Causes of the American Revolution

What was one main reason the colonists and the British Parliament disagreed?

• The colonists wanted more land in Europe.

• The colonists wanted to govern themselves.

• The British Parliament wanted to end all trade.

• The colonists wanted to become part of France.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

What was the main conflict between the colonies and Great Britain?

• How the colonies should be governed

• The color of the British flag

• The type of crops grown in the colonies

• The weather in the colonies

What did the Declaration of Independence provide for the colonies?

• Reasons for independence and ideas for self-government

• A new king for the colonies

• A list of British holidays

• A map of the world

Which of the following best describes why the colonists were unhappy with British rule?

• They wanted to pay more taxes.

• They had no say in how they were governed.

• They wanted to move to England.

• They liked British laws.

How did the Declaration of Independence change the idea of who should have authority to govern?

• It said only kings should rule.

• It said authority belongs to the people.

• It said only the British Parliament should rule.

• It said only soldiers should rule.

Why did conflicts develop between the colonies and Great Britain?

• The colonies wanted to govern themselves, but Great Britain wanted to control them.

• The colonies wanted to join Spain.

• Great Britain wanted to give the colonies more freedom.

• The colonies wanted to stop trading.

Which idea from the Declaration of Independence was new at the time?

• All people are created equal and have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• Only kings have rights.

• Only the British Parliament can make laws.

• Only soldiers can vote.

Imagine you are a colonist. What evidence could you use to explain why you want independence from Britain?

• The British Parliament makes laws without asking the colonists.

• The British Parliament lets colonists vote on every law.

• The king gives colonists free land.

• The colonists have more rights than British citizens.

Suppose you are writing a letter to a friend about the Declaration of Independence. Which statement best explains its main message?

• People have the right to govern themselves and be free.

• Only kings should rule the colonies.

• The colonies should pay more taxes.

• The British Parliament is always right.