Peter Harris and the American Revolution

Peter Harris, a Catawba Indian, lost his parents to a smallpox epidemic and was raised by Thomas Spratt. He joined the American Revolution, fighting against the British alongside the Patriots. Despite being wounded, Harris participated in several key battles. After the war, he was granted land but struggled to receive his pension. His story highlights the diverse participants in the American Revolution and their motivations.

What event led to Peter Harris becoming an orphan?

• A natural disaster

• A famine

• A war between tribes

• A deadly smallpox epidemic

Who raised Peter Harris after he became an orphan?

• A Cherokee warrior

• Thomas Spratt, a European farmer

• A British soldier

• A Catawba elder

Why did some Native American tribes, including the Catawba, ally with the Patriots during the American Revolution?

• To gain British support

• To disrupt Cherokee dominance

• To avoid conflict

• To expand their territory

In which battle was Peter Harris wounded?

• Battle of Rocky Mount

• Battle of Hanging Rock

• Battle of Stono Ferry

• Battle of Blackstock's Farm

Despite being wounded, what did Peter Harris continue to do?

• Retire from the military

• Join the British forces

• Fight bravely in other battles

• Return home

What reward did Peter Harris receive for his service in the war?

• 200 acres of land

• A monetary prize

• A position in the government

• A medal of honor

What struggle did Peter Harris face after the war?

• Reuniting with his family

• Building a house

• Receiving his pension

• Finding a job

When did Peter Harris finally receive his pension?

• One year before his death

• Immediately after the war

• He never received it

• Five years after the war

What does Peter Harris's story illustrate about the American Revolution?

• It was a conflict only between colonists and the British

• It involved diverse peoples and forced difficult choices

• It was a straightforward war for independence

• It had no impact on Native American tribes