SAQs for APUSH Topic 3.5 — The American Revolution

Ten questions designed to help students review for the annual exam and that relate to a time period that begins in 1765 and ends in 1783.

1. The American Revolution begins in 1765 with British efforts to tax the colonists without direct colonial representation. Name and briefly describe one piece of evidence in support of this claim.
2. In response to British efforts to collect taxes that were created without direct colonial representation, the colonists began to unite against perceived and real constraints on their economic activities and political rights. Evidence often cited in support of this claim includes smuggling, boycotts, and the tarring and feathering of tax collectors. What’s a boycott?
3. In response to the smuggling, boycotts, and the tarring and feathering of tax collectors, the British sought to assert greater imperial authority in the colonies. The Boston Massacre is often cited as one piece of evidence in support of this claim. Briefly describe what happened at the Boston Massacre. Also, describe what is meant by the term “salutary neglect” and how the Boston Massacre marked the end of salutary neglect.
4. After the Boston Massacre, colonial leaders called for greater resistance to Britain, basing their calls on arguments about the rights of British subjects, the rights of the individual, local traditions of self-rule, and the ideas of the Enlightenment. Thomas Paines Common Sense and Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence are often cited as evidence in support of this claim. Click here for twenty-seven questions that relate to these two written works.
5. British attempts to assert tighter control over its North American colonies and the colonial resolve to pursue self-government led to the War of Independence, with this move towards independence energized by colonial leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, as well as by popular movements that included laborers, artisans, and women. Briefly describe one thing that Benjamin Franklin did to energize the move towards independence. Briefly describe one thing that “artisans” did to energize the move towards independence. Also briefly describe one thing that “women” and “laborers” did to energize the move towards independence.
6. In the face of economic shortages and the British military occupation of some regions, men and women mobilized in large numbers to provide financial and material support to the Patriot movement. Briefly describe one way in which women provided material support.
7. Despite considerable loyalist opposition, as well as Great Britain’s apparently overwhelming military and financial advantages, the Patriot cause succeeded because of the actions of colonial militias and the Continental Army, George Washington’s military leadership, the colonists’ ideological commitment and resilience, and assistance sent by European allies. Briefly describe one example of George Washington’s military leadership.
8. The American Revolution’s democratic and republican ideals inspired new experiments with different forms of government. Describe one way in which the form of government that followed the revolution differed from the form of government established in 1787.
9. During and after the American Revolution, increased awareness of inequalities in society motivated some individuals and groups to call for the abolition of slavery. Name one religious group that called for the abolition of slavery during and after the American Revolution.
10. During and after the American Revolution an increased awareness of inequalities in society motivated some individuals and groups to call for greater political democracy in the new state and national governments. Name and briefly describe one piece of evidence in support of this claim
11. In response to women’s participation in the American Revolution, Enlightenment ideas, and women’s appeals for expanded roles, an ideal of Republican Motherhood gained popularity. What did Republican Motherhood call for?
12. The American Revolution and the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence inspired future independence movements. Name an independence movement that was inspired by the American Revolution.