Chapter 6 offers a survey of the final conflicts that led the American colonies to declare independence from Britain, the ensuing military conflict, and the terms of the peace treaty that granted them freedom. Topics discussed include the last failed attempts to resolve the conflict between the colonies and Britain and actions of the Second Continental Congress, including the Declaration of Independence. The chapter gives an overview of the Revolutionary War, Peace of Paris, and the impact of war on the colonies.
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
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List the developments which led to the mounting tensions between the British and the American colonists.
- Explain the causes for the outbreak of the war and the circumstances and impact of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
- List the major accomplishments of the Second Continental Congress.
- Give the reasons why George Washington was selected to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
- Explain the impact of "Common Sense" on the American movement toward independence.
- Describe the events that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
- Understand John Locke’s contract theory of government as it relates to the Declaration of Independence.
- Explain the ideas set out in the three major sections of the Declaration of Independence.
- Describe republicanism and what it meant in 1776.
- Describe living and fighting conditions for Continental and British forces.
- Explain the roles of women, African Americans and Native Americans during the Revolution.
- Describe the campaigns of the war in the North, Middle Colonies and the South; describe the naval war and the war in the West.
- Understand France’s motivation for entering the American Revolution and explain how it impacted the outcome of the war.
- Describe the Yorktown campaign and the reasons for the American victory.
- Explain the terms of Peace of Paris of 1783.
- List the reasons why America won and the strengths and weaknesses of the American and British sides.
- Explain the significance of the American victory in the War for Independence.
