Question

directions: answering questions. refer to the posted text (see module). respond to the following questions in brief. 1. who did the second continental congress choose to command the continental army? 2. what was the purpose of the olive branch petition? 3. what writing by thomas paine convinced thousands of american colonists to separate from britain? 4. what english documents did thomas jefferson draw upon in writing the declaration of independence? 5. americans who supported independence were known by what name? 6. which battle was the first major american victory in the war? 7. which two european countries joined america and declared war on england?

Explanation:

1. The Second Continental Congress chose George Washington to command the Continental Army.
2. The Olive Branch Petition was an attempt to avoid war and reconcile with Britain.
3. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" convinced many Americans of the need to separate from Britain.
4. Thomas Jefferson drew upon various English documents while writing the Declaration of Independence.
5. Americans who supported independence were known as Patriots, those loyal to Britain were Loyalists.
6. The first major American victory in the war was the Battle of Saratoga.
7. France and Spain were the two European countries that joined America and declared war on Britain.

Answer:

1. George Washington
2. To avoid war and reconcile with Britain
3. To convince Americans to separate from Britain
4. Various English documents
5. Patriots; Loyalists
6. Battle of Saratoga
7. France; Spain