#1
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
ExplanationJefferson played a pivotal role in drafting the document, articulating the colonies' desire for independence from British rule.
#2
Who was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War?
George Washington
ExplanationWashington led the army through key battles and hardships, becoming a central figure in the fight for independence.
#3
Who served as the first President of the United States under the Constitution?
George Washington
ExplanationWashington became the inaugural president, setting precedents for the new American government.
#4
Who coined the phrase 'No taxation without representation'?
Patrick Henry
ExplanationHenry championed colonial rights, emphasizing the injustice of being taxed without a voice in the British Parliament.
#5
Which group organized the Boston Tea Party in protest of British taxation?
The Sons of Liberty
ExplanationA secret society advocating for colonial rights, they staged the Boston Tea Party as a protest against British taxation.
#6
Who wrote the influential pamphlet 'Common Sense' advocating for American independence?
Thomas Paine
ExplanationPaine's pamphlet argued for independence and inspired many colonists to support the revolutionary cause.
#7
Who served as the first Secretary of the Treasury in the United States?
Alexander Hamilton
ExplanationHamilton played a key role in shaping economic policies and establishing the nation's financial system.
#8
Which event sparked the American Revolutionary War?
The Battle of Lexington and Concord
ExplanationThe first military engagements between American colonists and British forces, escalating tensions into a full-scale war.
#9
Which event directly led to the passage of the Intolerable Acts by the British Parliament?
The Boston Tea Party
ExplanationThe colonists' protest against British taxation on tea resulted in punitive measures by the British government.
#10
Which document outlined the framework for the United States government before the Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation
ExplanationThe first attempt at a national constitution, emphasizing a weak central government.
#11
Which battle is considered the turning point of the American Revolutionary War?
The Battle of Saratoga
ExplanationAmerican victory at Saratoga boosted morale and secured crucial foreign support, turning the tide in favor of the colonies.
#12
Which act imposed taxes on paper, tea, and other goods imported by the American colonies?
The Townshend Acts
ExplanationTaxation on various goods, leading to colonial protests and boycotts.
#13
Who was the leader of the Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War?
John Hancock
ExplanationHancock presided over the Congress and was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.
#14
Which document formally ended the American Revolutionary War?
The Treaty of Paris (1783)
ExplanationThe treaty recognized American independence and established new national boundaries.
#15
Which policy restricted westward expansion in colonial America?
The Proclamation of 1763
ExplanationProhibited colonists from settling beyond the Appalachian Mountains, angering many who desired westward expansion.
#16
Which event marked the beginning of the Great Awakening in colonial America?
The First Great Awakening
ExplanationA religious revival that profoundly influenced American society, fostering new religious fervor and challenging traditional authority.
#17
What was the main purpose of the Albany Plan of Union proposed by Benjamin Franklin?
To unite the American colonies against French and Native American threats
ExplanationFranklin's plan aimed to create a unified defense against common external threats.
#18
What was the purpose of the Virginia House of Burgesses?
To govern the Jamestown colony
ExplanationThe first elected legislative assembly in the American colonies, responsible for local governance in Jamestown.