Study guide: American Revolution and Independence
Connect imperial conflict, political arguments and independence.
Ideas to explain in your own words
- After the Seven Years’ War, Britain sought revenue and greater control over its colonies. Disputes about taxation and representation contributed to resistance. The Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, Continental Congress and Declaration represent different stages. Not every colonist supported independence, and Native nations pursued their own interests.
- During the Revolution, people made different choices under unequal conditions. Patriots supported independence; Loyalists supported continued connection to Britain. Some people tried to avoid taking sides. Enslaved people and Native nations pursued freedom, safety and sovereignty; their aims cannot be reduced to one uniform allegiance.
- Military conflict and diplomacy both shaped independence. France became an ally of the United States. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally recognized U.S. independence from Britain. Independence did not resolve every territorial dispute or grant equal rights to everyone. A treaty is a negotiated agreement, not proof of universal consent.
- The Declaration presents equality, rights and consent as principles, then lists grievances against the king. Its adoption announced a political break; it did not itself abolish slavery or ensure equal participation. Analyze a principle separately from a grievance, an announced action and the actual social conditions.
Useful vocabulary
- Stamp Act
- the 1765 tax on specified printed materials
- Boston Tea Party
- the 1773 destruction of tea protesting imperial policy
- Patriot position
- support for independence from Britain
- Loyalist position
- support for continued allegiance to Britain
- Military action
- organized armed activity during the war
- Diplomatic alliance
- an agreement coordinating support between powers
- Principle
- a general political idea advanced in the Declaration
- Grievance
- a complaint offered against British rule
Watch your reasoning
- Mixing up Stamp Act and Boston Tea Party. Re-read what each note says before choosing.
- Adding a detail that is not on the card. Point to the words that help explain your answer.
A worked review example
Worked example: The card says: “A card identifies a British tax on printed documents.” That matches Stamp Act. Stamp Act is the 1765 tax on specified printed materials. Compare the note for Continental Congress: Continental Congress is colonial delegates coordinating political action. That is a different clue.
Make a practice plan
- Read or listen to the notes in the four lessons. An adult can read aloud.
- Try each lesson’s main question and three practice questions. Say, draw or write what helped you choose.
- Use the review cards, then try the changed card in any lesson you want to practice again.
- Complete the four-box task. Then try the separate subject-test cards.