Question 1

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Whigs and Tories (loyalists)

Accepted Answer

The Whigs and Tories were political factions in Britain during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Whigs were a liberal and progressive party, advocating for constitutional monarchy, religious tolerance, and parliamentary supremacy. They were generally supported by the emerging middle class and urban areas. The Tories, on the other hand, were conservative and supported the monarchy, the established Church of England, and the traditional aristocracy. They were generally supported by the rural gentry and the Church of England.

During the American Revolution, the Whigs were generally supportive of the colonists' cause for independence from Britain, while the Tories, also known as Loyalists, remained loyal to the British crown. This division led to significant conflict and tension within the American colonies, with Loyalists facing persecution and discrimination from Patriots.

The significance of the Whigs and Tories, particularly in the context of the American Revolution, lies in their role in shaping political allegiances and conflicts during a pivotal period in history. Their differing ideologies and loyalties had a profound impact on the outcome of the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the United States as an independent nation.

Question 2

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Hessians

Accepted Answer

Hessians refer to the German troops from the small German states of Hesse-Cassel and Hesse-Hanau that were hired by Great Britain to fight during the American Revolutionary War. They were named after the region of Hesse, from which most of these soldiers originated. The use of Hessians was a result of Britain's difficulty in recruiting its own soldiers to suppress the rebellion in the American colonies.

The British government contracted with German princes for the services of their troops, a common practice in European wars at the time. The Hessians made up a significant portion of the British forces in North America, with around 30,000 Hessian soldiers serving over the course of the war. They first arrived in 1776 and were involved in many major battles, including the Battle of Trenton, the Battle of Saratoga, and the Siege of Charleston.

The Hessians were professional soldiers who served in a military capacity for the British in exchange for payment to their home states. Their presence in the American Revolutionary War was significant for several reasons:

1. **Military Impact**: The Hessians were well-trained and disciplined troops, which bolstered the British military effort against the American Continental Army and various militias.

2. **Political Impact**: The use of foreign mercenaries by the British was controversial and helped to galvanize American public opinion against British rule. The American patriots used the presence of Hessians as propaganda, arguing that the British were willing to use foreign mercenaries to oppress the colonists.

3. **Cultural Impact**: The Hessians' interactions with American civilians led to cultural exchanges, and after the war, some Hessian soldiers chose to stay in America, contributing to the cultural diversity of the United States.

One of the most famous incidents involving Hessians was the surprise attack by American forces led by General George Washington on the morning of December 26, 1776, known as the Battle of Trenton. After crossing the Delaware River, Washington's troops took the Hessian garrison in Trenton, New Jersey, by surprise, capturing nearly 1,000 prisoners. This victory was a significant morale booster for the American cause.

After the war, some Hessians remained in the United States, either because they were unable to return to their homelands, they were enticed by land offers, or they had formed attachments during their time in America. The legacy of the Hessians is a complex one, as they were both respected for their military prowess and criticized for their role as foreign mercenaries fighting against American independence.

Question 3

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Lord Charles Cornwallis, Battle of Yorktown

Accepted Answer

Lord Charles Cornwallis was a British general who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. He is best known for his surrender at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

The Battle of Yorktown was a decisive victory for the American and French forces, led by General George Washington and General Comte de Rochambeau, over the British army under the command of Cornwallis. This battle effectively ended the Revolutionary War and led to the eventual independence of the United States.

Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown marked the end of major fighting in the war and is considered a turning point in the conflict. It forced the British government to recognize the futility of continuing the war and ultimately led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the Revolutionary War and granted independence to the United States.

Overall, Lord Charles Cornwallis and the Battle of Yorktown played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the American Revolutionary War and securing the independence of the United States.

Question 4

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Nathanael Greene

Accepted Answer