Understanding the American Revolution

Which event is most closely associated with the start of the American Revolution?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Battle of Lexington and Concord

• The writing of the Constitution

• The Louisiana Purchase

Who was the first President of the United States?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Abraham Lincoln

• John Adams

What was one main reason the American colonists wanted independence from Britain?

• They wanted to explore new lands

• They were unhappy with British taxes and laws

• They wanted to form a monarchy

• They wanted to join France

Which person is known for helping write the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

Which of the following best explains why the colonists protested the Stamp Act?

• It forced them to join the British army

• It required them to pay taxes on paper goods without their consent

• It banned them from trading with other countries

• It made them move to new colonies

How did George Washington contribute to the founding of the United States?

• He wrote the Bill of Rights

• He led the Continental Army during the American Revolution

• He discovered America

• He was king of England

Why did the colonists believe the phrase "no taxation without representation" was important?

• They wanted to pay more taxes

• They believed they should have a say in laws that affected them

• They wanted to move to England

• They wanted to stop all trade

Which event best shows how Americans worked together to gain independence?

• The Boston Tea Party

• The building of the White House

• The California Gold Rush

• The invention of the telephone

Imagine you are a colonist in 1775. Using evidence from what you know, explain why you might support the American Revolution.

• Because the British allowed colonists to vote in Parliament

• Because the British government imposed unfair taxes and did not allow colonists to have a voice in decisions

• Because the colonists wanted to become part of France

• Because the colonists wanted to end all trade with other countries

Which of the following best describes how Benjamin Franklin helped shape America during the Revolution?

• He led the British army

• He helped gain support from France and contributed to the writing of important documents

• He was the first President

• He discovered gold in California