American History Before 1877

SECTION 2
1. The narrative suggests that the war for American independence was not inevitable, that the British empire could
have been saved. Do you agree? At what point during the imperial crisis was a peaceful compromise possible?

2. Who was more to blame for Great Britain’s failure to win a quick victory over the American rebels by 1777:
General Howe, General Burgoyne, or the ministers in London? Explain your answer.

3. Why did Great Britain switch to a Southern military strategy? Why did Lord Cornwallis end up at Yorktown,
Virginia despite winning many battles in the Carolinas? What role did Gen. Nathanael Greene play during the
Southern Campaign?

4. Why was the Constitution a controversial document even as it was being written? Examine the root causes for
holding the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and describe the different sectional and political interests who were
involved.