THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR – U.S HISTORY

Even after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, not all-American colonists supported the cause of independence. Approximately 20% of the population, known as Loyalists, remained steadfast in their allegiance to King George III and British rule. Loyalists were often motivated by economic ties to Britain, fear of instability, or a belief in the benefits of remaining under British governance. This division forced colonists to make a critical decision about which side to support, as the Revolutionary War intensified and loyalties were tested.

The Revolutionary War saw a series of battles across the colonies, beginning in New York and Pennsylvania before shifting to the southern colonies. Despite being outnumbered and less well-equipped, George Washington and the Continental Army demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The Americans benefited from their intimate knowledge of the terrain and the ability to draw on local support for supplies and intelligence. This familiarity with the land gave them a tactical advantage against the British, who faced significant challenges in sustaining and supplying a large military force so far from home.

A turning point in the war came in 1778 when France formally allied with the American colonies. This alliance was crucial to the success of the revolution, as it brought much-needed financial resources, weapons, and naval support to the American side. The French navy played a particularly vital role in disrupting British supply lines and limiting their ability to reinforce troops. The involvement of France transformed the conflict into a broader international struggle, straining British resources and complicating their war effort.

The decisive moment of the war occurred in October 1781 at the Battle of Yorktown. British General Charles Cornwallis and his army became trapped in Yorktown, Virginia, by American and French forces. The combined American and French armies, under the command of George Washington, laid siege to Yorktown, while the French navy blocked British ships from providing reinforcements or escape. Facing overwhelming odds, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending major combat operations in the Revolutionary War.

Two years later, in September 1783, the conflict was formally concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. This treaty recognized the independence of the United States and granted the new nation significant territorial gains, extending its boundaries westward to the Mississippi River, north to Canada, and south to Florida. The treaty marked the beginning of a new chapter in American history, as the colonies transitioned from British rule to self-governance, laying the foundation for the development of the United States as an independent nation.

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

 Questions 1 through 3 are based on the following table

1.  The battles of the American Revolution lasted for approximately

 _______________ years.

 2.  During which year did the greatest number of major battles of the Revolution occur?

 A.   1775

 B.   1776

 C.   1777

 D.   1788

3.  During the Battle of Trenton, the American forces were led by which commander?

 A.   Israel Putnam

 B.   Richard Montgomery

 C.   George Washington

 D.   Horatio Gates

1. The battles of the American Revolution lasted for approximately _______________ years.

✅ Answer: 6 years

Explanation:

• The first battle listed: April 19, 1775 (Lexington-Concord)
• The last battle listed: September 28, 1781 (Siege of Yorktown)
  That spans approximately 6 years and 5 months, so the closest rounded number is 6 years.

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2. During which year did the greatest number of major battles of the Revolution occur?

✅ Answer: C. 1777

Explanation:
In 1777, 5 major battles occurred:

• Sept. 11 – Brandywine
• Sept. 19 – Saratoga (Freeman’s Farm)
• Oct. 4 – Germantown
• Oct. 7 – Saratoga
• Dec. 5 – White Marsh

This is the highest number of battles in a single year shown on the chart.

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3. During the Battle of Trenton, the American forces were led by which commander?

✅ Answer: C. George Washington

Explanation:
According to the chart, the Battle of Trenton on Dec. 26, 1776 was commanded by Gen. George Washington.