Download U.S. History Name: Per: Analyzing the American Revolution Cause

U.S. History
Name:
Analyzing the American Revolution
Per:
Cause and Effect: Have you ever heard the phrase “for every action, there is a reaction.”? Well the British probably
should have taken this phrase to heart because several of their actions are ultimately going to lead to the American
Revolution. Use pages 23 – 33 to fill in the boxes below. For the cause, you simply have to write the name of the event.
For the effect, please use your own words to explain why the cause listed is significant in leading to the revolution.
CAUSE
EFFECT
Ideas such as natural rights and checks and balanced
emerged during this time. This “age of reason” also caused
many colonists to question British authority.
French and Indian War (Seven Years War)
Proclamation of 1763
Although the Navigation Acts favored British businesses
over local colonists, this act also hurt the colonists by
adding taxes to common products. As a symbol of
rebellion, some colonists celebrated with the “Boston Tea
Party.”
Stamp Act
Boston Massacre
Primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, this document was
an extremely aggressive move by the colonists. It
essentially told the British “screw you.” Jefferson made a
point to highlight many grievances against the British and
reference Locke’s idea of natural rights (“life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness.”)
Common Sense
Map Skills – pg. 25
1. Where was the disputed territory over which the British and French fought in the Seven Years War?
2. How much territory did the British gain after the war?
3. What happened to the French territory as a result of the Seven Years War?
Considering Point of View – When analyzing a historical situation, it’s important to look at it from various perspectives
to get a thorough point of view (POV). Answer these questions as if you had been a colonist at the time. (pgs. 25-33)
4. List a few reasons why the colonists might decide to declare war against those who govern them (the British)?
Consider financial and human costs of war, and how war affects a country’s relationships with other nations.
5. Many colonists came from England, where they had enjoyed some basic freedoms and rights, a judicial system,
and a parliamentary form of government. Discuss the colonists’ participation – or lack thereof – in the British
government. Why were many colonists so frustrated with the British government?
6. Identify several problems that the colonists faced when deciding whether or not to go to war against Britain, one
of the world’s most powerful nations.
7. Consider the various events (causes) that lead up to the Declaration of Independence and the American
Revolution; explain why the colonists believed their response to the laws enacted by the British was reasonable.
8. Not all of the colonists were Patriots (in favor of declaring independence); some were Loyalists – lived in America
but remained loyal to Great Britain. Assuming you were a Loyalist, try to persuade a Patriot why colonists should
not go to war and instead try to negotiate better treatment from Britain while retaining colonial status.
9. Assuming the colonists did win the war (go America!), list some problems the colonists would face after the war.
Defending Your Opinion – Use the “Tensions between Britain and America, 1765-1775” box on pgs. 31-32 to answer
the following:
10. Which ONE tension/action do you think most contributed to the American Revolution? Explain why.
Primary Sources – pg. 33
11. According to Paine, what is a major problem with remaining under British rule?
12. Why do you think Paine named his pamphlet Common Sense?
Faces of History – pg. 34 Read the excerpt about George Washington then answer the following:
13. How do you think Washington’s military experience prepared him for the presidency?
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Continental and British Armies – pg. 35
14. Looking at the box on pg. 35, identify the most important strength for each side and discuss why it was so
critical.
15. What was the biggest weakness for each side to overcome? Explain.