The American Revolutionary War Quiz
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The inflammatory pamphlet that demanded independence and heaped scorn on "The Royal Brute of Great Britain"
This quiz will test your knowledge of the American Revolution. Let's play and learn more about it!
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- 2.
Some Indian nations joined the British during the Revolutionary War because
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The British threatened them with destruction if they did not help
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They believed a British victory would restrain American expansion into the West
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The British hired them as mercenaries
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. They believed a British victory would restrain American expansion into the WestExplanation
Some Indian nations joined the British during the Revolutionary War because they believed a British victory would restrain American expansion into the West. By aligning with the British, these Indian nations hoped to protect their lands and prevent further encroachment by American settlers. They saw the British as a potential ally in preserving their territories and maintaining their way of life.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act to
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Raise money to support new military forces needed for colonial defense.
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Punish the American colonists.
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Reduce the number of printed documents in America.
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Enable tax collectors to become wealthy.
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Raise taxes to a higher level than in Britain.
Correct Answer
A. Raise money to support new military forces needed for colonial defense.Explanation
The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act to raise money to support new military forces needed for colonial defense. This act required colonists to pay a tax on various printed materials, such as newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. The revenue generated from this tax was intended to help cover the costs of maintaining and protecting the American colonies. This was seen as necessary due to the increased military presence needed to defend the colonies against potential threats and conflicts.Rate this question:
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- 4.
"Legalized pirates", more than a thousand strong, who inflicted heavy damage on British shipping
Correct Answer
privateers
privateerExplanation
The correct answer is privateers. Privateers were legalized pirates who operated under a government's authorization to attack and capture enemy ships during times of war. They were more than a thousand strong and caused significant damage to British shipping.Rate this question:
- 5.
Which of the following fates befell Loyalists after the Revolutionary War?
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Some fled to England.
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Some re-established themselves in America.
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Some had their property confiscated.
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Some were exiled.
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All of the above.
Correct Answer
A. All of the above.Explanation
After the Revolutionary War, Loyalists faced various fates. Some chose to flee to England to escape persecution or punishment. Others attempted to re-establish themselves in America, despite their loyalty to the British crown. Additionally, some Loyalists had their property confiscated as a consequence of their support for the British during the war. Finally, certain Loyalists were exiled from America, forced to leave their homes and communities behind. Therefore, all of the options mentioned in the question - fleeing to England, re-establishing in America, property confiscation, and exile - are accurate fates that befell Loyalists after the Revolutionary War.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Term for the alliance of Catherine the Great of Russia and other European powers who did not declare war but assumed a hostile neutrality toward Britain
Correct Answer
armed neutralityExplanation
During the time of Catherine the Great of Russia, an alliance was formed with other European powers. This alliance did not openly declare war on Britain but instead adopted a hostile neutrality. The term used to describe this alliance is "armed neutrality". This means that although they were not actively engaged in warfare, they were prepared and ready to defend themselves if necessary. This alliance aimed to challenge Britain's naval dominance and protect their own interests in the face of British aggression.Rate this question:
- 7.
Brilliant American general who invaded Canada, foiled Burgoyne's invasion, and in 1780 betrayed his country (first and last name or last name or first name)
Correct Answer
Benedict Arnold
Arnold
BenedictExplanation
Benedict Arnold is the correct answer because he was an American general who invaded Canada during the American Revolutionary War. He also played a significant role in foiling General Burgoyne's invasion during the Battle of Saratoga. However, in 1780, he infamously betrayed his country by attempting to surrender the American fort at West Point to the British. His name is Benedict Arnold, but Arnold or Benedict would also be acceptable as they refer to the same person.Rate this question:
- 8.
Colonists objected to the Stamp Act because
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It was a very expensive tax.
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They believed it could not be repealed.
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Parliament passed the tax, not the colonists.
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They opposed all taxes.
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They wanted their independence.
Correct Answer
A. Parliament passed the tax, not the colonists.Explanation
The colonists objected to the Stamp Act because they believed that Parliament, which was located in Britain, did not have the authority to pass taxes on the colonies without their consent. They argued that only their own colonial assemblies had the right to impose taxes on them. Therefore, the colonists saw the Stamp Act as an infringement on their rights and a violation of the principle of "no taxation without representation." They believed that the power to tax should rest with the colonial governments, not with the distant British Parliament.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Many Whigs in Britain hoped for an American victory in the War for Independence because they
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Favored French domination of North America.
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Were strongly pacifist.
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Feared that if George III triumphed, his rule at home might become tyrannical.
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Rejected colonialism.
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Opposed the mercantilist system.
Correct Answer
A. Feared that if George III triumphed, his rule at home might become tyrannical.Explanation
Many Whigs in Britain hoped for an American victory in the War for Independence because they feared that if George III triumphed, his rule at home might become tyrannical. This suggests that the Whigs believed that a British victory would strengthen the power of the monarchy and potentially lead to increased oppression and loss of liberties within Britain. By supporting the American cause, they hoped to prevent this outcome and preserve their own political freedoms.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Under mercantilist doctrine, the American colonies were expected to do all of the following except
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Supply Britain with raw materials not available there.
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Become economically self-sufficient as soon as possible.
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Furnish ships, seamen, and trade to bolster the strength of the Royal Navy.
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Provide a market for British manufactured goods.
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Refrain from exporting woolen cloth.
Correct Answer
A. Become economically self-sufficient as soon as possible.Explanation
Under mercantilist doctrine, the American colonies were expected to supply Britain with raw materials not available there, furnish ships, seamen, and trade to bolster the strength of the Royal Navy, provide a market for British manufactured goods, and refrain from exporting woolen cloth. However, they were not expected to become economically self-sufficient as soon as possible. This is because mercantilism aimed to maximize the wealth and power of the mother country, so the colonies were encouraged to rely on Britain for manufactured goods and to export raw materials to support British industries.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The Treaty of Paris in 1783 stipulated
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British recognition of American Independence
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Establishment of the boundaries of the new United States from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River between the Great Lakes and Spanish Florida
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That Americans allow British collection of prewar debts from coloinists
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All of these choices are correct
Correct Answer
A. All of these choices are correctExplanation
The Treaty of Paris in 1783 stipulated all of these choices are correct. This means that the British recognized American independence, the boundaries of the new United States were established from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River between the Great Lakes and Spanish Florida, and Americans allowed British collection of prewar debts from colonists.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The British Parliament enacted currency legislation that was intended primarily to benefit
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Virginia tobacco planters.
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British merchants.
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New England merchants.
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Backwoods farmers.
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The Crown.
Correct Answer
A. British merchants.Explanation
The British Parliament enacted currency legislation that was intended primarily to benefit British merchants. This legislation aimed to regulate the currency in the American colonies, ensuring that British merchants could maintain control over trade and economic activities. By implementing currency laws, the British Parliament aimed to protect the interests of British merchants and maintain their dominance in the colonial economy.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The First Continental Congress
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Was attended by delegates from each of the thirteen colonies.
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Adopted a moderate proposal for establishing a kind of home rule for the colonies under British direction.
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Made a ringing declaration of America's independence from Britain.
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Called for a complete boycott of British goods.
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Adjourned shortly after convening
Correct Answer
A. Called for a complete boycott of British goods.Explanation
The correct answer is "called for a complete boycott of British goods." This is because the First Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from the thirteen colonies to address grievances against British rule. One of the major actions taken by the Congress was to call for a boycott of British goods as a form of protest against British policies. This boycott aimed to put economic pressure on Britain and show unity among the colonies in their resistance to British control.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Match each act below with the correct description a. Sugar Act 1. Fist British law intended to raise revenues in the colonies b. Stamp Act 2. Asserted Parliament’s absolute power over the colonies c. Declaratory Act 3. Required colonists to lodge British troops in their homes. 4. generated the most protest in the colonies.
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A-3, B-2, C-1
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A-1, B-4, C-3
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A-1, B-4, C-2
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A-4, B-1, C-2
Correct Answer
A. A-1, B-4, C-2Explanation
The correct answer is A-1, B-4, C-2. The Sugar Act was the first British law intended to raise revenues in the colonies. The Stamp Act generated the most protest in the colonies. The Declaratory Act asserted Parliament's absolute power over the colonies.Rate this question:
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- 15.
As a result of American opposition to the Townshend Acts,
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British officials sent regiments of troops to Boston to restore law and order.
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The port of Boston was closed.
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Americans killed several British soldiers in the Boston Massacre.
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Parliament repealed all of the taxes levied under this legislation.
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Prime Minister Townshend was forced to resign.
Correct Answer
A. British officials sent regiments of troops to Boston to restore law and order.Explanation
As a result of American opposition to the Townshend Acts, British officials sent regiments of troops to Boston to restore law and order. This action was taken in response to the growing unrest and protests in Boston, particularly the boycotts and non-importation agreements organized by the colonists. The British officials believed that sending troops would help maintain control and enforce British authority in the city. However, this decision ultimately escalated tensions and contributed to the outbreak of violence, such as the Boston Massacre, further fueling the colonists' resentment towards British rule.Rate this question:
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- 16.
All of the following were weaknesses of the British military during the War for Independence except
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Second-rate officers.
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Soldiers who were incapable of fighting effectively.
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The need to keep many soldiers in Europe in case of trouble.
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The long supply lines.
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Brutal treatment of their soldiers.
Correct Answer
A. Soldiers who were incapable of fighting effectively.Explanation
During the War for Independence, the British military faced several weaknesses. One of these weaknesses was the presence of second-rate officers who lacked the necessary skills and experience to effectively lead their troops. Additionally, the British had to keep a significant number of soldiers in Europe as a precautionary measure, which weakened their forces in America. The long supply lines also posed a challenge for the British military, making it difficult to sustain their troops. Furthermore, the brutal treatment of their soldiers, including harsh discipline and inadequate provisions, demoralized the troops. However, the answer "soldiers who were incapable of fighting effectively" does not accurately represent a weakness of the British military during the War for Independence.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Despite the benefits of the mercantile system, the American colonists disliked it because
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It forced the South into a one-crop economy.
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It favored the northern over the southern colonies.
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It forced economic initiative on the colonists.
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It kept them in a state of perpetual economic adolescence.
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. It kept them in a state of perpetual economic adolescence.Explanation
The correct answer is "it kept them in a state of perpetual economic adolescence." This is because the mercantile system imposed restrictions on the American colonists, preventing them from developing their own industries and trading freely with other countries. Instead, they were forced to rely on exporting raw materials to Britain and importing finished goods from there. This limited their economic growth and independence, keeping them in a state of economic dependence on Britain.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The radical whigs feared
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Too much democracy
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A written constitution
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The arbitrary power of the monarchy
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A too powerful government
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. The arbitrary power of the monarchyExplanation
The radical whigs feared the arbitrary power of the monarchy. This suggests that they were concerned about the unchecked authority and control that the monarchy held, which could lead to abuse of power and oppression. They believed in limited government and wanted to prevent the monarchy from having too much control over the people and their rights.Rate this question:
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- 19.
As the War for Independence began, Britain had the advantage of
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Overwhelming national wealth and naval power.
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An alliance with Spain and Holland.
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A well-organized and united home government and population.
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First-rate generals and a well-supplied professional army.
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Overwhelming national wealth and naval power.Explanation
During the War for Independence, Britain had the advantage of overwhelming national wealth and naval power. This means that they had a significant amount of financial resources and a strong navy, which gave them a strategic advantage in terms of funding their military operations and controlling the seas. This advantage allowed Britain to project their power and resources effectively, making it difficult for the American colonies to gain independence.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Why was South Carolina less likely than Maryland to support the American Revolution
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The Anglican church had less influence in South Carolina than it did in Maryland
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There were fewer Scotch-Irish in South Carolina than there were in Maryland
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South Carolina had a lower percentage of tenant farmers than did Maryland
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The South Carolina population had a much higher percentage of blacks than Maryland did.
Correct Answer
A. The South Carolina population had a much higher percentage of blacks than Maryland did.Explanation
The South Carolina population had a much higher percentage of blacks than Maryland did. This could have contributed to South Carolina being less likely to support the American Revolution because slaves were less likely to have the same level of political and social rights as free individuals. Therefore, they may have been less inclined to support a revolution that aimed to secure these rights for all citizens. Additionally, the presence of a large enslaved population may have also made the white population in South Carolina more cautious about supporting a revolution that could potentially lead to slave uprisings or unrest.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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May 28, 2025Quiz Edited by
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Oct 03, 2010Quiz Created by
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