SEBA Class 9 Elective History Chapter 1 American War of Independence

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SEBA Class 9 Elective History Chapter 1 American War of Independence

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American War of Independence

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. ANSWER VERY BRIEFLY:

(a) When and who discovered America? 

Ans. America was discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus.

(b) Who founded Virginia? 

Ans. The British colony of Virginia in America was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh.

(c) Who was the king of England during the American War of Independence?

Ans. King George III was the king of England during the American War of Independence.

(d) How many British colonies were there in America? 

Ans. There were 13 (thirteen) British colonies in America.

(e) Who drafted the Declaration of Independence?

Ans. The great philanthropist, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.

(f) In which battle did the combined forces of America and France defeat General Cornwallis?

Ans. The combined forces of America and France defeat General Cornwallis in the battle of York Town in 1781.

(g) Mention two foreign powers who had helped America. 

Ans. Two foreign powers that helped America during her fight against England were France and Spain.

(h) Who authored ‘Common Sense’? 

Ans. Thomas Paine authored the book titled ‘Common Sense’.

(i) Under whose presidentship was the American Constitution drafted? 

Ans. Under the presidentship of George Washington, the American Constitution was drafted.

(j) Who was the first president of America? 

Ans. George Washington was the first president of America.

(k) The American natives were known by what name? Alternate Question: By what name were the American natives known? 

Ans. The American natives were known by the name ‘Red Indians’.

(l) What is the tenure of office of the American president?

Ans. The tenure of office of the American president is four years. 

(m) Name two main political parties of America.

Ans. Two main political parties of America are the Democrat and the Republican.

(n) When did the American Constitution come into force? 

Ans. The American “constitution came into force on March 4, 1791

S.L No.	CONTENTS
Chapter -1	American War Of Independence
Chapter -2	French Revolution
Chapter -3	Industrial Revolution
Chapter -4	Russian Revolution
Chapter -5	The Revolt Of 1857
Chapter -6	Socio-Political Uprising Of The North-East India

2. WRITE SHORT NOTES:

(a) Origin of the name-America.

(b) Declaration of Independence.

(c) Pilgrim Fathers.

(d) Boston Tea Party.

(e) Stamp Act Congress.

(f) Armed Neutrality.

(g) Bill of Rights.

Ans. (a) Origin of the name-America: America was discovered by Christopher Columbus of Spain in 1492. But, the new world discovered by him was not named after him. It was named after Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian mariner from the city of Florence. He seemed to have made three voyages to the new continent discovered by Columbus. Amerigo, who went to the new world after Columbus wrote accounts of his voyages giving geographical details of the new world. He was the first explorer to note that the country explored by him and earlier by Columbus was a new continent. Therefore a German professor of Geography named the new continent after Amerigo. From then, the name gained popularity and the new world came to be known as America, as the Latin version of Amerigo is Americus.

(b) Declaration of Independence: The American Revolution popularly known as the American War of Independence ranks as one of the most glorious events of world history. It originated as a result of certain economic and political hurdles which England had placed upon America. The rejection of the Olive Branch Petition by King George II in 1775 marked the beginning of the open hostilities between the American colonists and the British forces. Meanwhile, in an assembly in Philadelphia, the great philanthropist Thomas Jefferson drafted a Declaration of Independence on 4th July, 1776. This document marked the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. This document listed certain grievances against King George III and also put forward some logical arguments for independence. 

The three important points of this Declaration were:

(i) Every human being has the right to live life freely, happily and independently.

(ii) Every government should rule with the consent of the people. 

(iii) People have the right to overthrow autocratic governments.

Besides, the concluding part of the document asserted that, “these united colonies were and ought to be free and independent states; that they were absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connections between them and the state of Great Britain was and ought to be totally dissolved”

(c) Pilgrim fathers: In England, there was a conservative section of the Christian community.called the Puritans. But they had to face many difficulties in practicising their religion in their own country. Therefore, in 1620 many Puritans left England in a ship named ‘Mayflower’ and got settled in one of the colonies named Plymouth. These early migrants from England who had fled from England due to religious persecution came to be known as Pilgrim Fathers. Their example was followed by many others and many other came away from England and got settled in Plymouth.

(d) Boston Tea Party: In 1767, Charles Townshend, the British Prime Minister, passed import duties on several commonly used items such as glass, paper and tea to enhance revenue. This caused widespread riots and violent protests from the colonists Under pressure, the Townshend duties were repealed and only the tax on tea was retained. The continuation of the tax on tea was opposed by the colonists and it eventually led to riots in many of the colonies. In May 1770, riots took place between the British army and the people of Boston. As a result of the riot, many people died. This event came to be known as Boston massacre. This incident infuriated the colonists and created a wave of indignant protests all over the country. So when in 1773, three ships loaded with tea arrived at the Boston port, some colonists dressed as Red Indians boarded the ships and threw nearly 342 tea chests into the sea. This incident came to be known as ‘Boston Tea Party’. The incident of Boston Tea Party is considered as a significant event of the American War of Independence. It marked the beginning of the armed resistance to the British domination of America. The punitive measures undertaken by the British government to punish the colony of Massachusetts to which Boston belonged. precipitated the crisis and directly led to the outbreak of open war between the colonists and the British.

(e) Stamp Act Congress: In order to meet the expenses incurred in the Seven Years War, the Prime Minister of England George Grenville introduced an act named Stamp Act in 1765. This act made it compulsory to use stamps in all documents, agreements and newspapers of America. The colonists opposed this Act as they had no representatives in the British Parliament Therefore, some of the leaders such as Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry and Christopher Gadsden organised a gathering of representatives of nine colonies in New York in 1765 to chalk out programmes of agitation against the Act. This assembly came to be known as the Stamp Act Congress. This assembly appealed to British King George III to repeal the Act. The Assembly strongly opposed the Act and planned major demonstrations against the Act. In the British Parliament, liberal members like William Pitt and Edmund Burke criticised the Act as an unwise and provocative measure and urged for its repeal. As a result, the British government repealed the Act. This repealing of the Act showed the colonists the power of agitation and protest.

(f) Armed Neutrality: While many countries like France, Spain and Holland actively supported the American colonists in their fight against England during the American War of Independence, many countries like Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Russia, etc. remained neutral and wanted free movement of their ships in the seas. They opposed the British custom of searching their ships in the sea for men and materials in support of the colonists. These countries formed an association named Armed Neutrality so that their ships could move in the seas without the fear of being searched by the British. Thus, the Armed Neutrality proved to be detrimental to the British interests as these countries continued to trade with the colonists. France and Spain were able to come to the help of the colonists with the support of the countries of Armed Neutrality.

(g) Bill of Rights: The American War of Independence came to an end with the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. Soon after the achievement of independence, 55 representatives of 12 states (Rhode Islands had no representative) started the work of framing the Constitution. Finally, the Constitution prepared by this group was formally accepted on 4 March, 1791. But the newly approved Constitution did not have the fundamental rights of citizens and so in November 1791 some amendments were made to overcome these shortcomings. The American Constitution thereafter incorporated certain fundamental rights such as right to exist, right to religion, right to expression, free press, right to property, right to trial by jury, etc. These rights as incorporated in the American Constitution came to be known as Bill of Rights.

3. ESSAY TYPE QUESTIONS:

(a) Discuss briefly the English colonization of America.

Ans. The various geographical discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries resulted in the colonisation of several countries in the Asian and American continents by the major European powers, such as England, France, Spain, Portugal and Holland. Soon after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the scramble for America started between Spain and Portugal. But eventually these two powers were forced out of America by the rising British power. The British established a group of colonies in North America, particularly in the Atlantic coastal region.

Sir Humphrey Gilbert, a prominent Englishman advocated colonisation as solution to the rising problem of unemployment as well as to absorb the anti-social elements in England in 1553, he landed on the island of New Foundland with the aim of establishing a British colony over there. Unfortunately, he could not succeed in his mission as he met with death on his way back to England. Sir Humphrey’s work was carried on by one of his relatives named Sir Walter Raleigh, who established the first British colony named Virginia in honour of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth in 1555. With the expansion of tobacco trade. this colony flourished and became a major British colony.

By this time, a lot of British people began to migrate to America as it had abundant areas of fertile land and natural resources. The new world also offered a safe haven for many who were persecuted for their religious beliefs in England. In 1620, a group of Puritans who were facing religious persecution in England left in a ship named ‘Mayflower’, reached America and established a colony named Plymouth. The people who came away in this ship and got settled in America came to be known as ‘Pilgrim Fathers’. Later the different batches of Puritans came to America and established similar colonies such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Islands and New Hampshire. These colonies together came to be known as New England.

In 1634, a Roman catholic, Lord Baltimore established a colony north of Virginia, named Maryland. Soon after this, under the leadership of individuals like Clarendon, General Monk. etc. a colony named Carolina, south of Virginia was established. Later this colony was divided into North Carolina and South Carolina. Another religious group named Quakers headed by William Penn, established a colony named Pennsylvania. In 1732, a British gentleman named James Oglethorpe established a colony near Cardinal and Spanish Florida, named Georgia, in order to house the English prisoners. Eventually this colony became the strongest supporter of the British domination of America. During this period Holland had established a colony named New Netherlands in America. But due to English’s commercial supremacy and rising power they were forced to hand over this colony to England. In this manner the entire Atlantic coastal region became a British domain.

Thus by the early part of the eighteenth century, England had established 13 colonies in America. 

These were the following: 

(i) New Hampshire. 

(ii) Massachusetts. 

(iii) Rhode Islands. 

(iv) Connecticut. 

(v) New York. 

(vi) New Jersey. 

(vii) Delaware. 

(viii) Pennsylvania. 

(ix) Virginia. 

(x) Maryland. 

(xi) North Carolina. 

(xii) South Carolina. 

(xiii) Georgia.

(b) Discuss briefly the causes of the American War of Independence.

Ans. The American revolution popularly known as the American War of Independence ranks as one of the most significant events of world history. It was more than a revolt of the thirteen British colonies in America against their mother-country. It was a fight for certain fundamental and democratic rights of man. The results of this revolution had far-reaching repercussions and influenced many countries of the world. 

The main causes of this revolution were:

(i) Independent attitude of the Americans: The English colonies were established in America not by the British Government but at the individual initiatives or by the efforts of some commercial companies. Every colony in America consisted of a Governor, his Advisory Council and a Representative Assembly. The nomination of the Governor and most of the members of the Advisory Council of each colony were made by the British Crown,while the members of the o Representative Assembly were elected by the people of the concerned colony. Besides, only the wealthy landlords were eligible to vote. The elected persons gradually became very powerful. 

But from the mid-seventeenth century in England, conflict began between the king and the Parliament regarding the distribution of power in England, which resulted in increase in power of the Parliament. This trend was also observed in bm America,where the members of the American Legislative Assembly also started enjoying enhanced powers and withdrew grants against any official who were not working according to their instructions. Due to the prevailing internal problems, it became difficult for the British Government to interfere in the administrative matters of America. As a result, the colonies started working independently. This was one of the major causes of the outbreak of the American War of Independence.

(ii) Lack of loyalty towards England: The American colonists did not have any feeling of loyalty to their mother country, England. Many of the religious groups, such as the Catholics, the Quakers and the Puritans had come to America as a result of the religious persecutions in England. Besides, there were people belonging to other nations, such as Germany, Sweden, Holland, France, Scotland, Ireland, etc. who had made settlements in America along with the British. Thus, most people of America had no loyalty towards England and they were ready to take up arms to fight for their rights.

(iii) Difference in respect of religion: Another cause for the American War of Independence was the differences in respect of religion between America and England. In England, as the English king was the religious head, so the Anglican Church enjoyed royal patronage and recognition. On the other hand. the American Constitution granted its people the right of religious freedom. Therefore, all the religions coexisted and developed side by side in America. Except the Puritans in New England, who were little intolerant in respect of religion everyone in the colonies of the middle sector, viz. New York, Pennsylvania, etc. could profess their own religion.

(iv) Differences in social system: Another major cause behind the American War of Independence was the differences in at respect of the social system between America and England. The English society consisted of many layers comprising. Lords, Dukes and Earls. But these religious differences were not seen in American society. Except a few southern colonies, viz. Virginia and Carolina, whose social systems were based on the model of England, all the other societies in America were democratic. Most of the people who migrated to America and established their colonies in America were the commoner and not the people of high society. So, the people in America treated everybody with equality.

(v) Economic exploitation of the British Government: Being a colonial power, the English considered their colonies as centres for exploitation. The English politicians passed a series of acts to strangle and to cripple the flourishing American trade and commerce for increasing the wealth of their home country. The colonies in America were not allowed to produce certain items. They could not trade in certain items. They had to use only the British ships for trade. A lot of restrictions were imposed upon the colonies with regard to trade and commerce. However, the colonies in America were not bared from trading with other countries. This was one of the major causes of the American War of Independence.

In whatever way we may look at the American revolution it is definitely a landmark event of great significance. It not only transformed the face of America but also re-shaped the political face of the world. The American revolution let loose certain modern principles and democratic ideals which even today are at work, all over the globe.

(c) Write down the factors responsible for the defeat of the British in the American War of Independence.

Ans. The American War of Independence is one of the most significant events of world history. The war began in 1775 soon after the rejection of the Olive Branch Petition by King George III and practically ended with the surrender of British general, Lord Cornwallis, at York Town in 1781. But the war carried on for sometime and was finally concluded with the signing of the formal Peace Treaty of Paris in 1783. Several factors were responsible for the defeat of Britain during this war.

(i) Vast distance: The English fortunes were greatly handicapped by the vast distance which stood between America and England. They could not easily bring men and resources as needed. The sea-routes were often blocked by the allies of the colonists. France took the occasion to avenge their defeat during the Seven Years war inflicted upon them by the British. They prevented English attempts to bring war materials to the colonies. This was one of the major factors that led to the defeat of the British forces.

(ii) No popular support: In the first place the war against the American colonies had no popular backing in Britain. The war was fought mainly due to the personal whim of King George III who practically controlled the affairs of the country. Many liberal politicians in England criticised the war and quietly supported the colonies in their legitimate struggle for freedom. On the other hand, in America it was a national freedom-struggle movement. A divided country can never win a war. 

(iii) England lacked efficient leaders: England at the time of the American war of Independence lacked efficient and wise leaders. King George III who controlled the affairs of the country was not a wise ruler nor a capable administrator. He was only interested in boosting up his position and image. British Prime Ministers such as George Grenville, Charles Townshend, Lord North, etc. were men who lacked foresight and wisdom to see the just cause of the colonies.

(iv) George Washington: The Americans were very fortunate in having George Washington as their military general. A man of courage, determination and simplicity he was an epitome of personal integrity and patriotism. Most of the British generals sent to fight the Americans were no match for George Washington. They were men of experience in war but lacked a the competence and the leadership of the calibre of George Washington. The British generals could not inspire as George Washington inspired his men.

(v) Hired soldiers: Due to the difficulty of getting adequate men for the war against the colonists, the British generals hired forces belonging to other nations. These men had no love for the English cause and fought only for the pay they received. Such a force could never win a war.

(vi) European help: The timely help of European powers such as. France, Spain, Holland and others were highly instrumental in bringing the English to their knees. These powers kept the English engaged on several fronts compelling the British to divert their attention and resources from America. Even the armed neutrality formed by Sweden, Denmark, Portugal and Russia was detrimental to the British cause as they quietly helped France and Spain to bring in materials for the colonists.

(vii) Loss of Naval supremacy: Another contributing factor which paved the way for the defeat of the English in America was due to the fact that England no longer commanded the sea. During this time her naval supremacy was challenged by France and Holland which had acquired a great deal of control over the seas. Under these circumstances the British couldn’t enforce an economic blockade of the colonies. The result was that the colonists continued to have trade with other countries and also got the necessary materials for the war from other countries, leading to her success in the war.

(d) Briefly discuss the results of the American War of Independence.

Ans. The American revolution popularly known as the American war of Independence is one of the glorious events of world history. It is one of the great revolutions that ushered many new concepts such as inalienable rights of man, separation of powers, right to revolution, written constitution, separation of church and state, etc. The revolution had far-reaching consequences which affected practically the whole world.

(i) The emergence of a new nation: One of the foremost results of the American war of Independence was the emergence of a fully, independent sovereign new nation named the United States of America which would play a leading role in the realm of international politics, world economy, peace and security of the world in later years. The rise of America is an event of an unfathomable significance.

(ii) Inspiration to other countries: America’s example was great source of inspiration to other countries struggling for their rights and liberties. The American document ‘The Declaration of Rights’, ‘Declaration of Independence’, ‘Bill of Rights’, etc. became a new gospel for the oppressed nationalities. The freedom struggle movement in America became a role model for many countries in their fight against foreign domination. The Indian freedom struggle movement was profoundly influenced by the ideals of American revolution.

(iii) Affected England profoundly: American revolution profoundly affected Britain and its politics. It marked the end of the personal rule of King George III. The British colonial empire sank in size and this considerably affected the British trade, commerce and industry. The American folly made the British statesmen to adopt new tolerant policy towards the colonies. Some administrative changes were brought in the management of the colonies. In the light of the American experience the British passed the Pitt India Act in 1784 bringing about more effective control over the affairs of the East India Company in India. Similarly the Canada Act 1799 improved the administrative set-up of Canada. The internal administration of Ireland was overhauled and she was granted some amount of independence.

(iv) Emergence of new concepts: Perhaps the greatest legacy of the American revolution was that it popularized certain new concepts and principles. The concept of popular sovereignty, equality of men, inalienable right to be free and independent, right to revolution, representative government, etc. were reinforced by the American revolution. The rights of nation enshrined in the ‘Declaration of Independence’ soon caught world wide attention and it became the slogan of the subjugated colonies.

(v) Hastened French revolution: The Frenchmen who had gone over to America to help the American colonists came back fully aroused in the spirit of freedom, political rights, and democratic principles. Secondly the financial crisis created by the financial support to the American colonists compelled King Louis XVI to summon the States-General in 1789 which lighted the flame of French revolution.
(vi) Lessons in constitution-making: The framing of American constitution is a landmark event in the history of constitutional development. The American example of the separation of powers between the various organs of government, system of checks and balances, written constitution, federal system, fundamental rights, etc. were soon copied by other nations.