Chapter 8 Reading Guide

Chapter 8 Reading Guide America Secedes from the Empire

Terms: 2ND Continental Congress, Benedict Arnold, Olive Branch Petition, Thomas Paine, Republicanism, Natural Aristocracy, Patriots, Loyalists, Saratoga, French Alliance, Cowpens, Treaty of Ft. Stanwix, George Rogers Clark, John Paul Jones, Treaty of Paris 1783.

I. War for Independence Begins A. Congress Drafts George Washington 1. What actions did the 2nd Continental Congress take? Why? 2. Why was George Washington chosen to command the Continental Army? Evaluate their choice.

B. Bunker Hill and Hessian Hirelings 1. Explain the significance of the battles of Ticonderoga and Bunker Hill. 2. How did the King respond to the “Olive Branch Petition”? 3. Why did the hiring of Hessian mercenaries shock the colonists?

C. The Abortive Conquest of Canada 1. What resulted from the attempted invasion of Canada? 2. What happened as a result of the siege of Boston?

D. Thomas Paine Preaches Common Sense 1. Why did the colonists continue to deny any intention of independence? 2. What changed their minds?

E. Paine and the Idea of “Republicanism” 1. What was the Republican Idea? 2. Why did the colonists experience with local government prepare them for Republicanism? 3. What was meant by “Natural Aristocracy”? How did this idea conflict with Paine’s idea of Republicanism?

F. Jefferson’s “Explanation” of Independence 1. Why don’t we celebrate July 2 as our independence day? 2. What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence? Who was the audience?

II. The American Revolution as Civil War G. Patriots and Loyalists 1. What part did Patriot militias play in undermining the British presence in America? 2. Who were the Loyalists? What percentage of the population were Loyalists? 3. Where were the Loyalist most numerous? 4. Why did many African Americans join the Loyalists?

H. The Loyalist Exodus 1. How were Loyalists treated by Patriots? 2. Why was there no “Terror” or massive bloodletting by the Patriots towards the Loyalists?

II. American Revolutionary War: New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania Theater

A. General Washington at Bay 1. What were the Results of the Battle of Long Island? 2. Why did Howe allow Washington to escape after the American defeat at Long Island? 3. What resulted from Washington’s New Jersey Campaign?

B. Burgoyne’s Blundering Invasion 1. Explain the significance of Benedict’s actions on Lake Champlain in1776. 2. How successful was Washington in dislodging Howe from Philadelphia? 3. What resulted at Saratoga?

C. Strange French Bedfellows 1. How did the French help Americans before Saratoga? Why? 2. Why did the French seek an open alliance after Saratoga?

D. The Colonial War Becomes a World War 1. How did the French alliance change the war? 2. Why and how did the British change their strategy after the advent of the French Alliance?

III. The War Drags On

E. Blow and Counterblow 1. What effect did Benedict Arnold’s betrayal have strategically on American forces? What effect did it have on morale? 2. How did the British threaten the South in 1780-81? 3. How did American forces reverse the British advantage?

F. The Land Frontier and the Sea Frontier 1. Why did Joseph Brant and most Indians take the side of the British? III. Victory at Yorktown

A. Yorktown and the Final Curtain 1. How did Admiral De Grasse change British dominance of the sea off of the American coast in 1781? How did this affect Cornwallis’ position? 2. Explain the significance of the Battle of Yorktown.

B. Peace at Paris 1. Why were the British ready for a settlement after Yorktown? 2. How did French and American interests diverge? 3. How did the Treaty of Paris 1783 occur? What were the terms?

C. A New Nation Legitimized 1. Who was the real winner from the Treaty of Paris 1783?