Free sample activity · Grades 6–8

American Revolution Practice

Use these six questions to review selected events, not a complete history of the Revolution. The Declaration's adoption, battlefield victories, and formal recognition of independence happened at different times.

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How to use this activity

Allow five to ten minutes. Make a timeline as you answer. Read the linked primary documents afterward and discuss whose perspectives a short timeline leaves out.

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Opening battles

Which battles in Massachusetts marked the opening fighting of the Revolutionary War in April 1775?

Lexington and Concord Saratoga Yorktown
Answer: A.

Fighting at Lexington and Concord began on April 19, 1775. Saratoga and Yorktown occurred later in the war.

Declaring independence

What did the Continental Congress adopt on July 4, 1776?

The U.S. Constitution The Declaration of Independence The Treaty of Paris
Answer: B.

Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Adoption is distinct from signing the engrossed parchment, which began in August.

Saratoga

What happened at Saratoga in October 1777?

The Constitution was signed. The Treaty of Paris took effect. British General Burgoyne surrendered to American forces.
Answer: C.

Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga in 1777. The event preceded the 1778 U.S.-French alliance.

An alliance

Which country entered a formal alliance with the United States in 1778?

France Great Britain Canada
Answer: A.

France entered an alliance with the United States in 1778 and provided military support. Great Britain was the opposing power.

Yorktown

Which event occurred at Yorktown in 1781?

Congress adopted the Declaration. Cornwallis surrendered after a siege by American and French forces. The Bill of Rights was ratified.
Answer: B.

American and French forces forced Cornwallis's surrender in 1781. This major victory was not itself the peace treaty.

Formal recognition

Which agreement in 1783 formally recognized U.S. independence from Great Britain?

The U.S. Constitution The Articles of Confederation The Treaty of Paris
Answer: C.

The 1783 Treaty of Paris formally recognized U.S. independence and ended the war. The Declaration had asserted independence in 1776.

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All questions, answers & explanations

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  1. Opening battles

    Which battles in Massachusetts marked the opening fighting of the Revolutionary War in April 1775?

    Answer: Lexington and Concord

    Fighting at Lexington and Concord began on April 19, 1775. Saratoga and Yorktown occurred later in the war.

  2. Declaring independence

    What did the Continental Congress adopt on July 4, 1776?

    Answer: The Declaration of Independence

    Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Adoption is distinct from signing the engrossed parchment, which began in August.

  3. Saratoga

    What happened at Saratoga in October 1777?

    Answer: British General Burgoyne surrendered to American forces.

    Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga in 1777. The event preceded the 1778 U.S.-French alliance.

  4. An alliance

    Which country entered a formal alliance with the United States in 1778?

    Answer: France

    France entered an alliance with the United States in 1778 and provided military support. Great Britain was the opposing power.

  5. Yorktown

    Which event occurred at Yorktown in 1781?

    Answer: Cornwallis surrendered after a siege by American and French forces.

    American and French forces forced Cornwallis's surrender in 1781. This major victory was not itself the peace treaty.

  6. Formal recognition

    Which agreement in 1783 formally recognized U.S. independence from Great Britain?

    Answer: The Treaty of Paris

    The 1783 Treaty of Paris formally recognized U.S. independence and ended the war. The Declaration had asserted independence in 1776.

Take it one step further

Add two perspectives missing from a military timeline, such as those of enslaved people or Indigenous nations, using sources selected with your teacher.

Background reading

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