Question 1

Which of the following statements characterizes events at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778?

Accepted Answer

Valley Forge was a turning point for the Continental army. The army was poorly equipped, and the harsh winter tested their resolve. However, the arrival of Baron von Steuben in February 1778 helped to transform the army into a more disciplined and effective military force. The training he provided helped to boost morale, improve hygiene, and ultimately prepare the army for future battles. While there were still significant challenges, such as malnutrition and disease, the army was able to emerge stronger after their time at Valley Forge. Choices A and C are partially accurate, but do not fully capture the significance of the events at Valley Forge. Choice D is incorrect; the sufferings of the Continental army were well-documented and not a myth.

Question 2

France gave serious consideration to an alliance with the rebel colonies primarily because it regarded the war as an opportunity to

Accepted Answer

France sought revenge on Britain for its defeat in the French and Indian War and the loss of Canada, thus making an alliance with the rebel colonies an opportunity to do so.

Question 3

Why was the Battle of Saratoga historically significant?

Accepted Answer

The victory at the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, as it persuaded the French to enter into a military alliance with the Americans. This increased American military strength and put pressure on the British from multiple fronts, ultimately aiding in the American victory.

Question 4

Which of the following statements characterizes the relative military strengths of the British and Patriot forces during the Revolutionary War?

Accepted Answer

The British had a significant advantage in the form of Loyalists (colonists who supported British rule) and also had the support of several Indian tribes. The Patriots did not have a standing army but relied on a militia that varied in size and effectiveness. American naval strength was generally weaker than the British Navy.

Question 5

How did the finances of the Continental Congress compare to those of the states during the first two years of the Revolutionary War?

Accepted Answer

Both the states and Continental Congress struggled with financial issues during the first two years of the Revolutionary War. Continental Congress lacked the authority to tax and so issued paper money to sustain itself, similar to the states.

Question 6

Through which of the following actions did Sir Henry Clinton launch his southern campaign in 1778?

Accepted Answer

Sir Henry Clinton launched his southern campaign by capturing Savannah, Georgia, in December 1778 and mobilizing hundreds of black slaves to fight against the rebels.

Question 7

Which of the following factors posed a major problem for the colonies during the American Revolution?

Accepted Answer

The high price and scarcity of goods, including food and basic supplies, presented a major problem for the colonies during the American Revolution. This was due to British blockades and trade restrictions, as well as inflation caused by the increased demand for goods during the war effort. Shortages and rationing resulted, making it difficult for colonists to provide for themselves and their families, and undermining support for the war effort.

Question 8

Which of the following statements describes the American Revolution's impact on civilians in areas that saw military conflicts?

Accepted Answer

Both British and American troops were known to engage in acts of violence against civilians, including looting and harassing women. While the British were known for targeting civilian areas, especially those suspected of supporting the Patriots, American forces also committed similar atrocities against Loyalist civilians. The impact of the Revolution on civilians was often devastating, with many losing their homes, property, and even their lives.

Question 9

What spurred the British Parliament to repeal the Tea Act in 1778?

Accepted Answer

The repeal of the Tea Act was seen as a conciliatory gesture towards the American colonies, in hopes of convincing them to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Question 10

Which of these events occurred at the Battle of Long Island in August 1776?

Accepted Answer

At the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, General Howe and his British troops forced the Americans to retreat to Manhattan Island. This was a significant defeat for the Continental Army and a major victory for the British forces.

Question 11

How did the British respond after their loss at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777?

Accepted Answer

After their loss at the Battle of Saratoga, the British attempted to broker a negotiated settlement with the Americans. This effort was led by British General John Burgoyne, who had surrendered at Saratoga. The British recognized that the war was becoming increasingly costly and that a negotiated settlement might be the best way to end the conflict. However, the Americans were unwilling to negotiate until they had achieved full independence.

Question 12

Which of the following statements describes British military strategy during the first two years of the Revolutionary War?

Accepted Answer

The British initially aimed to demonstrate their military superiority to persuade the rebels to surrender, rather than seeking outright destruction of the Continental Army.

Question 13

Which of the following was an advantage for the English at the outset of the American Revolution?

Accepted Answer

The English had an advantage in the form of experienced and well-trained recruits, as they had a professional army that had fought in numerous wars across the world. This gave them an edge over the American soldiers who were mostly farmers and tradesmen with limited military experience.

Question 14

Which of the following was a consequence of the large increase in paper currency in circulation in the states during the Revolutionary War years?

Accepted Answer

The large increase in paper currency in circulation during the Revolutionary War years caused inflation and the bills quickly fell in value, becoming nearly worthless. This was because the amount of paper money in circulation far surpassed the amount of gold and silver backing it, leading to a loss of confidence in the currency and a rise in prices for goods and services.

Question 15

Which of the following describes the Continental army during the Revolutionary War?

Accepted Answer

Most of the Continental Army's recruits were indeed poor native-born youths and older foreign-born men, reflecting the economic and social realities of the colonies at the time. Wealthier individuals could often avoid service or serve in positions of leadership.

Question 16

The Treaty of Alliance that the French and Americans signed in 1778 included which of the following stipulations?

Accepted Answer

The Treaty of Alliance signed in 1778 stipulated that neither side would sign a separate peace that failed to recognize American independence. This meant that the French were committed to supporting the American cause until the end, and that the Americans could count on their support in negotiations with the British. However, the treaty did not include any of the other options listed.

Question 17

What was significant about George Washington's leading of his troops across the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776?

Accepted Answer

Washington's crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 was significant because it surprised the enemy, who were not expecting an attack on a holiday, and resulted in a victory for the American forces. This boosted morale and provided a much-needed boost to the Revolutionary cause.

Question 18

The British strategy in its military campaign in the South in 1778 relied on which of the following factors?

Accepted Answer

The British strategy in the South in 1778 relied on a plan to use Loyalists to administer the territories they expected to capture. British commanders believed that a large number of Loyalists lived in the southern colonies and that they could provide valuable support to the British army. They planned to use Loyalists to establish a civil administration in captured territories, with the hope that this would help them win over more colonists to the Loyalist cause.

Question 19

To finance the war during its first two years,the new American state governments relied primarily on

Accepted Answer

During the first two years of the war, the American state governments primarily financed the war by printing large quantities of paper money. This led to inflation and a decrease in the value of the currency.

Question 20

Patriot women contributed to the war effort in the 1770s by

Accepted Answer

Patriot women contributed to the war effort during the American Revolution by increasing the production of homespun cloth, as part of a broader effort to boycott British goods and become more self-sufficient. This was a significant act of defiance against British policies and an important contribution to the American war effort.

Quiz 6: Making War and Republican Governments, 1776-1789