Deck 7: A Revolutionary Nation, 1776-1789

Question 1

Why were the French initially reluctant to support the American cause?

A)The British were important allies to the French.
B)Louis XVI did not like Benjamin Franklin, who was persistent in pursuing French support.
C)The French did not think the American cause was important enough to risk financial and military aid.
D)The French King did not fully embrace the concept of liberty.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

How did the patriots envision the ideology of republicanism?

A)It only referred to the establishment of a new government.
B)It was a concept that could only work in America.
C)In order to be successful it required direct involvement of all its citizens.
D)As a combination of Roman and Enlightenment ideas.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

What was one of the challenges the colonists encountered in their pursuit of full independence?

A)convincing George Washington to lead the troops
B)balancing their beliefs against their economic ties with Europe
C)infusing the spirit of revolution in the colonists
D)convincing Europeans to stay out of the conflict

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Why were the British unable to achieve a quick victory at the beginning of the Revolution?

A)They did not have enough military manpower.
B)They lacked naval power.
C)They failed to inflict serious damage on the patriot troops.
D)Americans were better equipped.

Question 5

Approximately what percentage of the white American population supported the revolutionaries at the beginning of the war?

A)30%
B)50%
C)70%
D)90%

Question 6

As Commander of the British forces, ______________ successfully turned back Washington's forces in New York.

A)Sir Henry Clinton
B)Sir William Howe
C)Charles Cornwallis
D)Lord George Germain

Question 7

Who benefitted the most from the Battle of Saratoga, the patriots or the British?

A)The British because it proved the patriots could not win a decisive battle.
B)The British because it allowed Gen. Burgoyne to recapture Ft. Ticonderoga.
C)The Patriots because it convinced the French to join the American cause.
D)Neither side because it ended in a stalemate.

Question 8

At the end of 1776, __________ accurately described the American military position when he wrote, "these are the times that try men's souls."

A)Thomas Paine
B)General Cornwallis
C)George Washington
D)General Gates

Question 9

Besides winning the war, what else were the majority of Americans anxious about during the Revolution?

A)They had to think about what type of government they would form.
B)Western colonists were concerned about how the Indians would fit into this new republic.
C)Many Americans were unsure about whether or not Washington could produce a victory.
D)Southerners were uneasy about the future of slavery after the war.

Question 10

Even before the ratification of the Declaration of Independence,

A)Congress agreed that it would relinquish its power to each state.
B)representatives in the Second Continental Congress elected an interim president.
C)colonists agreed the states should remain independent from each other.
D)the Second Continental Congress urged all states to draft their own constitutions.

Question 11

What doctrine did most of the state constitutions have in common?

A)a powerful executive branch
B)the right of the individual to voice consent through voting
C)unlimited terms for all office holders
D)equal legislative representation for all its citizens

Question 12

How did Maryland's state government differ from that of other states?

A)It was more democratic than most states.
B)It gave very little power to its governor.
C)Only men who owned property were allowed to vote.
D)It mandated that both legislative houses be elected by popular vote.

Question 13

What did the militias and recruits of the Continental Army have in common?

A)Both were victims of poor leadership
B)They were lucky enough to have adequate supplies due to the generosity of the people
C)They suffered because Congress was too weak to mandate state support for the troops
D)Both groups often resorted to mutiny to get the necessary supplies

Question 14

In terms of financing the war, Americans

A)sought and received European financing from several countries.
B)relied only on themselves.
C)depended heavily on outright gifts of money from well-to-do colonists.
D)were helped only by France.

Question 15

How did the Spanish view the American Revolution?

A)They were eager to help the American cause.
B)They reluctantly helped the Americans by allowing trade with Cuba.
C)They formally recognized American independence during the war.
D)They were against the Revolution so they financially supported the British.

Question 16

As the focus of the war shifted more to the southern colonies,

A)Southern colonies became more united in the Revolution.
B)Americans relied less on foreign support and more on southerners for recruitment.
C)social divisions between Americans and Loyalists intensified.
D)African Americans were uninterested in the Revolution.

Question 17

What strategy did the U.S. Navy use against the British Navy?

A)It relied heavily on a naval blockade along the entire east coast to diminish the influence of the British Navy.
B)The U.S. Navy engaged in direct battles with the British.
C)U.S. naval forces kept the fighting in the Caribbean.
D)The Navy engaged in the disruption of British commercial shipping.

Question 18

As commander of the south, __________ did not win any battles but managed to inflict heavy casualties on the British.

A)Horatio Gates
B)Nathaniel Greene
C)Benjamin Lincoln
D)Gen. Cornwallis

Question 19

Why did Washington lose so many American soldiers at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778?

A)Lack of food and shelter made it difficult to survive.
B)Many defected because they were not being paid.
C)There was a mutiny and those who participated were jailed.
D)A large group of men decided to join the Loyalist cause.

Question 20

Colonists who remained loyal to the British made up approximately _____ of the total population.

A)5%
B)10%
C)20%
D)50%

Question 21

Did the Revolutionary War have any impact on African Americans?

A)Yes, because the need for additional manpower allowed some slaves to enlist.
B)Yes, because all who participated for the American cause were given their freedom.
C)No, because most did not realize there was a war in progress.
D)No, because they were not allowed to participate in any way.

Question 22

Congress was forced to print large quantities of paper money during the Revolution which resulted in

A)the availability of cash to pay off war debts to European lenders.
B)giving American citizens an economic boost in their ability to participate in worldwide trading.
C)a financially stable treasury.
D)post-war inflation.

Question 23

What was the role of women in the Revolution?

A)It was insignificant because they could not carry weapons.
B)It was significant enough to allow them political influence following the war.
C)Women were kept out of direct contact with the troops.
D)They often provided services that would free men up to fight.

Question 24

The first state constitution to outlaw slavery in 1771 was that of

A)Vermont.
B)New Hampshire.
C)New York.
D)Maine.

Question 25

The Treaty of Paris which ended the American Revolution included the following provision or provisions:

A)Americans were forced to give up fishing rights off Nova Scotia.
B)Americans agreed to honor their war debts but refused to restore Loyalist property.
C)Americans gained fishing rights off Nova Scotia but insisted on retribution against Loyalist supporters.
D)American independence was acknowledged.

Question 26

Post-war feelings regarding slavery led to

A)the gradual granting of freedom to slaves by some states.
B)the northern states immediately freeing all male slaves.
C)a consensus between northern and southern states that slavery was economically necessary.
D)aabsolutely no change in the institution of slavery.

Question 27

What was one of the major issues facing Americans after the Revolution?

A)availability of land
B)who would be allowed to vote in the new government
C)repayment of debts
D)foreign trade

Question 28

Although there were many debates and clashes before the final ratification of the Constitution, one thing all delegates agreed on from the beginning was

A)the concept of democracy would include every resident in America.
B)the new government would be a representative republic.
C)there would be two branches of government and the executive branch would wield the most authority.
D)the representatives of each house of Congress would be chosen based on the population of the state.

Question 29

The Bill of Rights, proposed by ____________, was necessary in order to ensure ratification.

A)James Madison
B)John Adams
C)Alexander Hamilton
D)George Mason

Question 30

What were the biggest concerns of those who opposed the passage of the Constitution?

A)The rights of the individual states would be diminished.
B)The central government as defined in the Constitution was too weak to rule effectively.
C)The Constitution did not sufficiently protect the personal liberties and individual rights of the people.
D)The authority of the President would resemble that of a monarch.

Question 31

How did Americans react to the signing of the Declaration of Independence?

A)Not all colonists were willing to pledge their allegiance to the United States.
B)All colonists agreed to support the Revolution.
C)An overwhelming percentage of colonists re-pledged allegiance to the Crown.
D)Quakers gave up their pacifist convictions and joined the revolution.

Question 32

Most patriots understood that the concept of republicanism would

A)allow male citizens to fully participate in the political process.
B)promote the belief that all men, whether they were citizens or not, could run for office.
C)open up opportunities for women to have more political advantages.
D)never apply to people in other countries.

Question 33

What happened as a result of the Battle at Brandywine, Pa. in the fall of 1777?

A)It caused the British to flee Philadelphia.
B)It allowed the Americans to occupy Philadelphia.
C)It was a turning point for the Americans.
D)Washington was forced to retreat to Valley Forge.

Question 34

What percentage of American white men participated in a military capacity in the Revolution?

A)10%
B)20%
C)50%
D)90%

Question 35

In several treaties between the French and the Americans prior to the end of the War, France agreed to

A)help the patriots until they achieved independence.
B)send money but not supplies.
C)help financially but did not agree to recognize U.S. sovereignty until they won the war.
D)commit the entire French navy to the American cause

Question 36

In addition to their British troops, General Howe and Admiral Howe relied heavily on the __________ to supplement their man power.

A)Indians
B)Irish military
C)Hessian mercenaries
D)Scottish soldiers

Question 37

Who was responsible for leading the Mohawk and Iroquois against the Americans in an attempt to advance Indian interests?

A)Joseph Brant
B)Benedict Arnold
C)John Paul Jones
D)Joseph Thacher

Question 38

Although they did not agree on everything, the one thing Loyalists had in common was

A)a desire to return to Great Britain.
B)interference by Loyaliststhey all supported slavery.
C).renunciation of the British monarchy.
D)they all opposed independence.

Question 39

Prior to ratifying the Articles of Confederation,

A)all the colonies governed themselves.
B)the Second Continental Congress assumed total authority over all the colonies.
C)citizens obeyed military law.
D)there was no formal constitutional authority.

Question 40

What concerns did Congress have regarding the creation of the Continental Army?

A)That the military would acquire too much power
B)Washington's inability to command such a large force
C)Whether enough men would volunteer for service
D)The decision of whether or not a navy was necessary

Question 41

With regard to enlistments, Congress

A)initially allowed men to enlist for any length of time they desired.
B)paid enlistees in gold.
C)eventually placed recruiting quotas on the states.
D)paid the militia in land grants only.

Question 42

What was Russia's position regarding the American Revolution?

A)Catherine the Great was in full support.
B)Russia's only concern was to protect neutral shipping.
C)Russia supported Great Britain by impressing American cargo ships.
D)They were unaware of the revolution.

Question 43

Besides the French, John Adams successfully convinced the __________ to loan money to the Americans.

A)Russians
B)Italians
C)Turks
D)Dutch

Question 44

What part did Loyalists play in the reshaping of America?

A)They were too small in number to matter.
B)They formed a tight-knit group because they all believed in the same things.
C)Those who returned to Britain left money and land behind.
D)They had no problem adjusting in America after the war.

Question 45

One of the most difficult hardships faced by American troops during the War occurred at

A)Saratoga
B)Valley Forge
C)Ticonderoga
D)Boston

Question 46

How were the Indians affected by the Revolutionary War?

A)They supported whichever side they had the best relationship with.
B)Their lives improved.
C)The Iroquois remained united in their support of the British.
D)Those who supported the Americans were generously rewarded.

Question 47

What was the outcome of the battle of Yorktown on October 19, 1781?

A)a minor loss for the British
B)a quick victory for the Americans
C)successful in part due to the military strategy of Nathaniel Greene
D)a draw and neither side claimed victory

Question 48

Because Americans continued to import more than they exported,

A)Americans prospered because there was a wide variety of goods for purchase.
B)trade with Latin America decreased.
C)they experienced a shortage of hard currency.
D)American paper money gained in value internationally.

Question 49

The Treaty of Paris which was signed on September 3, _________, officially ended the American Revolution.

A)1776
B)1778
C)1783
D)1786

Question 50

What political challenges faced the Americans during the process of drafting the Constitution?

A)None, because everyone agreed on the definition of republicanism.
B)There were some minor concerns regarding the limits of Congress's authority.
C)There was dissension and heated discussions over how much power the states should be given.
D)None, because they were resolved prior to the drafting of the Constitution.

Question 51

In the years following the end of the Revolutionary War,

A)Congress successfully took control of governing the states.
B)the states relinquished their powers to Congress.
C)the Article of Confederation impeded Congress from coordinating national policy.
D)the transition to a new form of government went relatively smoothly.

Question 52

How is the term "republican motherhood" usually defined by historians?

A)the duties women would be responsible for in the new republic
B)the political party most women joined
C)the effort women made to have more of a role in determining political policies
D)the expectation that women would raise their male children to be politicians

Question 53

The Constitutional Convention was attended by a representative of all states except

A)Georgia
B)South Carolina
C)New Hampshire
D)Rhode Island

Question 54

According to estimates, how many loyalists left America for other countries during and after the Revolution?

A)5,000
B)10,000
C)50,000
D)80,000

Question 55

Which states were more likely to support Madison's Virginia Plan?

A)Those states with small populations
B)Those states that had large populations
C)Southern states
D)Northern states

Question 56

Eventually, the Convention delegates agreed on a compromise which called for a

A)bicameral legislature based on population and equal representation.
B)bicameral legislature based only on population.
C)unicameral legislature based on equal representation.
D)unicameral legislature based on population.

Question 57

How did the members of the Convention show their concern about the possibility of too much democracy?

A)They increased the number of elected representatives in the House to more fully represent all groups of people.
B)They accepted the Great Compromise.
C)An electoral college was created as part of the process of electing the President.
D)All members voted for a bicameral legislature.

Question 58

In general, what was the purpose of the series of essays referred to as The Federalist Papers?

A)The authors set forth compelling reasons why the Constitution should not be ratified.
B)The essays proposed that the Constitution should be passed by all states before it went into effect.
C)It was a publicity campaign to promote ratification of the Constitution.
D)It was an attempt by the anti-federalists to ensure that certain amendments were added before the states voted on ratification.

Question 59

In what year was the U.S. Constitution ratified?

A)1787
B)1788
C)1789
D)1790

Question 60

How did the American Revolution change the social structure of America?

A)Indians were given more protection under the idea of a republican society.
B)Enslaved southern men gained more opportunities to obtain freedom.
C)There was a growing movement for allowing women to vote.
D)It redefined the notion of "the common good."

Question 61

Identify who, what, where, when, and/or why the following are important:
1. Hessians
2. Ladies' Association of Philadelphia
3. "Gentleman Johnny"
4. Separation of powers
5. Tories
6. Joseph Brant
7. Bartle of Oriskany
8. Camp followers
9. Republican motherhood
10. Proportional representation

Question 62

What was the immediate result of the signing of the Declaration of Independence?

A)The United States became a sovereign nation.
B)Most colonists refused to accept permanent separation from Great Britain.
C)Loyalists cut ties with Great Britain.
D)Americans lost the support of the major European countries.

Question 63

At the beginning stages of the Revolutionary War

A)The British gained an important strategic advantage with the capture of Bunker Hill.
B)Neither the British nor the patriots were willing to inflict a crushing blow.
C)The Americans were assured of a victory because they had European support.
D)Most Americans were convinced they would be defeated.

Question 64

Why did Congress ultimately decide to replace the Articles of Confederation?

A)Most people recognized it was too weak to be an effective form of government.
B)It was never ratified by the states and therefore invalid.
C)It allowed for too much governmental power which concerned the Americans.
D)The states were not allowed any autonomy.

Question 65

______________ was important to the American military because he effectively trained Washington's men in military tactics.

A)Pulaski
B)Lafayette
C)DeKalb
D)Von Steuben

Question 66

Besides seeking financing to support the revolutionaries, Ben Franklin successfully

A)sought a trade arrangement between the U.S. and Spain.
B)recruited Europeans for military service.
C)opened trade between the U.S. and French colonies in Africa.
D)invented new weapons used in combat.

Question 67

What happened to the U.S. economy in the years following the America Revolution?

A)It remained relatively stable.
B)Restrictions on West Indies' trade decreased farm income.
C)The economy flourished because France and Spain reduced high duties on Caribbean trade.
D)Port cities especially profited and their economies continued to grow at a high rate.

Question 68

What privileges did women gain after the Revolution?

A)The states allowed women to vote in local elections.
B)Many states liberalized divorce laws.
C)The federal government allowed married women the right to own property.
D)Patriot women were allowed to keep their property if their husbands were loyalists.

Question 69

Figures varied depending on time and place, but what was the highest percentage of the American fighting force that was made up of black men?

A)5%
B)10%
C)15%
D)25%

Question 70

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention

A)worked in secrecy.
B)came from all walks of life so that every social group was represented.
C)had absolutely no background for writing a constitution.
D)published their debates so that the public would have input in the process.

Question 71

One of the reasons the ___________ were successful in lobbying for the passage of the Constitution was because they had the financial ability to publicize their arguments.

A)Loyalists
B)Federalists
C)Constitutionalists
D)Republicans

Question 72

What made state constitutions different from Britain's Constitution?

Question 73

What actions was Congress forced to take to ensure Washington had enough military power?

Question 74

Why did Americans prefer militias over a standing army?

Question 75

How did Americans finance the war?

Question 76

What advantages did European officers bring to the U.S. Army?

Question 77

Although they were considered the "underdogs," the Americans eventually won their independence from Great Britain. Explain how and why they were successful.

Question 78

What were some of the obstacles the drafters of the Constitution had to overcome in order to assure ratification?

Question 79

Identify who, what, where, when, and/or why the following are important:
1. Republicanism
2. William Howe
3. Bicameral legislature
4. Deborah Sampson Gannet
5. League of Armed Neutrality
6. John Jay
7. Federalism
8. Popular sovereignty
9. Federalist Papers
10. Shay's Rebellion

Question 80

John Adams faced a dilemma when he was sent to Europe to negotiate foreign loans because

A)he resented being in a position to have to beg for money.
B)he had to ask European monarchs to help Americans separate from the British monarchy.
C)he disliked most Europeans and felt it beneath him to request their assistance.
D)he was not particularly adept at negotiations.