Chapter 6 Study Guide 1.

What was the key question facing the colonists after the battles of Lexington and Concord? Should they declare their independence, or continue with protests and petitions. 2. Who became the commander of the Continental army? George Washington 3. How was he chosen? He was unanimously elected by the Second Continental Congress. 4. Which city did the Battle of Bunker Hill take place next to? Boston 5. What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill? It was the first real battle of the war. It showed the strength of the Continental army. 6. During the Siege of Boston, which fort did Washington send Henry Knox to? Ticonderoga 7. Why did he send him there? To seize the fort, capture the artillery, and take it back to the Continental Army stationed outside of Boston. Washingtons army had no artillery and was low on lead. 8. Why did the British abandon Boston? The Battle of Bunker Hill was still fresh on their minds and they did not want another bloodbath. They were surrounded by the Continental Army who was well armed. 9. What was the Olive Branch Petition? It was a petition (a letter) asking the King to end the fighting between the colonists and the British. It was a last chance effort for the colonists to avoid a full blown war. 10. How did King George III respond to the Olive Branch Petition? The King stated that those involved in the rebellion were traitors and needed to be brought to justice. 11. Who wrote Common Sense? Thomas Paine 12. What was the major claim in Common Sense? It stated that the colonists owed no loyalty to the King, and that they had suffered under British rule. 13. What was the significance of Common Sense? It persuaded thousands that declaring independence was the right thing to do. It claimed that it was the key to a brighter future. 14. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson 15. What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence? To explain to the world why the colonists had decided to break away from England 16. What does the Declaration of Independence say about all men? That they are created equal

17. What are they all entitled to? The same basic rights 18. What are your unalienable rights? Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness 19. What do they mean? It means that the government cannot deprive you of life or liberty without due process, and you are free to TRY and make a great life for yourself. 20. According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the job of the government? To secure your rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 21. What right do citizens have if the government fails to do its job? Citizens have the right to alter or abolish the government, and create a new one. 22. According to the Declaration of Independence, where does the government get its power to rule? From the consent of the governed 23. What two major statements are made about the King in the Declaration of Independence? That the King was unfit to be the ruler of a free people. That the king wanted to establish an absolute tyranny over the colonies. 24. What are the 28 items listed in the Declaration of Independence? A list of grievances, or crimes of the king. 25. Why was slavery not included in the Declaration of Independence? Because the slave trade was important to the economy of many of the colonies, and the delegates felt it was unfair to blame the King. 26. What was Independence Day? The day that all of the delegates signed the final version of the Declaration of Independence. 27. When was it? July 4, 1776