Unit 3 - The American Revolution
Links to websites on The American Revolution
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution This link is to The History Channel's websiite - history.com. It has a number of videos and readings that you can take advantage of to better understand or further explore the Revolution.
Unit 3 Test Review
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Political Protest Sign - Weekend Project - September 29th & 30th
Create a protest sign depicting one or more of the colonial grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence. At the bottom of the poster or on the back, explain how the poster shows the unalienable rights that have been violated.
This can be as creative as you want it to be, as long as it has the information that we discussed in class included. You must use a "grievance" from the Declaration of Independence (if you need to look at that document, there is a link to it in Unit 2 on this webpage). You must also explain how the poster shows that the unalienable right has been violated- how are you showing the issue at hand through your sign?
This can be as creative as you want it to be, as long as it has the information that we discussed in class included. You must use a "grievance" from the Declaration of Independence (if you need to look at that document, there is a link to it in Unit 2 on this webpage). You must also explain how the poster shows that the unalienable right has been violated- how are you showing the issue at hand through your sign?
Lesson 1 - Causes of the American Revolution
Lesson Synopsis - In this lesson, students will come to understand how after the French and Indian War the British government found itself in great debt. In an effort to pay off those debts, they relied on the American Colonies. The British Parliament passed several economic policies which they believed could help relieve their financial burdens. They were shocked and unprepared by the colonial response to their policies. Students learn about these policies through cooperative learning, learning stations, interpretation of a lithograph, dialogue and a storyboard.
Background Information - The causes of the War for Independence played themselves out in a very complex and interesting way. There were many variables involved in influencing how England and the American Colonies responded and reacted as history has recorded. Taxation of course can be described as a major contributor to the tension between both groups, but it grew into something even beyond the imagination of the most patriotic colonist. In order for the students to truly grasp the epic rebellion of the American Colonies, they must understand the spirit of liberty that took hold of the hearts of many colonists. This strong desire to possess freedom is what characterizes this revolution.
Background Information - The causes of the War for Independence played themselves out in a very complex and interesting way. There were many variables involved in influencing how England and the American Colonies responded and reacted as history has recorded. Taxation of course can be described as a major contributor to the tension between both groups, but it grew into something even beyond the imagination of the most patriotic colonist. In order for the students to truly grasp the epic rebellion of the American Colonies, they must understand the spirit of liberty that took hold of the hearts of many colonists. This strong desire to possess freedom is what characterizes this revolution.
Key Understandings
- As a unique identity develops, conflicts with existing authority often result.
— How are absolute and relative chronology used to sequence significant individuals, events, and time periods?
— What were the causes of the American Revolution, including the Proclamation of 1763, the Intolerable Acts, the Stamp Act, mercantilism, lack of
representation in Parliament, and British economic policies following the French and Indian War?
— What are the reasons for and the impact of civil disobedience in U.S. history such as the Boston Tea Party?
— What are the different points of view of interest groups on important historical and contemporary issues?
— What are examples of American art, music, and literature that reflect society during the Revolutionary era?
Key Terms - Vocabulary
- boycott
- tax
- civil disobedience
- revolution
- mercantilism
Lesson 1 - Documents & Worksheets Used In Class
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Lesson 2 - Declaring Independence
Lesson Synopsis - This lesson begins with the opening of the 1st Continental Congress and has students compare both the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses as they relate to the Declaration of Independence. The students will then work with the Declaration and write their own declaration to mirror the experience of the colonists.
Background Information - After Parliament passed the Coercive Acts in response to the Boston Tea Party, colonists decided to unite and held a meeting in Philadelphia called the 1st Continental Congress. All the colonies except for Georgia were in attendance to discuss their collective course of action against British policies. Several items of importance were addressed and sent to King George III in the hopes that justice and peace would be the end result. To their dismay, King George III ignored their concerns and sent more troops to the colonies. The Battles of Lexington and Concord served as the impetus for the meeting of the 2nd Continental Congress which took place a month after the skirmishes. It was at the 2nd Continental Congress that several important events took shape, such as the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. They debated and discussed exactly how they wanted the colonies to state their case to the rest of the world. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence is considered the crowning jewel of the 2nd Continental Congress. This document became a catalyst for change all over the world.
Background Information - After Parliament passed the Coercive Acts in response to the Boston Tea Party, colonists decided to unite and held a meeting in Philadelphia called the 1st Continental Congress. All the colonies except for Georgia were in attendance to discuss their collective course of action against British policies. Several items of importance were addressed and sent to King George III in the hopes that justice and peace would be the end result. To their dismay, King George III ignored their concerns and sent more troops to the colonies. The Battles of Lexington and Concord served as the impetus for the meeting of the 2nd Continental Congress which took place a month after the skirmishes. It was at the 2nd Continental Congress that several important events took shape, such as the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. They debated and discussed exactly how they wanted the colonies to state their case to the rest of the world. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence is considered the crowning jewel of the 2nd Continental Congress. This document became a catalyst for change all over the world.
Key Understandings
- A desire to gain rights and liberties may lead to independence.
— How are absolute and relative chronology used to sequence significant individuals, events, and time periods?
— What is significant about 1776?
— What were the colonial grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence?
— What are unalienable rights and what are some examples?
Key Terms - Vocabulary
- independence
- sovereign
- grievance
- unalienable
- coerce
- congress
Lesson 2 - Documents and Worksheets Used In Class
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Lesson 3 - People and Events
Lesson Synopsis - This lesson focuses on the major events, battles and significant individuals during the American Revolution. Activities for this lesson include research, creating a mini-book and a writing piece based on multiple perspectives.
Background Information - After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, colonists officially set out to gain their independence from England. Although the first battles were fought during the lapse between the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses, the colonies had not officially engaged in war. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought in response to British action. The other battles followed, exposing weaknesses in both armies. It was not until the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point, that the colonies saw the tide of war turn in their favor. When Washington accepted the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, the colonies were finally free.
Background Information - After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, colonists officially set out to gain their independence from England. Although the first battles were fought during the lapse between the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses, the colonies had not officially engaged in war. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought in response to British action. The other battles followed, exposing weaknesses in both armies. It was not until the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point, that the colonies saw the tide of war turn in their favor. When Washington accepted the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, the colonies were finally free.
Key Understandings
- Revolution involves a sudden, radical, or complete change.
— What roles were played by significant individuals?
— What issues surrounded important events of the American Revolution?
— How did the American Revolution involve sudden, radical or complete change?
Key Terms - Vocabulary
- revolution
- editorial
Lesson 3 - Documents and Worksheets Used In Class
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Causes of The American Revolution
Including, but not limited to:
- Proclamation of 1763 – British Parliament law; colonists were forbidden to settle west of the Appalachian Mountains, Britain wanted a buffer zone between the colonists and the Native Americans (reduce threat of violence) but the colonists wanted to settle the fertile Ohio River Valley
- Stamp Act – (passed in 1765); required that all legal documents (e.g., diplomas, contracts, wills, newspapers) have an official stamp showing that a tax had been paid; British used this to generate revenue to help cover the cost of the French and Indian War; colonists react by rioting and Stamp Act Congress convenes (October 1765)
- Intolerable Acts – (passed in 1774, also known as the Coercive Acts); British reaction to the Boston Tea Party; closed the port of Boston until the tea was paid for, restructured Massachusetts government, troops quartered in Boston and British officials accused of crimes sent to England or Canada for trial; colonists reacted by boycotting British goods and First Continental Congress convenes (September 1774)
- Mercantilism – system by which a nation increases its wealth and power by obtaining from its colonies gold, silver, and other raw materials. It includes a favorable balance of trade. The colonies become a source of raw materials for the mother country. The colonies also are expected to be the purchasers of manufactured goods from the mother country. (Mercantilism includes the theory that a colony exists for the economic benefit of the mother country.)
- Lack of representation in Parliament – since the formation of the colonies, the colonists had set up their own legislative assemblies; colonists were unhappy about Britain’s insistence on the supremacy of Parliament (taxation); the debate turned into one regarding representation, the colonists did not have direct representation in Britain’s law-making body (Parliament); Britain argued that the colonies had “virtual representation”
- British economic policies following the French and Indian War- to raise money to help pay off the debt incurred from the French and Indian War caused many colonists to resent British rule: (e.g., Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act)
ROLES PLAYED BY SIGNIFICANT INDIVIDUALS DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Abigail Adams – wife of John Adams, served as his confidant and support while he served in the Continental Congress. When John and others were considering a declaration of independence, Abigail reminded him to take care of the women, who would not hold themselves bound by laws in which they had no voice (“Remember the ladies”).
John Adams – lawyer and politician; defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre; a member of the Continental Congress (representing Massachusetts); strong supporter of independence
Wentworth Cheswell – African American Patriot; like Paul Revere he made an all-night ride back from Boston to warn his community of the impending British invasion; served in the army and fought at the Battle of Saratoga
Samuel Adams – played a role in many of the events which contributed to the Revolution including organized opposition to the Stamp Act, protests waged by the Sons of Liberty, and the Boston Massacre
Mercy Otis Warren – wife of a Massachusetts Patriot; anonymously wrote several propaganda pieces supporting the Patriot cause
James Armistead – slave in Virginia; Marquis de Lafayette recruited him as a spy for the Continental Army. Posing as a double agent, forager and servant at British headquarters, he moved freely between the lines with vital information on British troop movements for Lafayette; contributed to the American victory at Yorktown
Benjamin Franklin – a member of the committee which wrote the Declaration of Independence, but spent most of the period of the American Revolution in France. He represented the colonies as the American envoy starting in 1776 and remained until 1785. He negotiated the alliance with France and then the Treaty of Paris which ended the war.
Bernardo de Gálvez – Spanish nobleman who became governor of the province of Louisiana (January, 1777), protected American ships in the port of New Orleans and helped transport war supplies, and took up arms and fought to protect Louisiana
Crispus Attucks – a black man; became the first casualty of the American Revolution when he was shot and killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre
King George III – feared that the loss of one group of colonies would lead to the loss of others and the eventual decline of the empire. To prevent this, the Crown maintained an aggressive policy against colonial resistance. George III struggled to enforce royal authority throughout his reign.
Haym Salomon – a Polish-born Jewish immigrant to America who played an important role in financing the Revolution; arrested by the British as a spy; used by the British as an interpreter with their German troops; helped British prisoners escape and encouraged German soldiers to desert the British army; became a broker to the French consul and paymaster to French troops in America
Patrick Henry – a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses; spoke against the Stamp Act; famous quote “Give me liberty or give me death;” during the Revolution he served in the Continental Army
Thomas Jefferson – early and effective leader in the American Revolution. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and in 1776 he was a member of the committee which wrote the Declaration of Independence; chief writer of Declaration of Independence, which was approved by the delegates.
The Marquis de Lafayette – a French aristocrat who played a leading role in two revolutions in France and in the American Revolution. He respected the concepts of liberty and freedom and constitutional government. Between 1776 and 1779 he fought in the American Revolution, commanding forces as a major-general in the colonial army; important because France joined the Colonists against the British.
Thomas Paine – propagandist and journalist; wrote pamphlet “Common Sense” persuading Americans to join the Patriot cause
George Washington – a resident of Virginia, he was a surveyor, a planter, a soldier in the French and Indian War, a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and the chairman of the Constitutional Convention in 1787
John Adams – lawyer and politician; defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre; a member of the Continental Congress (representing Massachusetts); strong supporter of independence
Wentworth Cheswell – African American Patriot; like Paul Revere he made an all-night ride back from Boston to warn his community of the impending British invasion; served in the army and fought at the Battle of Saratoga
Samuel Adams – played a role in many of the events which contributed to the Revolution including organized opposition to the Stamp Act, protests waged by the Sons of Liberty, and the Boston Massacre
Mercy Otis Warren – wife of a Massachusetts Patriot; anonymously wrote several propaganda pieces supporting the Patriot cause
James Armistead – slave in Virginia; Marquis de Lafayette recruited him as a spy for the Continental Army. Posing as a double agent, forager and servant at British headquarters, he moved freely between the lines with vital information on British troop movements for Lafayette; contributed to the American victory at Yorktown
Benjamin Franklin – a member of the committee which wrote the Declaration of Independence, but spent most of the period of the American Revolution in France. He represented the colonies as the American envoy starting in 1776 and remained until 1785. He negotiated the alliance with France and then the Treaty of Paris which ended the war.
Bernardo de Gálvez – Spanish nobleman who became governor of the province of Louisiana (January, 1777), protected American ships in the port of New Orleans and helped transport war supplies, and took up arms and fought to protect Louisiana
Crispus Attucks – a black man; became the first casualty of the American Revolution when he was shot and killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre
King George III – feared that the loss of one group of colonies would lead to the loss of others and the eventual decline of the empire. To prevent this, the Crown maintained an aggressive policy against colonial resistance. George III struggled to enforce royal authority throughout his reign.
Haym Salomon – a Polish-born Jewish immigrant to America who played an important role in financing the Revolution; arrested by the British as a spy; used by the British as an interpreter with their German troops; helped British prisoners escape and encouraged German soldiers to desert the British army; became a broker to the French consul and paymaster to French troops in America
Patrick Henry – a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses; spoke against the Stamp Act; famous quote “Give me liberty or give me death;” during the Revolution he served in the Continental Army
Thomas Jefferson – early and effective leader in the American Revolution. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and in 1776 he was a member of the committee which wrote the Declaration of Independence; chief writer of Declaration of Independence, which was approved by the delegates.
The Marquis de Lafayette – a French aristocrat who played a leading role in two revolutions in France and in the American Revolution. He respected the concepts of liberty and freedom and constitutional government. Between 1776 and 1779 he fought in the American Revolution, commanding forces as a major-general in the colonial army; important because France joined the Colonists against the British.
Thomas Paine – propagandist and journalist; wrote pamphlet “Common Sense” persuading Americans to join the Patriot cause
George Washington – a resident of Virginia, he was a surveyor, a planter, a soldier in the French and Indian War, a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and the chairman of the Constitutional Convention in 1787
Issues Surrounding Important Events of the American Revolution
Declaring independence – reaction to King George III’s refusal to acknowledge the colonial requests/demands, “dissolve the political bands” with Britain, provided philosophy for the establishment of the new nation (“all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness”), and listed grievances against the King of England
Writing the Articles of Confederation – occurred at the Second Continental Congress (1776), created a new form of government for the independent colonies, included one branch – a Congress including one representative from each of the former colonies
Battles of Lexington and Concord – 1st battles of the war; (“The shot heard ‘round the world”)
Battle of Saratoga – turning point of the war; France joined the colonists after this victory, tipping the scale
Battle of Yorktown – surrender of Cornwallis brought end of war
Enduring the winter at Valley Forge – after suffering several defeats, Washington took his army to Valley Forge for the winter of 1777. There the men were trained and became more of a professional army (rather than militias). The winter was harsh and men suffered from starvation and frostbite.
Signing the Treaty of Paris 1783 – independence recognized, boundaries extended to Canada in the North, the Mississippi River in the West, and Florida in the South
Writing the Articles of Confederation – occurred at the Second Continental Congress (1776), created a new form of government for the independent colonies, included one branch – a Congress including one representative from each of the former colonies
Battles of Lexington and Concord – 1st battles of the war; (“The shot heard ‘round the world”)
Battle of Saratoga – turning point of the war; France joined the colonists after this victory, tipping the scale
Battle of Yorktown – surrender of Cornwallis brought end of war
Enduring the winter at Valley Forge – after suffering several defeats, Washington took his army to Valley Forge for the winter of 1777. There the men were trained and became more of a professional army (rather than militias). The winter was harsh and men suffered from starvation and frostbite.
Signing the Treaty of Paris 1783 – independence recognized, boundaries extended to Canada in the North, the Mississippi River in the West, and Florida in the South