Revolutionary Times: America's Fight for Independence

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• Leerjaar 2

4.4: The American Revolution

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the key events and factors that led to the American Revolution and its impact on the formation of the United States.

What do you already know about the American Revolution?

American Colonies

• 13 colonies founded by the British Empire
• Great deal of independence since messages to and from took months
• Colonies raised their own militias to defend themselves

What did the colonies raise to defend themselves?

1. Their own militias
2. Native American warriors
3. Private security companies
4. British Army

Why did the American colonies have a great deal of independence?

1. Direct control from Britain
2. High taxes
3. Messages to and from took months
4. Lack of resources

Which empire founded the 13 American colonies?

1. Spanish Empire
2. Dutch Empire
3. British Empire
4. French Empire

Taxation of the Colonies

• European wars spread to European colonies in AM
• Britian (and colonies) won, but at great expense: raising taxes!
• Colonies had no say in goverment
• Colonies: No taxation without representation!

What was the famous slogan of the colonies regarding taxation and representation?

1. No taxation without representation!
2. We refuse to pay taxes
3. Taxation is unfair
4. We demand representation

What was the stance of the colonies on their representation in the government?

1. Colonies were well-represented
2. Colonies controlled the government
3. Colonies had no say in government.
4. Colonies had full autonomy

Why did the European wars lead to increased taxes in the colonies?

1. Colonies demanded more taxes
2. European colonies prospered
3. Britain incurred great expenses from the wars.
4. Colonial trade declined

The Boston Tea Party

• Patriots: direct oposition to taxes -> Boston Tea Party
• Britain sends troops to crush patriots -> now all 13 colonies unite against Britain
• Form: Continental Congress

War with Britain

April 1775: Continental Congress led siege to Boston

Formation of the Continental Army

Next 5 years many battles, leading to British defeat

1783 official end of the war

What was the outcome of the war with Britain?

1. Stalemate
2. British defeat
3. Treaty of Paris
4. Continental Army defeat

What marked the start of the war with Britain?

1. April 1775
2. July 1776
3. June 1777
4. November 1778

When did the official end of the war with Britain occur?

1. 1800
2. 1783
3. 1776
4. 1790

Which event led to the formation of the Continental Army?

1. Battle of Lexington
2. Siege to Boston
3. Treaty of Paris
4. Battle of Bunker Hill

Independence

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, declared the colonies' independence from Britain and articulated the principles of freedom and self-governance.

Forming a Government

After the war, the newly independent colonies worked to establish a framework for governance, leading to the formation of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The Legacy of the American Revolution

The American Revolution had a profound impact on the world, inspiring other independence movements and shaping the principles of democracy and individual rights.

Interactive Activity: Taxation Simulation

Students will participate in a role-playing activity to simulate the effects of taxation on the colonies, fostering empathy and understanding of historical perspectives.

Discussion: Revolutionary Leaders

Explore the contributions of key figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin to the American Revolution.

Visual Analysis: Propaganda and Symbolism

Examine primary sources of Revolutionary propaganda and symbols, such as political cartoons and flags, to understand the power of visual communication in shaping public opinion.

Critical Thinking: Perspectives on Independence

Students will analyze primary sources from loyalist and patriot viewpoints to understand the diverse perspectives and motivations during the Revolution.

Writing Exercise: Revolutionary Principles

Prompt students to articulate their understanding of the core principles of the American Revolution, such as liberty, equality, and self-governance, through reflective writing.

Role-Playing: Constitutional Convention

Students will assume the roles of delegates at the Constitutional Convention and engage in debates about key issues in forming the new government.

Visual Presentation: Timeline of the Revolution

Present a visual timeline of significant events from the American Revolution, highlighting key turning points and outcomes of the conflict.

Review: Key Terms and Concepts

Review essential terms and concepts related to the American Revolution, including boycotts, grievances, independence, and constitutional principles.

Reflection: Personal Connections

Encourage students to reflect on how the ideas and events of the American Revolution relate to their lives and contemporary issues of freedom and governance.

Impact of the Revolution

Explore the long-term impact of the American Revolution on the development of the United States and its influence on global movements for independence and democracy.

Conclusion: Lessons from History

Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson, emphasizing the enduring principles of liberty, self-governance, and the power of collective action.

Assessment: Understanding the Revolution

Administer a brief assessment to gauge students' comprehension of the American Revolution, including key events, principles, and their impact.

Extension: Research and Presentation

Encourage students to conduct further research on a specific aspect of the American Revolution and present their findings to the class.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.