10th Grade American Revolution Part 2:
Study Questions and Vocabulary
1. Explain how the American colonies were able to defeat the forces of the most
powerful empire in the world at the time.
2. Explain the effects of the American Revolution.
3. Be able to define, use, and give examples of the following vocabulary terms.
1.
Vocabulary Terms
delegate - representative empowered to act on behalf of others
2.
candidate - person who seeks or whose name is given to be elected to a position
3.
qualification - quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a position or
task
4.
revolutionary - person who favors, leads, and/or participates in a revolution
5.
editorial - an article (or other form of commentary) that expresses opinions
6.
dictator - ruler who takes full control over a country
7.
allies - nations or groups joined for a cause (such as war)
8.
bias - a leaning of thought, speech, or writing toward a particular point of view
9.
traitor - person who betrays a country or cause
10.
military - of or relating to armed forces
11.
perspective - point of view from which events or situations may be examined or judged
12.
treason - act(s) of betrayal against one’s country
13.
thesis - an unproved statement of opinion
14.
alliance - countries working together, as in war
15.
diplomacy - negotiation among government officials representing various countries
16.
delegation - a group of representatives
17.
commission - the act of giving authority, as to an officer in the military
18.
ambassador - official representative of a country
19.
compromise - a settlement of differences in which each party gives up some of its demands
20.
treaty - a formal agreement (for peace or trade)
Bare Minimum Answers to Study Questions (questions in bold)
Explain how the American colonies were able to defeat the forces of the most powerful empire in
the world at the time.
I. Great Britain was one of the world’s most powerful nations with one of the largest and besttrained armies at the time.
II. For much of the war the two sides were fairly evenly matched with one side gaining the
upper hand and then losing it to the other.
III. The American colonists were empassioned about their cause and resourceful in getting help with
it.
A. By enlisting the help of Spain, the Netherlands, and most importantly France, the new
United States was able to turn to the tide of the war to victory.
B. The additional money, military supplies, and soldiers provided the colonists with the
added boost needed to overcome the British.
Explain the effects of the American Revolution.
I. The most important effect of the American Revolution was the separation of the thirteen
American colonies from the British Empire.
A. Once the war was won, the separation was formally established by the Treaty of
Versailles, 1783.
1. The new United States sent a delegation led by Benjamin Franklin to negotiate it.
2. The American delegates held fast to their demands for independence and the
capability for westward expansion in tough negotiations against the powerful
Empire.
B. In the end the new nation achieved its goals and was recognized by the world’s most
powerful countries, including Great Britain.