Section 4 Answers

Chapter 20 Section 4 Questions/Answers
1. Why did British troops enter Boston in 1775?
A: Colonists outraged  seaports still closed (teaparty) causing job loss, rumors of British soldiers committing crimes/murder. British sensed the tension and sent in 700 troops to seize all the military supplies of the colonists
2. Explain what happened during the battle of Lexington and Concord and why it began. Why were the colonists so successful in this battle?
A. Paul Revere and William Dawes learned of the Brit plan and rode to warn the colonials troops  when Brit troops marched into Lexington there were already 70 farmers/villagers blocking their path refusing to move. Shot was fired (unknown which side), 8 colonists killed. Brits marched back to Boston and were fired at by colonists hiding. Result: 100 colonists dead; 300 Brit soldiers dead. Colonist were successful b/c they knew in advance and were prepared.
3. Explain the purpose and outcome of the Olive Branch Petition.
A. Proposal called the “Olive Branch Petition” was sent out by Congress to try to arrange a peaceful compromise. Outcome: Refused by Brits = little chance of a peaceful compromise.
4. Why would Thomas Paine’s Common Sense have had so much effect on colonists’ opinions at the time it was published?
A. Common Sense promoted independence for economic, social, and moral reasons – in other words, it made sense on ‘all levels’. It was widely circulated, so many American colonists were convinced by its writing. It also used emotional appeals “The Americans who have been killed seem to say, ‘TIS TIME TO PART.” and logical appeals to convince the colonists.
5. Who drafted the Declaration of Independence and upon what ideas was it based?
A. Thomas Jefferson drafted the D of I which was based on the reasons for separation from GB (based ideas on those of Locke and other Enlightenment thinkers). Individuals should have certain basic rights that could not be taken away by gov’t. Gov’ts should be created as an agreement between a ruler and those being ruled – if ruler loses support, people have the right to change the gov’t through rebellion.
6. During the Revolutionary War, the British had significant military advantages over the colonists. Why were the British unsuccessful?
A. British army: well led, well trained, well equipped – most powerful navy, money, experience
Colonists: no navy, little experience, no money, clothes, guns, food, ammo,uniforms.
George Washington (head of colonist army) was a skillful general (motivating/inspiring), received help from the French (arms/ammo)  French wanted revenge for French and Indian War. They used ambush tactics, Brits had to wait long periods for supplies (coming across Atlantic).
7. In the end, what do you think led to the colonists victory in the Revolutionary War?
A. Answers may vary. Passion, loyalty, need for independence, work ethic, good leadership, support from France, Spain, Netherlands.
8. What was the first constitution of the United States? Why was it ineffective?
A. The U.S formed “The Articles of Confederation” a league of independent states. They were weak and unable to collect taxes. It failed to regulate the states’ economic activity -> result was quarreling amongst states.
9. What type of gov’t did the 1788 Constitution of the United States establish? What is meant by separation of powers?
A. United States Constitution 1788 – it set up a federal system (gov’t in which power is divided between a central gov’t and regional, or state, governments. Separation of powers Montesquieu’s division of gov’t: executive, legislative, and judicial.
10. What Act was added to the Constitution soon after it was ratified?
A. Bill of Rights: 10 amendments  protected personal liberties such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, trial by jury, and protection of rights of individual states.