Question
Term: Colonialism
Answer
Definition: The practice of acquiring full or partial political and territorial control over one country by another.
Question
Term: Imperialism
Answer
Definition: The policy of domination over another country's economic, political, and military structures without taking governmental control.
Question
What event involved colonists picking up 340 boxes of tea from ships in Boston port and throwing them into the sea as a protest?
Answer
The Boston Tea Party.
Question
The protest known as the Boston Tea Party was triggered by Britain's refusal to withdraw the tax on tea through which act?
Answer
The Tea Act.
Question
The American War of Independence began between the British troops and the colonists in what year?
Answer
1775.
Question
On what date did the Continental Congress adopt the Declaration of Independence?
Answer
July 4, 1776.
Question
The Declaration of Independence asserted that the Americans would be free to take authoritative decisions independently in all matters of _____, _____, _____, and _____, which are the rights of an independent state.
Answer
war, peace, truce, business
Question
How did the British government react to the Boston Tea Party event?
Answer
This event triggered off the American War of Independence.
Question
The Quartering Act was designed for what purpose?
Answer
To oblige the colonies to pay for the expenditure of British troops deployed in the colonies.
Question
What financial instruments did the Currency Act ban in the American colonies?
Answer
Bills of Exchange and paper currency.
Question
The Boston Tea Party was organised under the guidance of which colonial leader?
Answer
Samuel Adams.
Question
The slogan 'No taxation without representation' meant that the colonies alone had the right to _____.
Answer
levy a tax
Question
The American War of Independence began with the _____ and ended with the _____.
Answer
Boston Tea Party; Treaty of Paris