SAT II World History : The American Revolution

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II World History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : The American Revolution

The Declaration of Independence was written by __________.

Possible Answers:

Alexander Hamilton

Benjamin Franklin

Thomas Jefferson

George Washington

John Adams

Correct answer:

Thomas Jefferson

Explanation:

The Declaration of Independence, in which the American colonies published a series of grievances against the colonial rule of the British Empire, was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. 

Example Question #2 : The American Revolution

The Revolutionary War emerged over issues regarding __________.

Possible Answers:

the overthrow of the Puritan government at the end of the British Civil War 

economic stagnation in the American colonies following the French and Indian War

the right of the British government to tax the American colonists 

the quartering of British troops in the homes of aristocrats in the American colonies 

the British government's refusal to honor freedom of religious practice in the American colonies 

Correct answer:

the right of the British government to tax the American colonists 

Explanation:

The term Revolutionary War is generally used to describe the military campaign between 1775 and 1783, however in terms of a political revolution the period actually began in 1765 when the American colonists first officially rejected the right of the British government to levy taxes against the American colonists. You probably remember the rallying cry "no taxation without representation" from your various classes in American history. This was the central issue that led to the American War of Independence. 

Example Question #3 : The American Revolution

The ideas of which philosophers influenced the American Revolution? 

Possible Answers:

Abbe Sieyes' belief in the importance of working people being represented by their government

Thomas Hobbes' belief in the need for absolute monarchy

John Locke's belief in a government that responded to the needs of the people

John Stuart Mill's belief in utilitarianism and the promotion of happiness

Karl Marx's belief in the importance of worker-run industry

Correct answer:

John Locke's belief in a government that responded to the needs of the people

Explanation:

All of these philosophers rose to prominence after the American Revolution, save Hobbes and Locke. Hobbes promoted absolute monarchy, something that the American Revolution fought against. Locke's ideas about a government that responded to the needs of its people influenced the American Revolution.

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