foreword | Historical Narratives | Resources | Links | Contact

LACKLUSTRE LEADERSHIP vs "RABBLE IN ARMS"

History is like that, very chancy.

Review Questions

Vocabulary:
effusion, parapet, wanton, protocol, bay horse, hussars, prophetic, illuminate, discountenance, capitulation, debacle, apprized, fathom, reparations, cede, cession, succor, rapacious, magnanimously, dogmatic, ineptitude, wanton.

1. If George Washington had been less enamoured of a name who knows what might have happened with the 13 Colonies. Discuss.

2. How did Washington justify independence?

3. Explain: (a) to treat with a representative of the king; (b) stop the useless effusion of blood; (c) beat a parley; (d) like a ball in the breast; (e) debt-ridden; (f) broad but not deep; (g) made tools of the Powers of Europe; (h) spirit of sweet concilitation; (i) despotic abuses; (j) this execreble commerce; (k) a key redoubt; (l) the promise was a hollow one; (m) armed neutrality; (n) the magnitude of the moment.

4. Give two reasons for some Englishmen opposing their country's war with the colonies.

5. Why did William Pitt the Elder oppose the use of German mercenaries?

6. France decided to support the 13 Colonies for an ulterior motive? Explain.

7. Why was the British officer blindfolded?

8. What ruse did Loyalist supporters use to keep the mobs at bay?

9. What caused the king to accept defeat at the hands of the rebels?

10. Why was it considered naive of the British negotiator to admit his country was war-weary?

11. King George was an obedient son. Explain.

12. What techniques did Benjamin Franklin use as a negotiator in his attempt to win Canada from Britain?

13. Why do you think the Americans were so reluctant to compensate their fellow Americans called Loyalists?

14. How did George III rationalize the loss of the war?

15. Time has confirmed the wisdom of the natural boundaries between the U.S and Canada. Why?

16. What do you think there was about Benedict Arnold that so impressed and inspired the men he led?

Back