U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Who expressed despair with the words, "Oh, God! It's all over"?

1. George Washington

2. Thomas Jefferson

3. Lord North

4. Paul Revere

The correct answer is: Lord North

The phrase "Oh, God! It's all over" is attributed to Lord North, who was the British Prime Minister during the American Revolutionary War. This quote reflects the despair and realization of defeat faced by the British government in the wake of increased colonial resistance and the eventual loss of the colonies. Lord North’s lament indicates a pivotal moment when it became evident that the British could not maintain control over the increasingly rebellious American colonies. In the context of the American Revolution, this quote came after significant setbacks for British forces, such as the surrender at Yorktown in 1781, which marked a decisive victory for the American forces and essentially signaled the end of the conflict. This historical moment illustrates the broader significance of British leadership distress and the shifting momentum in favor of American independence. The other figures mentioned, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, played crucial roles in the fight for independence but expressed their sentiments in different ways and within different contexts. They were not in a position where they would have expressed a similar despair about the war's outcome. Paul Revere is best known for his midnight ride warning the colonial militias of British troop movements, which does not relate directly to this quote or the circumstances around it.