Question

General Howe was determined to capture the city of Philadelphia primarily because ________.

• A. It was the capital city and such a capture would be prestigious
• B. It was an important Atlantic seaport city
• C. It had been the scene of most of the fierce resistance to the Acts of Parliament before the war began
• D. It was the home of Benjamin Franklin
• E. It was a Loyalist city and would welcome the arrival of the British

Answer 1

The correct option is A It was the capital city and such a capture would be prestigious

General Howe was determined to capture the city of Philadelphia primarily because it was the capital city and such a capture would be prestigious. Howe wanted to take the city because taking the enemy's capital city was traditional in warfare, and it looked like an important accomplishment.