American Revolution

Lesson - Ben Franklin Reflection

Refer to the image provided.

1. The image shown could be used to support which one of the following conclusions? 

(HIGHLIGHT THE CORRECT ANSWER)

• Benjamin Franklin was the popular and international favorite for the first president of the new United States because of his philosophical writings and scientific discoveries.

• Benjamin Franklin was a proponent of capitalizing on the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains, which would benefit the colonies in their fight against the British.

• Benjamin Franklin was revered in Paris as an internationally renowned scientist and a manifestation of American republicanism, which served him in negotiating with the French for more funds.

• Benjamin Franklin was seen by the British as the embodiment of American independence, and they used his image to spread propaganda about American colonists being uncultured and uneducated.

2. Which of the following best describes the causal link between the American victory at Saratoga and French military aid to Americans?

(HIGHLIGHT THE CORRECT ANSWER)

• The victory at Saratoga proved the potential of the American troops and demonstrated to the French that the Americans could possibly defeat the British.

• The victory at Saratoga demonstrated that the Americans could potentially defeat the French, so it was necessary to secure them as allies before they became opponents.

• The victory at Saratoga was pyrrhic, meaning the Americans were almost entirely defeated, and the French took pity on them to appear as the saviors of the conflict.

• The victory at Saratoga demonstrated the American commitment to the ideals of liberty and republicanism, with which the French identified.

“Sir: We have now the great satisfaction of acquainting you and the Congress that the treaties with France are at length completed and signed. The first is a treaty of amity and commerce, much on the plan of that projected in Congress; the other is a treaty of alliance, in which it is stipulated that in case England declares war against France, or occasions a war by attempts to hinder her commerce with us, we should then make common cause of it and join our forces and councils, etc. The great aim of this treaty is declared to be to ‘establish the liberty, sovereignty, and independency, absolute and unlimited, of the United States, as well in matters of government as commerce;’ and this is guarantied to us by France, together with all the countries we possess or shall possess at the conclusion of the war; in return for which the States guaranty to France all its possessions in America.”

Benjamin Franklin, February 8, 1778

3. What was the primary goal of the French in signing the treaty described in the excerpt provided?

(HIGHLIGHT THE CORRECT ANSWER)

• Undermining their imperial rival, Great Britain

• Supporting the cause of freedom and independence

• Continuing their lucrative slave trade to the Americas

• Becoming the first nation to recognize a former colony

4. Which of the following best describes the context of the excerpt provided?

(HIGHLIGHT THE CORRECT ANSWER)

• The publication of the Declaration of Independence inspired foreign powers to support the new nation.

• The defeat of the British at Saratoga proved that the Americans had the strategic ability to win the war. United by their mutual resentment of the British, the Americans and the French agreed to work together until the colonies were free and not to make separate treaties with the British.

• Patrick Henry’s fiery rhetoric was printed in newspapers all over the world and articulated many reasons why the struggle for independence was worth supporting.

• The savage colonial defeat at Bunker Hill was so extreme, it caught the attention of the empathetic French.

Lesson - Articles of Confederation Podcast

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  • Audio (Under Resources)