Chapter 6 The Revolutionary War

At the start of the Revolutionary War, who were the members of the Continental Army?

• Troops drafted by the Continetal Army

• French troops sent to America

• a collection of local militias and minutemen

• foreign mercenaries

Answer explanation

At the start of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army was primarily composed of local militias and minutemen, who were citizen soldiers ready to fight at a moment's notice, rather than regular troops or foreign forces.

What advantage did the Continental Army have at the beginning of the American Revolution?

• It has the support of all the Americans.

• Its soldiers were fighting on familiar ground to protect their own land.

• Its soldiers were well supplied and highly organized.

• It had more than twice as many soldiers as the British, and they were well trained.

Answer explanation

The Continental Army's advantage was that its soldiers were fighting on familiar ground, which motivated them to protect their own land. This local knowledge helped them strategize and navigate effectively against the British.

Why did the Battle of Saratoga mark an important turning point in the American Revolution?

• The American victories convinced both American and foreign countries (like France) that the United States could win the war.

• The American victory convinced most Native American tribes to support the American cause.

• The British victory led Portugal to support the American cause.

• The British victory led to more Americans enlisting in the Continental Army.

Answer explanation

The American victories at Saratoga demonstrated to both Americans and foreign nations, particularly France, that the United States had a viable chance of winning the war, leading to increased support and alliances.

What foreign country provided aid to the United States in the American Revolution?

• Germany

• Canada

• France

• Portugal

Answer explanation

France provided crucial military support and resources to the American colonies during the American Revolution, significantly aiding their fight against British rule.

What were the conditions like for the soldiers at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777?

• All the soldiers lived comfortably in well built stone houses

• The soldiers spent most of the winter fighting Native American tribes.

• The soldiers fought among themselves and many left to fight on the British side.

• The soldiers suffered from the cold, a lack of food as well as disease.

Answer explanation

The correct answer highlights the harsh conditions at Valley Forge, where soldiers faced extreme cold, food shortages, and disease, contrasting with the other options that inaccurately depict their situation.

What was the siginifcance of the Battle of Yorktown in Virginia in 1781?

• American Loyalists and Patriots fought each other with no British troops involved.

• Americans defeated the British with no help from the French.

• The American defeat made the war 3 years longer.

• The British defeat brought an end to the American Revolution.

Answer explanation

The Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was significant because the British defeat effectively ended the American Revolution, leading to negotiations for peace and the eventual recognition of American independence.

Why did the Continental Congress send Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to France in 1777?

• to persuade the French to invade Canada.

• to negotiate an end to the American Revolution.

• to encourage the French to rebel against their king.

• to persuade the French to form an alliance with the Americans.

Answer explanation

The Continental Congress sent Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to France in 1777 to persuade the French to form an alliance with the Americans, which was crucial for gaining support in the fight against British rule.

Because of their succes at Saratoga, the Patriots earned an alliance with which nation?

• Canada

• Britain

• France

• Poland

Answer explanation

The Patriots' victory at Saratoga in 1777 was pivotal, convincing France to ally with them against Britain. This alliance provided crucial military support and resources, significantly aiding the American Revolution.

What did Baron Friedrich von Steuben contribute to the American cause for independence?

• he gave the Americans lots of money.

• he taught Wshington lots of military strategies

• he helped to train and organize the soldiers

• he brought the soldiers lots of supplies.

Answer explanation

Baron Friedrich von Steuben significantly contributed to the American cause by helping to train and organize the soldiers, improving their discipline and effectiveness, which was crucial for the Continental Army's success.

Why did many Native Americans support the British?

• They feared the French.

• They were paid by the British.

• They feared losing more land if the Americans won.

• The British respected all Native American tribes and their traditions.

Answer explanation

Many Native Americans supported the British because they feared losing more land if the Americans won. The British offered a better chance of protecting their territories compared to the expanding American settlers.